Wengen is a car-free alpine village perched high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Jungfrau Region.
When I chat with my clients on consult video calls, it is one of the two best spots I recommend from all the options available, even though most people choose to stay in Interlaken or Grindelwald.
Here are seven reasons why Wengen is worth staying in.
1. Car-Free Village Charm
Wengen can only be reached by train from Lauterbrunnen, and it’s a quick 15-minute ride.
Because there are no cars in the village, the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. This is perfect for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the quiet mountain town right in the middle of the Bernese Alps.
Everything is walkable, from hotels and shops to restaurants and the train station.
NOTE: Some of you who have been will say, “There are some cars, Ashley.” My answer is yes, there are a few small electric cars and delivery carts because they have to move stuff around somehow, right? Carrying it by hand is not really feasible!
🏠🏠 See my list of Best Hotels in Wengen
2. Stunning Mountain Views
Perched at 1,274 meters (4,180 ft), Wengen offers some of the best panoramas in the region. From the edge of the village (or even your hotel room if you are lucky, you can look straight across to the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. And straight down into the Lauterbrunnen Valley. One of the best ways to appreciate Lauterbrunnen, for sure!
If you want to enjoy some of the epic viewpoints, you can try:
- Village Church Viewpoint – The church sits slightly elevated, with beautiful views across rooftops and down the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
- Wengeralp – A stop above town, on the Wengen–Kleine Scheidegg train line with wide-open views back over Wengen and into the valley.
- Mönchblick – About 30 minutes downhill from the village, this short walk leads to benches overlooking the Mönch, perfect for a quick outing with a big payoff.
- Männlichen – Direct Cable Car access to Männlichen from right in town.
👉👉 👀 See my Lauterbrunnen Viewpoints, including many of those above (and a downloadable map)
3. Easy Access to Jungfraujoch & Männlichen
Wengen is the most convenient base for two of the area’s most famous excursions.
- Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: The train from Wengen climbs through Kleine Scheidegg and continues to Europe’s highest railway station in about 90 minutes.
- Männlichen Cable Car: A five-minute ride brings you to 2,222 meters, where you’ll find sweeping views and family-friendly trails like the short but rewarding Royal Walk.
👉👉 These are two of my favorite days out in my 4-day itinerary guide to the Interlaken area
Want To Save This For Later?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
4. Perfect for Families
Wengen is perfect for kids thanks to its safe, car-free environment and family-oriented activities.
Children love the ten different marble runs in Wengen, which are essentially giant tracks where they can race huge marbles down the courses. You can buy the marbles in the Tourism office or at the Männlichen Gondola station in town.
There are also various playgrounds, themed trails, and gentle walking paths suitable for all ages. One of the ones I hear mentioned the most is the Lieslotte trail that starts from Männlichen and heads down towards Grindelwald to the Holstein gondola station. Just be aware that it’s quite long and not a walk in the park!
Other trails higher up that are worth exploring with kids include:
- Applefritter Trail from Holstein (one gondola stop below Männlichen on the Grindelwald side)
- Treetop Path also at Holstein
JUNGFRAU UNCOVERED: A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE FOR 2025
Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen area.
AFFORDABLE AT ONLY $32
5. Ideal Base for Exploring the Jungfrau Region
From Wengen, you can easily reach other highlights of the region without needing a car:
- Lauterbrunnen in 15 minutes by train
- Grindelwald in around 45 minutes via Kleine Scheidegg (or around the same via Lauterbrunnen and Zweilütschinen)
- Mürren in about 45 minutes with a train and cable car combo
- Interlaken is around 41 minutes by train
Day trips are simple, but Wengen itself feels quieter and less crowded than larger resorts. And as I tell my clients all the time:
Pick the spot you want to stay the most (views, hotels) because everything is easy to get to and in the end you will spend much of your time away from the area you stay in anyway!
6. Year-Round Activities and Walks
Wengen has plenty to offer in every season:
- Summer: Try the scenic hike down to Lauterbrunnen (about 2 hours), or enjoy shorter circular trails starting right in the village, including the quick walk to Mönchblick. Many walks pass through meadows filled with wildflowers in June and July. And the epic Männlichen Royal Walk & Panorama Trail are just above you in Männlichen
- Winter: Wengen is part of the Jungfrau Ski Region, which has more than 200 km of slopes, sledding runs, and winter walking paths. It’s also famous for hosting the Lauberhorn ski race each January.
7. Authentic Swiss Village Experience
Wengen feels like a true alpine village, with wooden chalets, cozy cafés, and locally owned hotels. In the evenings, you can stroll the quiet streets, enjoy traditional Swiss food, and soak in the mountain atmosphere. Accommodation ranges from historic grand hotels to self-catered chalets, so you’ll find something that suits every style and budget.
Final Thoughts
Wengen offers the best of both worlds: easy access to world-class mountain excursions and the charm of a peaceful Swiss village. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or solo, staying in Wengen makes your time in the Jungfrau Region truly unforgettable.
