Wengen, 2 centuries of tradition and breathtaking views.
A very picturesque resort which has welcomed skiers since the 19th century, Wengen has probably the most spectacular scenery of any mountain resort in the world. Serious competitors are its neighbors in the Jungfrau region, Grindelwald and Murren.
Car-free, with life centered on the railway (which ultimately reaches Europe’s highest rail station) Wengen has the spectacular backdrop of the Eiger as well as the Monch and Jungfrau. It is one of the ‘original’ downhill skiing destinations pioneered by British tourists, and was the first resort in the world to offer uphill transportation (the railway to Kleine Scheidegg, completed in 1911).
The resort is the base of the famous Downhill Only Club (DHO), established in 1924 when the English visitors first persuaded the locals to keep the railway running in the winter to get a lift up the mountains, then jump out and ski ‘downhill only’.
Wengen is also home to the legendary and spectacular annual Lauberhorn World Cup downhill course, the longest and many believe the greatest there is.
Wengen’s presence in the lists of ‘most favorite resorts’ for those who have visited it is an unusual one. Most other entrants will be there because of their fantastic skiing.Wengen will be there because of how you feel just being there, even before you put your skis on.
The awe inspiring mountainscape above and below borders on a spiritual experience for many, which makes even the most bland skiing experience seem transcendental.
Mountain Stats
- Top lift: 2971m
- Vertical drop: 1697m
- Bottom lift: 1274m
- Ride Area: 213km
- Longest Piste: 7km
- Total Pistes: 53
- Easy: 28%
- Intermediate: 57%
- Advanced: 15%
- Total lifts: 45
- Cable cars: 1
- Gondolas:11
- Chair Lifts: 14
- Drag-lifts: 14