This Stunning Village Is Called the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ of the Swiss Alps

The word “storybook”, which is used to describe various mountains, is often thrown around in conversation. villages in SwitzerlandThe repetition of the word does not make it less accurate. The traditional Swiss chalet-style buildings—defined by their gabled roofs, wide eaves, and decorative wood banding—are photogenic in every season, and the snow-capped peaks create a dramatic view nearly everywhere you look.

I planned an extended trip for the winter after a day-trip to the Jungfrau area last fall. I made a long list during my research of the destinations I wanted explore. But, Wengen with its 1,300 residents quickly became top of the list.

Wengen is completely car-free and can only be reached by train, hiking, or biking. It hosts the International Lauberhorn Race every year, where thousands of people watch athletes compete on the nearly 3-mile course – the world’s largest World Cup downhill run. Wengen is located in the greater Lauterbrunnen Valley, which makes it a great base for those who want to explore other villages and take day trips up the Jungfraujoch. highest train station in Europe.

Wengen may not be a household word for American tourists, but it is gaining popularity. Wengen is not as popular in the United States as St. Moritz. Zermatt—but that might be about to change. Wengen opened its first five-star resort in the past year. Grand Hotel BelvedereIt’s on the way to becoming a major tourist attraction in the Bernese Alps. During my early March visit, Lorenz Maurer (the hotel’s general manager) described it as the “sleeping beauties” of the Swiss Alps. Financial Times.

“Wengen is like stepping into a postcard—car-free streets, flower-draped chalets, and the towering presence of the Jungfrau above it all,” Maurer tells Travel + Leisure. “It feels both welcoming and untouched.” Although he believes that many tourists see Wengen as an overnight stop, he warns against this. “It is a place where you can slow down, take in the air, and stay for a bit.” It’s a small place, but that is the point.

Best Hotels

Grand Hotel Belvedere

After its partial opening on December 20, 2024. Grand Hotel BelvedereThe French Beaumier Group has marketed the as Wengen’s only five-star resort. This spring, the hotel will celebrate its grand opening. Its extensive renovation is also complete. The property is made up of two historic building and offers a perfect blend of Swiss charm with modern design. There are mid-century inspired furnishings, ski memorabilia, alpine map, and other items throughout the common areas and guest rooms. The rooms of some accommodations offer views over the Alps. New wellness facilities inspired by hot springs from Japan include a sauna and hamman as well as an ice bath and heated indoor-outdoor pools with Jungfrau views.

Braunbär Hotel & Spa

After a recent renovation Braunbär Hotel & Spa This year we welcomed back our guests. The property’s 80 guest rooms, bistro restaurant, spa, and pool area will be given a new look. You can even gather in a “barbecue” hut to enjoy some fondue, raclette or other dishes around a fireplace.

Hotel Alpenrose

Maurer describes Hotel Alpenrose As a family run hotel “full personality.” The oldest hotel in Wengen was built in 1881. He praises the “cozy rooms” of this hotel and its “perfect location to go on early morning hikes.” These guest rooms have been renovated in a modern, fresh style. They are still decorated with lots of light colored wood but the alpine-style is evident.

The Best Things to do

Wander through the village.

I was in Wengen for a few days and the first thing I did when I arrived was to take a picture from the Wengen Viewpoint. From there, you have an unobstructed look at the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Then I toured Wengen by walking around, visiting shops and admiring how walkable the city is. “Wengen’s charm is not about flashy shopping,” explains Maurer. Central Sport, a local shop that sells quality outdoor gear and Alpia Sport have some beautiful souvenirs and regional products. Also, check out the little Coop grocery store—it has surprisingly good local products and mountain cheese.”

Take a hike on the Panorama Trail.

Hikers come from near and far to take advantage of the incredible hiking around Wengen—and Maurer recommends starting with the Panorama Trail. He says that the Panorama Trail is relatively easy, and offers panoramic views of the mountains that are straight out of a novel. The route, under three miles, starts from Männlichen and takes you to Kleine Scheidegg.

Train up to Jungfraujoch – the “Top of Europe”

Maurer says that the Jungfraujoch is “touristy,” but he calls it an “iconic” experience, and “stunning from the bottom to the top.” You’ll need to take the Wengernalpbahn up to Kleine Scheidegg and then the historic Jungfrau Railway in order to reach Europe’s most high-altitude station. The Jungfraujoch is located at over 11,000 feet. Depending on the weather—it was a complete whiteout when I went—you’ll be able to see jaw-dropping views of the Aletsch Glacier (the largest glacier in the Alps) and the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch peaks. Ice Palace is also a series tunnels and caves carved in glacier ice.

You can ski or snowboard at the largest ski area of the Jungfrau region.

Wengen has a close proximity to ski slopes so it’s no surprise that athletes of every level flock to the village in the winter. Start your day by taking the train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg—where you can also rent a sledge or velogemel (a wooden snow bike that was invented in nearby Grindelwald)—or board the Wengen-Männlichen aerial cableway. The scenery and well-groomed slopes are unparalleled. If you are lucky, you may get to enjoy a clear day with breathtaking views of the mountains.

Best Restaurants

La Fondue

Whether this is your first fondue experience or you just can’t stop eating the dish, Maurer suggests dining at La FondueHe considers it to be the “best restaurant for fondue in the village.” The perfect way to warm you up after a hike or a day at the slopes, fondues are served with bread and baby potatoes. If you are not a big fan of melted cheddar, the homemade version is also delicious. rösti.

Ristorante Da Sina

Fondue can be found at Ristorante Da Sina, but this family-friendly Swiss/Italian establishment is best known for an impressive array of pizzas and pastas. The pizza was a big hit and the atmosphere is casual, says Maurer.

Alpenkräuter

Even if you’re not a guest of Alpenkräuter Hotel Bären, you’ll still want to set aside one night during your trip to enjoy dinner at the Alpenkräuter (or “Alpine Herbs”) restaurant. The restaurant’s name suggests that it uses seasonal ingredients, and is a firm believer in the power and effectiveness of wild herbs and plants found in the region. Menus are dominated by salads, fish, and vegetable-forward dishes.

When is the best time to visit?

Wengen is popular all year round, but especially in the winter and summer. Maurer says peak summer and ski seasons are lively, but they can also be a little crowded. If you prefer peace and quiet, Maurer suggests visiting during the shoulder seasons: “Late spring and early autumn are my personal favorites—fewer crowds, crisp mountain air, and a gentler kind of beauty.” I’d also recommend coming toward the end of winter; I found early March to be the perfect time for skiing (there was only a bit of slush), and the slopes in the Männlichen area were relatively uncrowded.

How to get there

The SBB Mobile app is the easiest way to reach Wengen. If you are traveling from InterlakenIf you are driving, parking is available in Lauterbrunnen. You can park your car in Lauterbrunnen. The last leg of your journey takes just 12 minutes. You will be able to see the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the Jungfrau peak and the spectacular Lauterbrunnen Valley.

How to Get Around

Wengen does not allow private cars, so it’s best to use a bicycle or walk. Although the village is small, it’s easy to get around. Some hotels have electric cars that will help you travel to and from Wengen’s transportation, or anywhere else.