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Introduction
Situated in one of the most stunning locations in the Alps, and indeed the world, Wengen is an idyllic ski resort that ticks all the boxes for that dream ski holiday.
There's the breathtaking alpine scenery of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and the traditional Swiss village feel, with a funicular train line the only way to access the resort (cars are banned and must be parked down in the valley below).
There's also the giant Jungfrau ski region on your doorstep, linking Wengen's ski area to that of its neighbours Grindelwald (which you ski to) and Mürren across the valley. This contains some of the most legendary skiing there is, including the infamous Lauberhorn, as well as plenty of runs for the less adventurous.
It's hard to believe that Wengen is in fact one of the world's earliest purpose-designed mountain holiday villages, growing up largely in the 19th century, with Lord Byron an early visitor 190 years ago. After the arrival of the railway in the 1880s, more than 30 hotels were built over the subsequent 20 years and little has changed since.
Of course the oldest hotels have been renovated to modern standards, new buildings have grown up to make it bigger, and the latest ski lifts have been installed. But it still has a cosy, peaceful, magical feel and the trains still chug through like clockwork.
There's the breathtaking alpine scenery of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and the traditional Swiss village feel, with a funicular train line the only way to access the resort (cars are banned and must be parked down in the valley below).
There's also the giant Jungfrau ski region on your doorstep, linking Wengen's ski area to that of its neighbours Grindelwald (which you ski to) and Mürren across the valley. This contains some of the most legendary skiing there is, including the infamous Lauberhorn, as well as plenty of runs for the less adventurous.
It's hard to believe that Wengen is in fact one of the world's earliest purpose-designed mountain holiday villages, growing up largely in the 19th century, with Lord Byron an early visitor 190 years ago. After the arrival of the railway in the 1880s, more than 30 hotels were built over the subsequent 20 years and little has changed since.
Of course the oldest hotels have been renovated to modern standards, new buildings have grown up to make it bigger, and the latest ski lifts have been installed. But it still has a cosy, peaceful, magical feel and the trains still chug through like clockwork.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,274m (4,180ft).
Top elevation: 2,320m (7,611ft); Jungfrau: 2,971m (9,747ft).
Base elevation: 1,274m (4,180ft); Jungfrau: 584m (1,920ft).
Number of lifts: Wengen: 19; Jungfrau: 45.
Number of runs: Wengen: 47; Jungfrau: 81.
Average annual snowfall: 5.3m (17.4ft).
Where in the world?
Wengen is located in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps, in the centre of the country, towards the south.
Hit the slopes
The ski season usually runs from early December to late April.
Wengen's ski slopes are located on the slopes of Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg above the resort, which it shares with neighbouring Grindelwald. The regional Jungfrau pass covers all lifts in the area, as well as those at the separate First ski area above Grindelwald and, a train ride down the valley and back up the other side, at Mürren. That same train line continues up to Europe's highest railway station where there's year-round snow and ice, but sadly no ski route back down from the top.
The skiing can be reached either by getting back on the train you took up to Wengen from Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen and continuing up to Wengeneralp, a 25-minute journey that, except for upgraded rolling stock, has little changed for skiers in 80 years, or by a cable car from the village. Both runs open up all kinds of exciting terrain and great runs up to 8km (5 miles) long down to Grindelwald.
Whilst the whole area is open to intermediate skiers, beginners will find good nursery slopes right next to the village. More experienced skiers will wish to pay homage to the legendary Lauberhorn race course at Wengen, where the infamous downhill race is staged each January as it has been since 1930. The course is one of the longest, at 4km (2.5 miles), and toughest, descending over 1,000 vertical metres (3,300 feet).
Wengen's ski slopes are located on the slopes of Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg above the resort, which it shares with neighbouring Grindelwald. The regional Jungfrau pass covers all lifts in the area, as well as those at the separate First ski area above Grindelwald and, a train ride down the valley and back up the other side, at Mürren. That same train line continues up to Europe's highest railway station where there's year-round snow and ice, but sadly no ski route back down from the top.
The skiing can be reached either by getting back on the train you took up to Wengen from Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen and continuing up to Wengeneralp, a 25-minute journey that, except for upgraded rolling stock, has little changed for skiers in 80 years, or by a cable car from the village. Both runs open up all kinds of exciting terrain and great runs up to 8km (5 miles) long down to Grindelwald.
Whilst the whole area is open to intermediate skiers, beginners will find good nursery slopes right next to the village. More experienced skiers will wish to pay homage to the legendary Lauberhorn race course at Wengen, where the infamous downhill race is staged each January as it has been since 1930. The course is one of the longest, at 4km (2.5 miles), and toughest, descending over 1,000 vertical metres (3,300 feet).
Beyond the slopes
The majority of Wengen's indoor facilities are based in the larger hotels, but are mostly open to the paying public, as is the resort's sports centre. There is a health and beauty centre in the Hotel Regina and spa facilities in the Club Hotel and Victoria Lauberhorn.
Outdoors there's an ice rink, 50km (31 miles) of cleared winter hiking paths and 20km (13 miles) of snowshoeing trails. You can also take a self-guided historical village walk or take the train up to the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest rail station. Paragliding is another possibility.
Outdoors there's an ice rink, 50km (31 miles) of cleared winter hiking paths and 20km (13 miles) of snowshoeing trails. You can also take a self-guided historical village walk or take the train up to the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest rail station. Paragliding is another possibility.
Family fun
Wengen is a dream holiday destination for boys (and girls!) of all ages who love trains, as well as skiing. The whole family can also enjoy the wholesome, car-free atmosphere here.
The resort's youngest guests can sign up for the non-ski nursery from age eight months. This is located by the sports centre in the heart of the village and is open daily, except Saturday.
The Swiss Ski School have classes for children aged four and older.
The resort's youngest guests can sign up for the non-ski nursery from age eight months. This is located by the sports centre in the heart of the village and is open daily, except Saturday.
The Swiss Ski School have classes for children aged four and older.
Retail therapy
Wengen has about 20 shops covering all basic and ski holiday needs, plus there are a few boutiques selling fashions, jewellery and artisan products from the surrounding Bernese Oberland region, particularly wood carvings produced in the area.
For a greater choice of more than 50 shops, take the train back down to Interlaken where you'll find plenty of choices for buying Swiss products such as watches, cheese, chocolate and wine.
For a greater choice of more than 50 shops, take the train back down to Interlaken where you'll find plenty of choices for buying Swiss products such as watches, cheese, chocolate and wine.
Après ski
Although not known as an après-ski mecca, Wengen has half a dozen lively bars and a wider selection of more peaceful hotel lounge bars and stubls.
The Pickel-Bar (Hotel Eiger) is made almost entirely of wood from floor to ceiling. Rocks Bar is a good choice for catching sports events on the TV or for hooking up to the Internet. Tiffany Music Bar is the main choice for dancing.
The Pickel-Bar (Hotel Eiger) is made almost entirely of wood from floor to ceiling. Rocks Bar is a good choice for catching sports events on the TV or for hooking up to the Internet. Tiffany Music Bar is the main choice for dancing.
Eating out
There are 20 places to eat in Wengen, the majority traditional Swiss Alpine restaurants within the hotels. One of the best is in the Schönegg, which serves international cuisine, is one of the few no-smoking restaurants in Wengen, and has been awarded 13 points by the Gault Millau gourmet guide for its food.
In addition to these, the Allegro restaurant (Sunstar Hotel) has a reputation for its Chinese fondue and good selection of vegetarian cuisine. The Regina is the place for French dining, with Jack's Brasserie within serving lighter snacks or Chez Meyer taking the food up to gourmet level, with 15 Gault Millau points for its high standards.
There are several pizzerias and a very rare Alpine Portugese option - Santos Fine Food.
In addition to these, the Allegro restaurant (Sunstar Hotel) has a reputation for its Chinese fondue and good selection of vegetarian cuisine. The Regina is the place for French dining, with Jack's Brasserie within serving lighter snacks or Chez Meyer taking the food up to gourmet level, with 15 Gault Millau points for its high standards.
There are several pizzerias and a very rare Alpine Portugese option - Santos Fine Food.
Getting around
Wengen is reached by rail from Lauterbrunnen in 14 minutes. There is no need for transport within Wengen itself as the centre is compact and there are no roads for conventional vehicles. Small electric trolleys are used for moving baggage and there are electric buggies for people with mobility difficulties.
Splashing out
The Privat Ski and Snowboard School (website: www.wengen.com/privat) provides private lessons and guiding in all snow sports disciplines. Their personalised teaching is guaranteed to improve your skiing or boarding standard faster than normal group lessons.
Accommodation
Luxury
SilberhornA traditional 4-star hotel right next to the railway station with a choice of restaurants plus sauna, Jacuzzi and solarium.
Tel: (033) 856 5131.
Website: www.silberhorn.ch
Moderate
EdelweissHomely 2-star accommodation in a quiet location, but only five minutes from the station and resort centre.
Tel: (033) 855 2388.
Website: www.edelweisswengen.ch
Budget
Old lodgeCatering for backpackers, families and the budget-conscious, the team recently relocated to a new central, slopeside location a minute from the lifts.
Tel: (078) 745 5850.
Website: www.oldlodge.ch
Getting there
Nearest airport: Zurich (ZRH).
Distance to resort: 190km (119 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 50 minutes.
Distance to resort: 190km (119 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 50 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Families, Après ski, Intermediates, Snowboarders, Environmental awareness, Experts, Beginners
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