Drink in dramatic views from a sunny terrace, ride one of Europe’s highest Alpine trains, visit waterfalls and explore miles of groomed ski runs amid the Bernese Alps.
Wengen is a postcard-perfect village perched on a plateau above the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Alps. It’s a destination for all seasons and boasts breath-taking vistas the whole year round. Come in winter for family-friendly skiing on Männlichen. Arrive in the summer to hike and ride high-altitude railways to the soaring peaks of the Jungfrau Region.
Start your visit in the pretty village, where chocolate-box buildings line a series of twisting car-free streets. Find a range of self-catering chalets, hotels and restaurants, some featured in the revered Gault Millau guide. Play 18-holes at the ski-themed Minigolf Wengen and check out the quaint St. Bernard’s Church. Sit on a bench outside the church and marvel at the views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau massifs.
Travel by scenic cable car to the Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen ski area. Ski, snowboard and sled on 68 miles (110 kilometers) of runs. Follow winter walking footpaths and challenge the Lauberhorn World Cup piste. Visit in January to watch the Lauberhorn World Cup Races.
After the snow melts the meadows turn green and wildflowers bloom to signal the start of the summer season. Explore the trail that leads from the village to Kleine Scheidegg. Hike the Eiger Trail, which skirts the base of Eiger. Walk to the Trümmelbach Falls, Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls.
Step aboard a cogwheel train for a spectacular journey to the 11,332-feet (3454-meter) high railway station at Jungfraujoch. Pass through tunnels and peer out of panoramic windows. Don’t miss the views from Sphinx Observatory. Adrenalin junkies can enjoy a tandem paragliding flight from Männlichen.
Indulge in some post-activity entertainment at Wengen’s assortment of cocktail lounges, rustic bars and mountaintop terraces. Attend classical music concerts during August’s Mendelssohn Music Week, which celebrates German composer Felix Mendelssohn.
Wengen is just 8 miles (13 kilometers) south from Interlaken and easily reachable via public trains. If arriving by car then you’ll need to park in Lauterbrunnen and then catch a train to the village. Be prepared to extend your trip to discover more natural beauty and superb skiing at nearby Mürren.