Wengen is a resort town in Switzerland located beneath the Eiger and Jungfrau. It sits above Lauterbrunnen and can be accessed via train, from Lauterbrunnen or from Grindelwald. Both Wengen and Grindelwald are rather upscale resorts, both for skiing in winter and hiking and bicycling in summer.
It is one of very few car-free resort villages in Europe, although there are a few electric vehicles for taxiing to and from the railway station. There are many activities that are open for visitors, even for those who do not ski. Although skiing is the main recreational activity in Wengen, the average tourist is not likely to be bored. For the non-skier, one can learn to ice skate on either of the two rinks near the centre of the town. In addition, tourists can watch a curling practice or match which grew to popularity during the Winter Olympics.
PLACE TO VISIT
Every autumn, the cows that have grazed all summer in the alpine meadows are brought down to the valley for the winter. If you're lucky, you might happen to be there on a day when they do this. It's quite an amazing sight and sound.
Mendolssohn festival in late August.
A really impressive model railway is outside the Belleview hotel, run by the proprietor who puts on demonstrations several times a week.
Skiing - Wengen has some finest ski slope for experts as well amateurs.
Hiking - Up to the Mannlichen: a nice quiet track as the less energetic all take a cable car. There are countless hiking trails with the beautiful scenery and occasional sledder (sledger) flying down a hill.
Swimming - The outside swimming pool has amazing views of the Jungfrau and glacier, there is a very friendly bar and cafe there and the water is refreshing!
Ice skating and curling - Check out the local ice rink.
Shopping - The shops and bakeries are all too tempting.
Note that the town is quiet though, especially in summer, and not the best location if you are into wild clubbing.
There are various tourist shops in the village, including an information center, as well as a small Coop supermarket where you can buy groceries. The Made in Switzerland Shop is a great place to buy presents as you avoid the disappointment of your "authentic" souvenir coming from China.
HOW TO REACH
Wengen is most easily reached by train. Travel on the Berner Oberland-Bahn (BOB) from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen and then change to the Wengernalpbahn (WAB) for the picturesque journey up the mountainside to Wengen
