Wengen Switzerland – At The Foot of The Imposing Eiger North Face

High above the valley of the White Lütschine, in the canton of Bern, sits the delightful Alpine village of Wengen Switzerland.

The sunny terraces on which Wengen is situated are 1274 metres (4180 feet) above sea level and are part of the famous Jungfrau Region.

In fact, the resort is situated at the foot of the imposing Eiger north face and the Moench – Jungfrau mountain range.

Although it has just 1,300 residents, summer visitors increase this number by 5,000 and in the winter an additional 10,000 skiers pack into this delightful area. Famous visitors have included Napoleon, Adolf Hitler, Felix Mendelssohn and writer Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The first proper guest house was opened in 1859 and tourism in Wengen boomed after the Wengernalp railway opened in the 1890s. Sir Henry Lunn formed the Public Schools Alpine Sports Club in Wengen, Switzerland in 1905. It followed by the exclusive Downhill Only Club, one of the oldest British Alpine ski clubs in 1925, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Wengen Switzerland is particularly attractive as no cars are allowed, making it not only traffic-free but pretty stress-free as well! Visitors reach Wengen via the Wengernalp cog railway from Lauterbrunnen, as they have ever since it was built in 1893. This rail service runs regularly from pre-dawn until late at night, running as many as 40 services per day in peak seasons. Up to four separate trains run close behind each other, so if the first train is full, rest assured there will be another one right behind.

The rail journey from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen, Switzerland’s most intensely operated system, takes 14 minutes uphill and a few minutes longer downhill. This is due to the downhill service waiting in the midway passing place, giving way to the uphill trains before proceeding down.

Wengen Switzerland is best known for hosting the Lauberhorn ski races, which takes place annually in mid January. And in the summer, the Jungfrau Marathon, which starts in Interlaken Switzerland in early September.

The Lauberhorn event started in 1930 and includes a downhill run, slalom and an exciting combined event. The Lauberhorn downhill race is the longest course, as well as the most scenic, on the FIS World Cup circuit. You get an idea of the incredible speeds (up to 150 km/h / 93 mph) reached when you realize that the average world cup racer takes just 2 minutes 30 seconds to complete the 4,455 metre descent!

Hotels in Wengen
There is plenty of accommodation in Wengen Switzerland. However, watch out for between-season closures (as at Mürren), but especially during the International Lauberhorn Ski Races in January, which are great to watch but can totally book up the resort, and the valley. Yet, do not expect 5-Star accommodation, since Wengen is not regarded as a high-end ski resort. But if you are not searching for the absolute luxury, the resort of Wengen Switzerland may suit you just fine.

Beausite Park Hotel
One of Wengen’s most luxurious hotels, the Beausite Park is located about a 10 minutes walk above Wengen in an attractive park. The hotel is ideally situated for families and beginners at the top of the nursery slopes. Five-course dinners are served in the restaurant each evening and there are extensive health and fitness facilities.

00 41 33 856 51 61

From CHF180 (£101) per person for half-board accommodation.

Hotel Regina
The 4-star Regina is a traditional, central hotel that has four-poster beds in some of the suites. It is home to one of the resort’s best restaurants, Chez Meyer's, in addition to the less formal Jack’s Brasserie.

00 41 33 856 58 58

From CHF260 (£141) bed and breakfast for two people

Hotel Jungfrau Wengernalp
This charming hotel is located above Wengen and accessed via the Jungfrau railway that runs up to the Wengernalp train station. It stands in extensive private gardens with unbeatable views of the mountains. There is an excellent restaurant and unparalleled access to the ski slopes.

00 41 33 855 16 22

From CHF 420 (£229) for half-board accommodation for two people

Hotel Caprice
The chic, 4-star Hotel Caprice is a contemporary property with just 18 rooms, all of which have balconies with sweeping views of the Swiss Alps. There is a sophisticated bar and an excellent French restaurant as well as a sauna and swimming pool.

00 41 33 856 06 06

From CHF400 (£218) bed and breakfast for two people

Hotel Brunner
Located on the ski slopes above Wengen, this three-star hotel is a seven minutes walk from the centre of town and popular with families. The property benefits from the convenience of being ski-in and boasts stupendous views over the Jungfrau massif.

00 41 33 855 24 94

From CHF280 (£153) half-board accommodation for two people

Winter Sports in Wengen, Switzerland
Wengen offers 200km of ski slopes and 44 lifts and cable cars for skiers of all abilities, along with snowboarding, cross-country skiing, paragliding and ice climbing. Non-skiers can enjoy the toboggan runs, skating rinks, curling and snow-shoeing in the area or indulge in a relaxing therapy at the spa.

Summer Activities in Wengen, Switzerland
Wengen is just as lovely to visit in the summer months, offering walks in the UNESCO World Heritage area, mini-golf and swimming in the heated pool. Trips to the famous Lauterbrunnental valley with its 72 waterfalls, hiking trails, Nordic walking, climbing, mountain biking, shopping and seeing cheese made at a local dairy are just some of the varied activities on offer. Wengen also hosts the Mendelssohn Music Week during August when musicians perform some of his greatest works.

Whenever you visit Wengen, you will find plenty to do, surrounded by some of the best scenery in the Bernese Oberland. And if you want to discover some of the best skiing in the Swiss Alps, Wengen Switzerland definitely qualifies for it.

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