Wengen
Wengen features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Lauterbrunnen, Mürren & Grindelwald. Give it roughly ~90 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type village
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Lauterbrunnen, Mürren & Grindelwald Lauterbrunnen, Mürren & Grindelwald guide
About Wengen
A car-free resort village on a sheltered terrace above the Lauterbrunnen valley, reached by rack railway, and every January the home of the Lauberhorn, the longest downhill race in World Cup skiing.
Wengen lies at 1,274 metres on a sunny terrace on the east side of the Lauterbrunnen valley, with views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It was first mentioned in 1268 and lived from farming for centuries. Visitors leave their cars in Lauterbrunnen and ride the Wengernalp Railway, which has climbed here since 1893; only taxis and service vehicles use the village roads.
The railway made Wengen a resort, and from the late 1890s British ski pioneers led by Henry and Arnold Lunn came here in winter. Since 1930 the International Lauberhorn Races have been held each January; the downhill, about 4.5 kilometres long, is called the longest on the World Cup circuit. A cable car climbs from the village to the Männlichen ridge.
Did you know? The Lauberhorn downhill drops about 1,028 metres from a start at 2,315 metres to the finish at 1,287 metres. At about 4.5 kilometres, it is called the longest downhill in World Cup skiing.
How long is a visit to Wengen?
Set aside roughly ~90 min for Wengen. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Wengen worth your time?
Wengen is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Lauterbrunnen, Mürren & Grindelwald, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Lauterbrunnen, Mürren & Grindelwald
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Wengen and read more:
Lauterbrunnen, Mürren & Grindelwald guide →
Day 2 of the Lauterbrunnen, Mürren & Grindelwald in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Wengen
Preview the Lauterbrunnen, Mürren & Grindelwald tour free in the Gingerguide app.