Lauterbrunnen-Wengen in detail: route, views, duration, the train, luggage, timetable
You can reach Wengen in a 12-minute ascending cogwheel train ride from Lauterbrunnen. A train journey Interlaken-Wengen via Lauterbrunnen takes 38 minutes.
How to get to Lauterbrunnen
If you're not based in Lauterbrunnen, you'll have to get there first. The directions in our Lauterbrunnen town guide explain how.
From the Lauterbrunnen station to Wengen: changing trains
Once you get off the train at the Lauterbrunnen station, you board the cogwheel train to Wengen.
In most cases, you have about 4 minutes to change. This is enough. The Lauterbrunnen train station is small, and the cogwheel trains to Wengen are often waiting on the other side of your arrival platform.
The ride up to Wengen
The cogwheel ride to Wengen is extremely scenic. In under 15 minutes, the train gains nearly 500 vertical meters.
During the steep climb, panoramic views unfold of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, its waterfalls, and the high Alps surrounding it. This includes the majestic Jungfrau. I recommend sitting on the right. During most of the stretch, it provides the best views.
Shortly before reaching Wengen, you'll pass the small station of Wengwald. This is a so-called "stop on request", which means that the train only stops if travelers indicate they want to get on or off. It's mostly used by hikers.
The train to Wengen: seats, windows and luggage transport
The cogwheel trains have 2nd class compartments only. The seats are pretty basic, but it's just a short ride to Wengen, and even to Kleine Scheidegg if you want to get further up. Large windows with skylights allow for panoramic views.
You can transport your own luggage, including larger pieces. Luggage carts are at your disposal at the Lauterbrunnen station. You mostly won't need them as it's an easy transfer.
In the train, you can place smaller backpacks on your lap or on the floor, so that they don't take up seats meant for other travelers. If you have large pieces of luggage, place them in the designated areas near the doors.
Schedules of the cogwheel train to Wengen
The trains to Wengen operate twice per hour from Lauterbrunnen. This schedule is available from 06:00 to 21:30. In the late evening, there are still trains but on an hourly base.
A few trains depart from Lauterbrunnen well after midnight. So even if you want to reach Wengen after a late arrival in Switzerland, you'll usually manage to do so on the same day. Do contact your hotel in advance if you're scheduled to arrive late.
How to plan your journey in the timetable
Your destination is simply called "Wengen" in the Swiss timetable. The rail station of Lauterbrunnen, where you have to change trains, is just called "Lauterbrunnen". You can ignore other options that may show up in the timetable's drop-down list when you start typing.
Discounts for rail pass holders
Several rail passes allow you to get from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen for free. Others offer a discount.
Pass | Discount |
---|---|
Berner Oberland Pass | Free:
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Day Pass | Free:
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Eurail Global Pass | Free:
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Interrail Switzerland Pass | Free:
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Jungfrau Hiking and Sledging Pass | Free:
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Jungfrau Travel Pass | Free:
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Saver Day Pass | Free:
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Swiss Half Fare Card | Discount 50%:
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Swiss Travel Pass | Free:
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Swiss Travel Pass Flex | Free:
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Map of the train route Lauterbrunnen-Wengen
This map displays the train trip between Lauterbrunnen in the valley (at the left) and Wengen above the valley (at the right).
How to reach Wengen by car and where to park
Can you drive to Wengen?
No, you can’t drive to Wengen. The village is car-free. There’s no parking lot in the village and there’s no road up there for regular traffic. Use the train instead.
Where to park on your way to Wengen
You can park your car in Lauterbrunnen. Other options, north of Lauterbrunnen, are Interlaken and Matten.
Learn more in Annika’s Lauterbrunnen travel tips.
Travel by train if you can
As Wengen is car-free, and many other mountain destinations in the Jungfrau Region are too, I advise making the entire journey by public transport. The network of trains, cogwheel trains and cable cars is magnificent.
Learn all about traveling in the Jungfrau Region here.
Once you’ve reached Wengen
From the train station to your hotel
The train station of Wengen is in the center of the small village. Most accommodations are within a 5- to 10-minute walk. The streets are well-paved, so it’s normally no challenge to reach your hotel with luggage.
Wengen is perched on slopes though, so may have to walk uphill. If you need assistance, you can best contact your hotel or the landlord of your rental in advance.
Traveling on to Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch, or Männlichen
If you plan to travel to Kleine Scheidegg and/or Jungfraujoch, you can stay seated on the train. It will continue in this direction after the stop in Wengen. If you’re heading for Männlichen, get off the train in Wengen and walk to the cable car station.
Alternative ways to reach Wengen: via Männlichen, via Kleine Scheidegg, on foot
From Grindelwald: via Männlichen or Kleine Scheidegg
If you’re not traveling with heavy luggage, you can get to Wengen via Grindelwald instead of Lauterbrunnen. This is a long but very scenic detour.
From Grindelwald Terminal, take the gondolas to Männlichen and then the cable car down to Wengen. The mountain is not accessible all year, so check the Männlichen operation dates.
Alternatively, take the cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg from the train station of Grindelwald. Then change for the train that descends to Wengen. See my Jungfraujoch guide for detailed directions.
Hiking up to Wengen
It’s possible to make a hike from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen. There are several trails through the forested hills. It’s challenging, as you’ll have to ascend about 500 vertical meters. Depending on the trail you choose and your stamina, a hike will take 1h00 to 2h30, excluding breaks.
Always prepare well before you start hiking.
Tickets and prices for Lauterbrunnen to Wengen
When do you need a ticket?
In many cases, you don't need a separate ticket for Lauterbrunnen-Wengen. You don't need one if you have:
- a rail pass that grants free traveling from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen. Examples are the Swiss Travel Pass, Berner Oberland Pass and Jungfrau Travel Pass.
- a ticket to another destination that includes the section Lauterbrunnen-Wengen. This could be a ticket to Kleine Scheidegg or Jungfraujoch for example.
A rail pass offering discounts: discounted tickets required
With a rail pass that provides discounted traveling, such as the Swiss Half Fare Card, you need to get a 50% discounted ticket from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen.
How much does a train ticket to Wengen cost?
The price of a full-fare ticket Lauterbrunnen-Wengen is CHF 7.20. This is what you need if you don't have a rail pass that allows free or discounted traveling on this route.
- jungfrau.swiss.ch: hiking trails from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen