Things to do in Wengen, Switzerland: My Summer Travel Guide
Wengen is a charming car-free mountain village in Switzerland’s Jungfrau region, perched above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. With incredible hiking in summer, world-class skiing in winter, and unforgettable views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, here’s everything you need to plan your trip.
Wengen is a picturesque alpine village nestled in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.
Perched at 1,274 meters (4,180 feet) above sea level, it sits on a sunny plateau overlooking the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, surrounded by some of Switzerland’s most iconic peaks, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
I spent time here in Summer 2024, and this car-free village, where visitors only arrive by train, offers traditional Swiss chalets, lush meadows, and breathtaking mountain views.
In summer, it’s hugely popular with walkers, with access to hundreds of miles of trails all around the Jungfrau region. And a great train and cable car network to whisk you around.
In winter, Wengen transforms into a ski resort, with over 200 kilometres (124 miles) of pistes for all levels. The Lauberhorn ski race, part of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, is one of the highlights of the season, bringing world-class skiers and avid fans to the village each January.
My Trip
I visited Wengen in Summer 2024 as part of an Interrail trip across Europe. I caught the train from Zurich and saved money on all trains and cable cars by buying a Swiss Half Fare Card and Berner Oberland Pass. This is well worth doing.
I stayed at Hotel Bernerhof, which was pretty basic but a lot cheaper than most accommodation in Wengen. During my stay I visited Grindelwald (including First), Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg.
Wengen in Summer
This beautiful mountain village, in the heart of Switzerland, has a wide range of hiking trails for all abilities. Whether you enjoy easy walks through flower-filled meadows or tough hikes with incredible views, Wengen has the perfect trail for you.
Walk the scenic path from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg for amazing views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the famous Eiger Trail, which takes you close to the mountain’s legendary north face.
Explore a bit further afield and you can easily visit dramatic waterfalls like Trümmelbach and Staubbach Falls in nearby Lauterbrunnen Valley.
One of the most popular ‘bucket list’ trips is to take the Jungfraubahn railway to the Jungfraujoch – known as the “Top of Europe.”
In summer, Wengen comes alive with traditional festivals and local events. Feel the magic of the Alphorn Festival, where musicians fill the mountain air with the haunting sound of this iconic Swiss instrument.
Or visit for National Swiss Day when local traditions are popular and a huge firework display lights up the mountains at night.
My Top 5 Things About Wengen in Summer
1. Hiking Trails
Wengen’s hiking trails are some of the best in the Swiss Alps, providing options for all skill levels and interests.
Routes such as the Eiger Trail, the Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg trail, and pathways around the Lauterbrunnen Valley showcase the very best of Switzerland.
Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, as well as glimpses of the villages and cascading waterfalls.
The region’s well-marked trails make it easy to explore independently, with cable cars and railways provide rapid access to high-altitude routes.
2. Great Views
This is one of my favourite spots in the whole world, looking down the Lauterbrunnen Valley from Wengen. But the whole area is full of panoramic alpine views.
With a front-row seat to the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, visitors can enjoy truly dramatic scenery.
Männlichen is a great viewpoint, accessible by cable car, and offering sweeping views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Grindelwald, and the entire Bernese Oberland.
Each vantage point around Wengen provides unique perspectives, including breathtaking vistas from hiking trails and cafes perched on mountainsides.
It’s the ultimate definition of Slow Travel in Switzerland.
3. Car Free Central Location
Wengen’s car-free policy makes a huge contribution to its relaxed, unspoiled environment.
Situated above Lauterbrunnen, Wengen is accessible only by train, creating a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can walk freely without traffic noise.
Electric taxis are available for transporting luggage or for easy mobility, and Wengen’s compact layout ensures that everything in the village is within a short walk.
Its central location offers direct access to nearby highlights like the Jungfraujoch, Männlichen, and Schilthorn, making day trips simple and scenic.
4. Swiss National Day
Swiss National Day, celebrated in August each year is a lively event in Wengen, and across the region, that showcases Swiss culture through music, food, and festivities.
I was lucky enough to be here for the 2024 day and loved being part of it. I saw local parades, alphorn performances, and traditional folk music in Lauterbrunnen.
Before heading back up to Wengen for culinary treats, including raclette, bratwurst, and regional cheeses, before a spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky.
5. Swiss Travel Passes
An odd choice as many people think of travel passes as just a practical solution to save a bit of money. Yes, this is true but for me, it’s equally important to take away any thought or worry about the cost of going to places you want to visit in the mountains.
By having your passes sorted before you go, you are free to just enjoy the mountains for what they are, and take the most practical and direct route without worrying about how much it is going to cost.
If, like me, you’re primarily exploring the Jungfrau region, the Berner Oberland Regional Pass is a brilliant choice. Covering transportation in the Bernese Oberland area, it includes free and discounted travel on trains, cable cars, and buses to scenic spots like Grindelwald, Männlichen, and Schilthorn. And even as far as Bern and the Italian border town of Domodossola!
Combine this with the Swiss Half Fare Card and you’ve really got everything you need for getting around the area.
For families, these passes are even more appealing, as children under six travel free across Switzerland, and those aged 6–15 travel free with the complimentary Swiss Family Card when accompanied by at least one parent with a valid travel pass.
How To Get To Wengen
Reaching Wengen is a unique experience in itself, as the village is car-free and only accessible by train. The journey typically begins in the Swiss city of Interlaken, which is well-connected by rail and car from major Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern.
From Interlaken Ost station, travelers take a scenic train ride on the Bernese Oberland Railway to Lauterbrunnen, a picturesque village in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The journey to Lauterbrunnen takes about 20 minutes, winding through alpine landscapes, mountain villages, and stunning valleys.
From Lauterbrunnen, the final leg of the journey is on the Wengernalpbahn cogwheel train, which climbs the mountainside to reach Wengen in about 15 minutes.
The train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen offers passengers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs, waterfalls, and mountain scenery as it ascends. The cogwheel railway adds a charming, old-world touch, and the route gives travelers their first real taste of the car-free environment that awaits them in Wengen.
For those flying into Switzerland, Zurich and Geneva airports are popular gateways to the region, with trains departing directly from both airports to Interlaken.
Wengen FAQs
Is Wengen worth visiting in summer?
Yes, Wengen offers stunning hiking trails, breathtaking mountain views, and cultural festivals, making it a perfect summer destination.
Is it worth going to Wengen?
Absolutely! With its car-free charm, panoramic alpine scenery, and outdoor activities, Wengen provides a uniquely tranquil Swiss experience.
What is special about Wengen, Switzerland?
Wengen is a car-free alpine village with beautiful scenery, renowned hiking, skiing, and access to the Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe.”
Is Wengen expensive?
Wengen is pricier than average but worth it, offering high-quality accommodations, dining, and unforgettable natural scenery in the Swiss Alps.
Can you walk from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen?
Yes, a scenic trail connects Wengen and Lauterbrunnen, offering a pleasant 1-2 hour downhill walk through alpine landscapes.
My Final Thoughts
I loved my time in Wengen, and you can read more about my time there in 4 Days in Wengen, where I go into a bit more detail about how I got there, where I stayed and the things I enjoyed doing.
When so many places – including nearby Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen – are so busy and popular with tourist, it was refreshing to go somewhere that still felt quite authentic and slightly off-the-beaten-path.
Wengen is expensive, that’s the only downside – but with some careful planning and. management you can make it affordable and fit your budget.
