Wengen

Facts about Wengen

• Location: in the Alps
• Region: Jungfrau region (Bernese Oberland)
• Wengen can be reached by train
• Popular attractions: Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe, Golden Pass line, Schilthorn
• Town size: village
• Wengen is car-free
• Wengen is a winter sports resort
• Elevation: 1268 m (4160 ft)
• Travel time from Zurich: 2h50 by train, 2h30 by car

It's easy to relax in Wengen

Wengen is one of the picturesque villages you may have in mind when you try to picture what the Swiss Alps look like: no cars, mountains all around, green meadows and forests surrounding the village. It's a perfect place to hike. In winter, there are many options for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. The Jungfrau region offers more than 200 km of pistes. Mürren, on the other side of the valley, offers a similar, but not identical experience.

Like many popular villages, Wengen is pretty touristy, but we feel it's in a good way: all facilities like hotels, the basic shops and transportation systems are there, so it's easy to experience the Jungfrau region without hassle. At the same time, there's no traffic, large shopping centers or fast food places.

Location and scenery

Wengen is sitting on a plateau in the Jungfrau region. The village offers panoramic views of the Lauterbrunnen valley, and mountains like the Jungfrau, Breithorn and Schilthorn.

Nature is overwhelming here. Not surprisingly, the area is well known for famous sports events like the Lauberhorn ski races and the Jungfrau-Marathon.

Pros and cons of Wengen

Wengen is car-free, which is perfect for hikers, families and anyone seeking peace and quiet in the Alps. The village is popular so not necessarily the cheapest place to stay. While it's a perfect base to explore the Jungfrau region, it takes quite some time to travel to other areas from here as you first have to take the train down to the valley.

Wengen is small. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants, but don't expect museums or many nightlife options.

Wengen is located high enough to get plenty of snow in winter, so it's once of the best places to enjoy winter sports and other snow activities like toboggan runs and winter hiking trails.

Are you interested in alternative towns in the Jungfrau region? You'll find them here.

What not to miss during your stay

A visit to Jungfraujoch should be on your list. Also, the panoramic walk from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg can't be missed. Another very nice trip is a visit to Mürren and possibly Schilthorn on the opposite side of the valley.

More attractions and hiking routes

Bad weather activities

Staying in Wengen means you are dependent on the weather as nearly all activities are in the outdoors. Some ideas for rainy days:

• Visit Interlaken for some shopping;
• The national capital Bern;
• The town of Thun;
• The Trümmelbach Falls down in the Lauterbrunnen valley (they're in caves).