Holidays in 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.

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

Inghams Guided Walks are included on your holiday in Wengen

We’ve included two walks per week (between 20 May - 19 Sep) in Wengen and Grindelwald, 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 and Grindelwald and are run by Tina Gertsch at Outdoor. 

There are four walks to choose from each week and each walk has a limited number of spaces. There's a full day walk every Monday and Tuesday and two half day walks every Thursday, one in the morning and one if the afternoon. All walks are available to guests staying in both Grindelwald and Wengen, and you can choose up to two per person, per week. Most walks require the use of public buses/trains and/or mountain lifts which are payable locally. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

The famous Eiger Trail (full day)

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 or cable car to Eigergletscher, you follow the famous Eiger Trail which traverses – mainly in the shade - below the North Face of the Eiger Mountain, looking over Grindelwald. Get stories of first ascents along with beautiful views and the chance to spot wildflowers and marmots. If you’re going to do one hike in the Jungfrau, this Alpine classic should be on your list.

• Grade: moderate to challenging (good fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 6km
• Walking time: 3.5 hours
• Ascent/descent: 120m ascent and 820m descent
• Terrain: varied mountain terrain which is mainly narrow rocky paths (can be quite uneven and steep)
• Useful information: There will be a late lunch stop at Alpiglen restaurant (payable locally) or you can take a picnic lunch. The cable car or train is required at the start of the walk and the train at the end of the walk (both payable locally).

This walk will run on: every Tuesday between 21 May - 17 Sep

Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Gorge) (half day)

This walk is a real experience, and one not to be missed. A relatively easy walk, from Grindelwald to the stunning Glacier Gorge, where entry is included. Enjoy a pleasant, fairly flat route there and back with interesting information provided on route by your local guide. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and evolution of glaciers in the Alps, geology and the formation of the gorge.

• Grade: easy (basic fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 7km
• Duration: approx. 3 hours
• Ascent/descent: 100m ascent and descent
• Terrain: generally flat with wider paths (can be slightly uneven in places)
• Useful information: You'll visit the glacier gorge where entry is included. This is a half day walk in the morning so there's no hut stop for lunch but you'll be back in Grindelwald in time to enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many cafés.

This walk will run on: every Thursday (morning) between 23 May - 19 Sep

Grindelwald First – Faulhorn – Bussalp (full day)

Get that high mountain feeling and surround yourself with incredible scenery on a spectacular walk from the top of the Grindelwald First lift to Bussalp. Along the way, you can spot a variety of wild flowers and possibly a marmot or two. See the reflection of the mountains in the Bachalp lake, get to the summit of the Faulhorn and enjoy panoramic views as far as the bright blue Lakes Thun and Brienz.

• Grade: moderate - challenging (good fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 10km
• Walking time: approx. 6 hours
• Ascent/descent: 650m ascent and 1,000m descent
• Terrain: Mainly mountain paths and gravel tracks (it can be quite uneven, narrow and steep in places)
• Useful information: There is a lunch stop at the Berghotel Faulhorn (payable locally) or you can take a picnic lunch. The Grindelwald First Gondola is required at the start of the walk and a bus is required at the end (both payable locally).

This walk will run on: 27 May, 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 8 Jul, 22 Jul, 5 Aug, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 16 Sep

Pfingstegg – Marmorbruch – Grindelwald (half day)

Get off the beaten track and explore a hidden part of Grindelwald and an afternoon of spectacular views. The route begins by heading to the Pfingstegg cable car which takes the effort out of the uphill. Then we hike down to the Marmorbruch bridge which crosses a gorge, and continue back towards Grindelwald – a perfect peaceful walk amongst nature.

• Grade: moderate (reasonable fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 6km
• Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours
• Ascent/descent: 150m ascent and 200m descent
• Terrain: Mainly wider paths and gravel or forest tracks (may be a little uneven in places)
• Useful information: The Pfingstegg cable car is required at the start of the walk and a train is required at the end (both payable locally). This is a half day walk in the afternoon so there's no hut stop for lunch.

This walk will run on: 30 May, 13 Jun, 27 Jun, 11 Jul, 25 Jul, 8 Aug, 22 Aug, 5 Sep, 19 Sep

Sulwald  - Lobhornhütte – Grütschalp (full day)

Make the most of the incredible scenery and get off the beaten track – this route is a stunning one, through a picturesque landscape of mountains and forests, with plenty of wildflowers to spot. The cable car from Isenfluh to Sulwald is a real highlight and the views are beautiful the whole way.

• Grade: moderate - challenging (good fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 9km
• Walking time: approx. 5-6 hours
• Ascent/descent: 700m ascent and descent
• Terrain: Mainly mountain paths and gravel tracks (it can be quite uneven, narrow and steep in places)
• Useful information: There will be a lunch stop at the Lobhornhütte (payable locally) or you can take a picnic lunch. The route requires a public bus from Lauterbrunnen to Isenfluh, the cable car to Isenfluh Sulwald and the cable car from Grütschalp to Lauterbrunnen (all payable locally).

This walk will run on: 20 May, 3 Jun, 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 15 Jul, 29 Jul, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 9 Sep

Grindelwald First - Grosse Scheidegg (half day)

Get back to nature on this walk from Grindelwald First to Grosse Scheidegg. It follows a quiet mountain path with meadows and forests to Grosse Scheidegg. The mountain views along the way are stunning and you get a lovely panorama down the Rosenlaui valley. From Grosse Scheidegg you get the best view of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn and Eiger mountains.

• Grade: moderate (reasonable fitness and sure-footedness required)
• Distance: 6km
• Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours
• Ascent/descent: 100m ascent and 300m descent
• Terrain: Mainly mountain paths and gravel/forest tracks (may be uneven and steep in places)
• Useful information: The Grindelwald First Gondola is required at the start of the walk and a bus is required at the end (both payable locally). This is a half day walk in the afternoon so there's no hut stop for lunch.

This walk will run on: (Thursday afternoons) 23 May, 6 Jun, 20 Jun, 4 Jul, 18 Jul, 1 Aug, 15 Aug, 29 Aug, 12 Sep

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes/boots with good grip, appropriate walking clothing, sun cream, sunglasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack, cash for mountain huts and your travel pass if you’ve purchased one. 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 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.

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.

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

Flights to Geneva or Zurich airports are available from eight UK airports.

Flights to Zurich:

We offer holidays by train to Wengen, which depart on Saturdays for seven or 14 days. The journey takes around 14 hours from London St. Pancras and you'll be able to enjoy the change of scenery out of the train window as you journey through France and into the Alps of Switzerland.

The provisional outbound timings are:

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 under 16 years old, accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.

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. A Swiss Travel Pass is not recommended for this resort.

Jungfrau Travel Pass

Enjoy three to eight consecutive days of 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 want 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 - the Top of Europe.

Pass inclusions are subject to change.

Things to do in Wengen

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 meters 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 a 45-meter-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 mountainside - test your head for heights and get some incredible photos.

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 on a more relaxing visit, enjoy lunch in the panorama restaurant and a live Alphorn concert (daily between 11 am - 2 pm 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 meters 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.

Family activities in Wengen

Lauberhorn crazy golf

Get competitive against the kids with a game of mini golf. This 18-hole course takes you through the story of the winter downhill ski run of Lauberhorn. Who will be the first to get a hole-in-one?

Alpine playground

In Männlichen you can visit the Alpine Herdsman’s Playground where the children will discover a large play area packed with trampolines, climbing frames, swings, and giant cow themed slide. Featuring a guesthouse terrace serving refreshments, parents can sit back and relax whilst supervising the kids.

Jungfrau view swimming

Cool off in the Alps at the Wengen outdoor pool. Featuring a trampoline, a playground and table tennis, children will always be kept amused. The large 40-metre-long pool with a sectioned off children's area has a sunbathing lawn alongside, ideal for an easy-going day.

Wengen marble run

Wander through the village and you'll come across ten different marble runs. Purchase a wooden game ball for around four Swiss Francs from multiple points in the resort (Wengen Tourism, Wengen-Männlichen aerial cableway and the Swiss Made Shop) and let the game begin. Add your points up throughout the challenge to see who has won at the end.

Adventure trails

The Lieselotte trail sparks an energy boost as you trek your way along the farm-animal themed path in Männlichen. With 13 play stations on route children will find themselves on cloud nine.

Discover the fruit nature trail that will have your family passing through flower fields, secluded woodland and fresh meadows. The Apple Fritter Trail is great for some interactive summer learning, lasting around an hour and a half with a delicious snack awaiting you in the Brandegg restaurant.

Flying through Grindelwald

Head over to Grindelwald First and experience the thrilling zip lines and mountain-carts or brave the cliff walk. You will start with a scenic ride in the gondola, allowing the adrenaline to kick in before your head-first descent on the eagle glider.

Day trip to Pfingstegg

Travel through the Jungfrau region as you make your way to Pfingstegg. Feel the thrills on the summer toboggan run or meander through the trees high above the ground on the Fly Line - this is a calmer version of a zip line that still offers lots of fun. For little ones, enjoy a trip to the playground or complete the treasure hunt adventure.

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 a 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.