Ski resorts
Wengen: car-free skiing above Lauterbrunnen and where to stay
A car-free village on a sunny terrace high above the valley, reached only by train, with the Jungfrau overhead. This is Wengen, home of the Lauberhorn race, and the hotels with ski-in/ski-out access.
There is no road to Wengen. You take the train from Lauterbrunnen, and as the carriages climb the mountainside, the valley opens beneath you with sheer cliffs and waterfalls dropping hundreds of metres. When you step off at the station, it is like stepping into another time: quiet streets, timber houses and the Jungfrau rising directly above the village.
Wengen sits on a sunny terrace high above the Lauterbrunnen valley, part of the Jungfrau region. Here you can ski with views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and cross the mountain to Grindelwald on the other side.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
A village without cars
Because Wengen can only be reached by train, the village is car-free and peaceful. Luggage is carried by small electric vehicles, and in the evening the only sound is snow crunching underfoot. It brings a calm that is rare in the Alps.
The Lauberhorn: the World Cup’s longest
Every January Wengen hosts the Lauberhorn race, and its downhill is considered the longest on the World Cup circuit. Even if you never ski it at race pace, it is special to follow in the tracks of the world’s best downhill racers.
The slopes of the Jungfrau region
From Wengen you take the train or gondola up towards Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen, and from there you can ski the whole area between Wengen and Grindelwald. The runs offer stunning views and suit most levels.
A day in Wengen
The morning begins with coffee and a view of the Jungfrau from the hotel terrace. Then you take the train up to Kleine Scheidegg, where the Eiger stands like a dark wall directly ahead. After lunch you can ski over towards Männlichen and down towards Grindelwald, before the train brings you back.
In the afternoon people gather on the village terraces, as the sun sets behind the mountains across the valley.
When is the best time to visit Wengen?
The season usually runs from December to April. January is special with the Lauberhorn race, while February and March bring sunshine and longer days. Race weekend is popular, so book early if you want to experience it.
Skiing with children in Wengen
Wengen is safe and peaceful for families, with car-free streets and ski schools. The train ride up to the village is an adventure in itself for children, and there are easy runs close to the village.
Food and evenings in Wengen
Evenings in Wengen are calm and atmospheric. Restaurants serve Swiss classics such as fondue, raclette and rösti, and several hotels have a spa and mountain views. After dinner you can walk through the quiet village beneath the stars.
The Lauterbrunnen valley
Below Wengen lies the Lauterbrunnen valley, one of the most spectacular in the Alps, with sheer rock walls and a long line of waterfalls. A day off the slopes can be spent exploring the valley, or on a train journey further into the Jungfrau region.
Getting to Wengen
Fly to Zürich, Bern or Basel and take the train to Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen. From there the cog railway takes you up to Wengen. The whole journey can be made by train.
Where to stay in Wengen
Wengen has several hotels with ski-in/ski-out access and mountain views. Here are three we would happily choose.
Hotel Regina Wengen: a classic with a view
A hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, a spa and ski storage.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Regina Wengen
Beausite Park Hotel & Spa: calm and spa
A hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, a spa and ski storage.
Book your stay: See rooms at Beausite Park Hotel & Spa
Hotel Silberhorn: close to Männlichen
A hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa, close to Männlichen.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Silberhorn
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Grindelwald.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Wengen
Where should I stay in Wengen?
Hotel Regina, Beausite Park Hotel & Spa and Hotel Silberhorn all offer ski-in/ski-out access and a spa, with mountain views.
Can you drive to Wengen?
No, Wengen is car-free and can only be reached by train from Lauterbrunnen.
What is the Lauberhorn?
The Lauberhorn is the downhill run in Wengen, where a World Cup race is held every January. It is considered the longest on the World Cup circuit.
Is Wengen linked to Grindelwald?
Yes, via Kleine Scheidegg and Männlichen you can ski between Wengen and Grindelwald in the Jungfrau region.