Holidays in Wengen

Welcome to Wengen – home to some of the grandest mountain scenery in the Jungfrau region and a 200-year-old tourist industry

Wengen basks on a sheltered and sunny plateau beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. Once a farming village, it became sought-after by hikers and skiers after Mary Shelley and Byron waxed lyrical about the sublime views. They weren’t wrong, either. As part of the Jungfrau region, spectacular trails come as standard on a walking holiday to Wengen – and arriving is half the adventure. Wengen is only accessible by the trains that run from the Lauterbrunnen valley below. Once here, you’ll find yourself amongst wooden chalets and 19th-century belle époque hotels, a cable car that climbs up to the paths and panoramas of Männlichen mountain and mountain trains further into the Jungfrau region.

A warm welcome in Wengen

Although small, Wengen has been welcoming adventurous souls for a couple of hundred years, so it’s well-supplied with hotels, shops and eateries. Edelweiss-embroidered tablecloths, cuckoo clocks and handmade pottery stock the souvenir shops and clothes boutiques specialise in walking gear. Food leans towards the hearty here – think herby soups, mushroom ravioli, noodle-like spätzle and strudels with generous dollops of cream. Fun is easy to find - try the mini-golf course, the giant chess board, wooden marble run or go for a dip at the outdoor swimming pool, framed by mountain views.

Walking the Jungfrau

Wengen is part of the Jungfrau region, where over 500 kilometres of footpaths criss-cross the mountains. The paths that meander through pine forests and meadows from Wengen are a great starting point, heading onwards up to the more challenging trails beneath the mighty glaciers. The famous Eiger Trail, which traverses the base of the iconic north face of the Eiger mountain is on many a bucket-list or you can easily explore further afield to the Lauterbrunnen valley, chocolate-box mountain villages like Mürren, or Interlaken with its bright turquoise lakes.

The highest trains stations in Switzerland

Swiss engineering is as good as rumour has it, with trains and cable cars allowing wanderers to easily explore car-free. Some of the most famous train journeys include the track that runs all the way up to the Jungfraujoch – the highest railway station in Europe – or from Wilderswil to the Alpine gardens of the Schynige Platte.

Take the family to Männlichen… al fresco

A cable car links Wengen to Männlichen, a 2,343-metre mountain that watches over the Lauterbrunnen Valley on one side, and Grindelwald on the other. You can choose to ride inside… or on the open-air balcony on top of the cable car for the "Royal Ride" (just clutch your phone tight while taking a selfie). Many trails can be trodden from the mountaintop, including the Royal Walk to the crown viewpoint, the Treetop Trail and beautifully maintained trails between mountain huts. Come August, alpenhorn aficionados gather to play tunes in full traditional dress.

Why book a summer holiday in Wengen with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Wengen’s best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Wengen. Join a professional walking guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Wengen include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team overseas can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Exclusive to Inghams: Join up to two included walks with a professional, local guide (limited availability, pre-booking is essential)

Half price rail, bus and boat travel with the Swiss Half Fare Card (worth over £100 per person)

Free travel on Swiss Transport Network for children up to 15 years incl.

Inghams rep based in resort

Flights and train transfers included

Walking in and around Wengen

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Wengen

With around 500 kilometres of marked walking trails that cater to all abilities, there is so much to explore, whether it's taking a leisurely stroll to a mountain hut for lunch, making memories with the family or challenging yourself in nature.

The best bit about Wengen's walking is undoubtedly the views - there's some of the most spectacular scenery the Alps has to offer here and walking with the views over the Lauterbrunnen valley or with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains as the backdrop is really hard to beat.

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of other guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Getting around Wengen and the Jungfrau

Wengen has a fantastic network of lifts and mountain railways that make getting around the area really easy.

Trains and mountain railways

Trains are what make Switzerland such a pleasure to explore and mountain trains run from Wengen in a variety of directions, linking the village to Wengernalp, Eiger Gletscher, Grindelwald and down to Lauterbrunnen and further afield. You can even take the train all the way up to the Jungfraujoch - the highest railway station in Europe - or reach the Schynige Platte from Wilderswil or the Harder Kulm from Interlaken.

Routes and timetables are available locally. The best way to enjoy the trains is to pre-book a travel pass - see the Cards & Passes tab for more information - supplements may apply locally for some routes.

Lifts

In addition to the mountain trains, cable cars and gondolas open up lots of walking possibilities, fun activities and stunning viewpoints, including:

In Wengen:

  • Männlichen

In Grindelwald:

  • Grindelwald First
  • Männlichen
  • Eiger Express
  • Pfingstegg

In Mürren:

  • Stechelberg
  • Schilthorn
Guided Walks

Inghams guided walks - included in your holiday

We’ve included two half day walks per week in Wengen, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area. The walks in Wengen are run by Tina Gertsch at Leiterin Bergsport. Walks are available until 27th September.

A half day walk will run every Monday and Friday. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see some of our planned routes below:

A tour of Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg

Look out for gentians, alpine roses and other wild flowers on the romantic trail between Männlichen and Bustiglen before heading uphill to Kleine Scheidegg where you get incredible views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Mountains. The route then heads down to Wengernalp where you can catch the train back to Wengen or continue walking a little further, with views over the steep cliffs of the Lauterbrunnen valley.

  • Grade: Moderate (a reasonable fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 9km
  • Duration: 7 hours (walking time approx. 5 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 300m ascent and 650m descent
  • Terrain: varied mountain terrain from gravel roads to narrower paths (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: You'll stop at the Kleine Scheidegg where you can pay for lunch locally. The Männlichen Gondola is required at the start of the walk and the train is required at the end of the walk (both payable locally).

The famous Eiger Trail

This is a real bucket-list walk, with incredible views and a trail that follows the base of the Eiger Mountain. Starting with a scenic train to Wengernalp, the route heads uphill, passing through the glacial moraine with rocky terrain and views of the Lauterbrunnen valley. After passing Eigergletscher station where you can buy lunch, you follow the famous Eiger Trail which traverses below the North Face of the Eiger Mountain, with views over Grindelwald.

  • Grade: Moderate to challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 9km
  • Duration: 7 hours (walking time approx. 5.5 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 600m ascent and 850m descent
  • Terrain: varied mountain terrain which is mainly narrow rocky paths (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: You'll stop at the Eigergletscher where you can pay for lunch locally. The train is required at the start of the walk and end of the walk (payable locally).

In the footsteps of the Lauberhorn ski race

Take in a bit of local ski history on this walk, along with beautiful mountain views and alpine meadows. First you head from Kleine Scheidegg towards the Lauberhorn Mountain, where the views are incredible. Then a narrow path passes through meadows and forests, following the route of the Lauberhorn ski race with information signs that set the scene. This is a half day walk so there's no hut stop for lunch but you'll be back in Wengen in time to enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many cafés.  

  • Grade: Moderate (a reasonable fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 4km
  • Duration: 4 hours (walking time approx. 3.5 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 270m ascent and 450m descent
  • Terrain: varied mountain terrain which is mainly narrow rocky paths (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: The train is required at the start of the walk and end of the walk (payable locally).

Wengernalp to Wengen

This walk is all about taking in the view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You start by taking the train to Wengernalp and then follow a predominantly downhill route on wide, gravel paths through the trees back to Wengen. The Valley below has steep sides, and is framed by rugged peaks and glaciers. This is a half day walk so there's no hut stop for lunch but you'll be back in Wengen in time to enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many cafés.

  • Grade: Easy (a reasonable fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 4km
  • Duration: 4 hours (walking time approx. 3 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 25m ascent and 625m descent
  • Terrain: varied terrain which is mainly wide gravel paths (can be quite uneven in places)
  • Useful information: The train is required at the start and end of the walk (payable locally). 

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash for mountain huts/transport. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any times, distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Our Favourite Walks

There's over 500 kilometres of well-marked walking trails around the Jungfrau region. Here are just a few of our favourite walking routes around Wengen:

Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg

  • Easy walk
  • 6.79km with 133 metres of height gain
  • Expect to take around two hours

On this walk, it's all about the amazing waterfalls that you'll see on the way. There's 72 in the valley and this trail takes you past some of the best ones. The route follows a valley trail from Lauterbrunnen train station, the village below Wengen, to the Stechelberg bus station. Enjoy a bite to each in the village before returning on public transport.

Mettlenalp and Wengernalp

  • Moderate walk
  • 9.54km with 658 metres of height gain 
  • Expect to take around three hours
  • Can be completed in reverse if you prefer walking downhill

Glacier views, Lauterbrunnen valley views, mountain views - this walk ticks all the boxes. From Wengen, head past the Tschuggen ridge and traverse the open slopes below the glaciers and the peaks of the Jungfrau and Mönch. The views are incredible in all directions with the Lauterbrunnen valley on one side, and the dramatic mountain peaks on another. After Mettlenalp, zig-zag up through the forest to Wengernalp and catch the train back to Wengen. 

Panorama Path Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg

  • Easy walk
  • 4.63km with 161 metres of height loss
  • Expect to take around one a half hours

Take in the view as you wander along this pleasant, easy-to-follow gravel road, past Honegg and the rocky spur of the Lauberhorn. The route can easily be extended by continuing from Kleine Scheidegg up to the Eigergletcher station past the spectacular Fallboden lake with the Eiger as it's back drop. This will add around three kilometres and 270 metres of height gain, making it more of a moderate walk.

Eiger Trail to Alpiglen

  • Moderate to challenging walk
  • 6.1km with 78 metres of height gain and 779 metres of height loss
  • Expect to take around two hours

The dramatic north face of the Eiger mountain is the main feature of this stunning hike. Traverse steep alpine meadows and scree slopes from the Eigergletscher station towards Alpiglen and take plenty of photos on route. From Alpiglen you can return by train or continue to Gletscherschlucht for a bigger challenge.

More great walking route inspiration

You can view lots more recommended routes and view tour maps from Wengen Tourism.

Useful Information & Guidelines

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for walking around Wengen and the Jungfrau. There's plenty of places to buy walking equipment in Wengen and you can rent poles from Intersport (Central Sport).

Walking maps

For Wengen and the Jungfrau we recommend picking up a walking map from the Tourist Office. Maps will have a key to help you understand the nature of the walk before you begin.

You can see the status of the hiking routes online via the interactive map, which shows you what routes are open. There's an interactive map for the mountain railways too.

The Jungfrau app is great for weather updates and walking ideas and is available on the App Store and Google Play.

Walking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

  • Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
  • Take all the recommended equipment
  • Make a note of emergency numbers:
    • Swiss Emergency Services: 144
  • Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
  • Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
  • Always leave gates as you found them
  • Leave no trace

Hotels in Wengen

  • from£909pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 54 rooms
Hotel Silberhorn Wengen, Lounge Fireplace

A place to sit back and relax, whether it's just you or the whole family. The Silberhorn has incredible views, a large sun terrace, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, and excellent wellness facilities. Right in the centre of Wengen, you'll find it an easy place from which to explore the village and surrounding mountains.

  • from£729pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 50 rooms
Hotel Alpenrose Wengen hotel exterior and views.jpg

Set on the lower slopes of Wengen, just a seven-minute walk to the station and Männlichen lift. The hotel is a quiet hideaway with exceptional views and easy access to the network of walking trails. Owned and run by the same family since it was built in 1881, the cosy alpine style and relaxed atmosphere make for a peaceful alpine escape.

  • from£769pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 40 rooms
Lounge

A member of 'Swiss Historic Hotels', the Falken is one of the original Wengen hotels. Full of old-fashioned charm, the high ceilings and elegant interiors make you feel part of another world. Well located for easy access to the village and walking trails. The food is excellent, and when the weather's right you can enjoy al fresco dining too.

  • from£1039pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 42 rooms
Beausite Park & Jungfrau Spa, Wengen, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland - food.jpg

Set in beautiful gardens, surrounded by meadows, but just a five-minute walk to the village centre and the lifts. In need of some R&R after a long day walking? Enjoy panoramic views from the garden terrace, take a dip in the natural swimming pond, or unwind in the spa. The hotel's bright and welcoming style combines modern facilities with alpine cosiness.

Swiss Half Fare Card

The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable-cars, boats and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace. 

Swiss Half Fare Card included for all Inghams guests

The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.

Pre-bookable Travel Passes

In addition to the Half Fare card you may wish to purchase other travel passes depending on your holiday plans, such as the Jungfrau Travel Pass or the Bernese Oberland Pass - you can add this to your holiday at the time of booking. Swiss Travel Pass is not recommended for this resort.

Jungfrau Travel Pass

Enjoy three to eight consecutive days travel on trains, cable-cars, gondolas and boats within the Jungfrau region including:

  • Grindelwald First gondola
  • Männlichen gondola (Grindelwald Terminus to Männlichen and Männlichen to Wengen)
  • Jungfrau Railway (Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher)
  • Wengeneralp Railway (Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg and Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen)
  • Lauterbrunnen to Mürren railway (Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and Grütschalp to Winteregg and Mürren)
  • Schynige Platte Railway (Wilderswil to Schynige Platte)
  • Harder Kulm Railway (Interlaken to Harder Kulm)
  • Trains between Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken Ost
  • Passes from 5 days validity onward include boats on Lakes Thun & Lake Brienz and trains between Interlaken Ost, Interlaken West and Brienz allowing for round trips by boat and train on Lake Brienz.

A supplement applies for going up to the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe and the Schilthorn. The Jungfrau Travel Pass will get you a discount on the Jungfraujoch fee.

Please note that Family Cards are not valid with the Jungfrau Travel Pass and children must have the Jungfrau Junior Travel Card. 

Bernese Oberland Pass

The Bernese Oberland Pass is a great option if you're staying longer than seven days and/or you're wanting to travel a bit further afield than the routes on the Jungfrau Travel Pass. It includes:

  • travel by train, bus and boat throughout the Bernese Oberland
  • travel on over 25 mountain cable cars
  • boat trips on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
  • discounts at various partner locations

Supplements apply to get to the top of the Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe.

Pass inclusions are subject to change.

Things To Do

Picturesque mountain villages

Wengen is full of character with wooden chalets, belle époque hotels and charming cafés. Head further afield to chocolate-box Mürren and take a gondola ride over the Männlichen mountain to the glacier village of Grindelwald.

Nearby Interlaken is a busier town so spend some time exploring the shops and restaurants, take a lunch cruise on the lake and head up to the Harder Kulm for some amazing views of the stunning blue lakes.

Picture-perfect viewpoints

Everywhere you look is spectacular. There are a few places that deserve a special mention though, the most famous of which is the Jungfraujoch.

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

If you've got a bucket-list of incredible places to see, the view from the Jungfraujoch needs to be on it. At 3,454 metres above sea level and surrounded by glaciers and staggering 4000 metre peaks, it's hard to beat the views from here. The Eiger Express gondola and train ride through the mountain make the journey to get there just as impressive. Make sure you visit the ice palace too - get a closer look at the magnificent glacier from the inside and see some impressive sculptures.

Grindelwald First Cliff Walk

Admire the view from the metal walkway on the First Cliff walk near the top of the Grindelwald First gondola. The exciting cliff walkway clings to the edge of the mountain and has a suspension bridge and 45 metre long terrace that sticks out above the valley.

Schilthorn

The peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains dominate the view from the Schilthorn, which you might recognise from the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. Visit the James Bond museum and enjoy a delicious brunch in the 360 degree revolving restaurant. The thrill walk at Birg, a little further down the mountain, is a network of metal walkways bolted into the mountain side - test your head for heights and get some incredible photo's.

Schynige Platte

You'll need plenty of time to admire the view from the top of the Schynige Platte - a cog railway that goes from Wilderswil up to this beautiful viewpoint. In one direction, the peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger dominate the skyline and in another, the bright blue waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz glisten in the sun. It's the starting point for many great walks, or if you're keen for a more relaxing visit, enjoy lunch in the panorama restaurant and a live Alphorn concert (daily between 11am - 2pm by the railway station). Children will love the playground and treasure hunt. (Schynige cog railway open from 1 Jul).

UNESCO World Heritage waterfalls

The Trümmelbach waterfalls are a natural spectacle and unique in Europe. Bright blue water from the huge glaciers above flows over ten waterfalls through a narrow glacial gorge with rock walls tens of metres high. 

Activities for the adventurous

Test your head for heights on the K3 via ferrata above the Lauterbrunnen valley or hire mountain bikes and explore on two wheels. Try the glacier canyon swing or zip lines in Grindelwald, there's plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities in the Jungfrau region and the transport network makes getting between the villages nice and easy.

Excursions

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe from £76, daily

A must-see for all visitors is the ultimate rail journey through the Eiger and up to Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454m, for breath-taking views including the 14km-long Aletsch glacier and the Ice Palace.

James Bond’s Schilthorn from £49, daily

A trip up the spectacular Schilthorn peak above Mürren, famous for being the set of ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Visit the museum and enjoy the fantastic views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks.

Mürren Day Trip from £17, daily

See the view from the other side of the valley when you head to the picturesque, traffic-free village of Mürren, which is on a sunny plateau above Lauterbrunnen.

Book locally

Many more options are available locally through your Representative including:

Fun Package: First Flyer / Glider & Trottibike / Mountain Cart from CHF64

Prices shown include Travel Card discount.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Good to know

Walking trails: Over 500km of walking and easy access to neighbouring valleys and lifts

Terrain: Diverse terrain from flat valley floors to towering 4000m peaks of the Jungfrau

Best time to go: End of May to mid October. It can get hot in July and August but heading up the lifts is a great way to cool off

Recommended for: Walkers of all abilities, families, nature, sightseeing, activities

Fly into: Geneva or Zurich (approx. 2 hours)

Transfer time: approx. 3 hours (from Zurich) or 3 hours 30 mins (from Geneva) by train
(journey will require changes of train)

Rep service: In resort

Resort card: Swiss Half Fare Card included for all hotels - a range of travel passes are available to pre-book

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