Wengen

Wengen is a car-free mountain village in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. At an elevation of about 1,274 meters (4,180 feet), it sits on a sheltered plateau looking out over the Lauterbrunnen Valley and facing the grand trio of mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The setting is about as picture-perfect as Switzerland gets—lush green meadows in summer, pristine white snowscapes in winter, with traditional Swiss chalets dotting the landscape.

The village has a rich history tied to tourism, dating back to the early 1900s when British visitors helped establish it as a ski resort. It's home to the famous Lauberhorn downhill ski race, one of the oldest and most challenging events in the World Cup circuit. In winter, Wengen transforms into a winter wonderland with exceptional skiing, while summer brings opportunities for hiking across alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.

Reaching Wengen is an adventure in itself. The village is accessible only by the Wengernalpbahn cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen, a charming journey that sets the tone for the car-free experience that awaits. Once there, the pace of life slows down significantly. The small village center has a relaxed atmosphere with a handful of shops, restaurants, and hotels maintaining their traditional Swiss character.

Thanks to its location, Wengen serves as an excellent base for exploring the Jungfrau region. The nearby Jungfraujoch, often called the "Top of Europe," is accessible via a spectacular train journey. The area's natural beauty has remained largely unchanged for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Swiss Alpine life while providing modern comforts.