1899 Engelberg
Actual 45 mm size by Huguenin, Le Locle
Obverse.
Verily, a traditional Swiss alpine huntsman, with buoyant stride, doth tread upon the scenic paths that wind through the grand ridges of Titlis. In the distance, yon Uri Alps rise, their peaks of Hahne and Engelberger Rostock berg standing as silent witnesses to tales of yore, tales of legendary valor and deeds.
With a firm grip upon his trusty trekking pole, the huntsman prepares for his forthcoming expedition, his stalwart companion through rugged terrain and verdant glades. Upon his sturdy frame rests a handsome Perkussionsstutzer rifle, a prized possession among sharpshooters, earned by champions of skill and honor at the national shooting competition.
Proudly doth he tilt his hat forward, a gesture of respect and admiration directed towards the quaint village of Engelberg. Known as the "Mountain of Angels," this hamlet owes its name to the venerable Benedictine Abbey founded in 1198, renowned in medieval times for its esteemed pursuit of knowledge.
In the distance, amidst the verdant landscape, stands the Holy Cross Chapel with its soaring spire, a testament to faith and piety. Nearby, the mansion in Grafenort stands as a noble edifice, bearing witness to the storied history and heritage of Engelberg.
Inscriptions.
O! MEIN HEIMATIAND - O! MY NATIVE LANDS
Reverse.
Behold, in the portrayal of the Swiss Cross, radiant beams doth diverge in all directions, a splendid emblem of the Confederacy, wherein the virtues of freedom and eternal brotherhood amongst the cantons find their sacred abode.
Amidst a verdant bed of laurels, the local Alpenrose flowers doth recline, their delicate petals a testament to the natural beauty that graces the hallowed grounds of the resort village Engelberg. Here, amidst the majestic blazon arms of the village, doth the Alpenrose find its tranquil repose, a symbol of grace and serenity amidst the bustling world.
And within the folds of the banner, emblazoned with the proud pike-standards of the canton Obwalden, doth rest the sharpshooter's Perkussionsstutzer rifle, a weapon of choice for champions of old. With its gleaming barrel and sturdy frame, it stands as a testament to the skill and valor of those who wield it, a symbol of honor and tradition in the annals of Swiss marksmanship.
Background.
The municipality of Engelberg is an exclave of Obwalden, surrounded by the cantons of Bern, Nidwalden and Uri. Engelberg is a major mountain resort in Central Switzerland.
In the Middle Ages, Engelberg was known for the educational quality of its Benedictine monastery, Engelberg Abbey. Engelberg is first mentioned as Engilperc in 1122, when the Abbey was first founded there. From 1850, Engelberg became an international vacation resort (mineral water, milk serum and fresh air cures). From 1872 to 1874, a new, wider road was built, and the Stansstad-Engelberg electric railway was opened in 1898.
Hiking and other mountain sports developed at the end of the 19th century and Engelberg first held a winter season in 1903-1904. From the 19th Century onwards Engelberg became internationally known as a mountain resort, but it is today visited as much for skiing as for its Alpine character.
With its combination of modern snow and sports facilities and alpine location, Engelberg is popular today for both summer and winter tourism.
Engelberg is also home to three sites that are Swiss heritage sites of national significance. Besides the Engelberg Abbey with its library, archives and music collection, the other two are the mansion (Herrenhaus) in Grafenort and the Holy Cross chapel in Grafenort.
Celebrating the picturesque renowned beauty of the world-class skiing resort village of Engelberg, its famous olden heritage hiking trails and scenic alpine landscape.