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 specialize in walking gear. The 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, the 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 kilometers of footpaths crisscross 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 train stations in Switzerland
Swiss engineering is as good as rumor 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 at 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 90 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.
