Wengen: Explore a Carless Winter Wonderland in Switzerland

Ever since Frankenstein author Mary Shelley and her husband, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, wrote about their dreamy excursion to an idyllic alpine farming community in the early 1800s, the Swiss village of Wengen has been a sought-after mountain getaway. Car-free yet located on a railway line, Wengen is the ideal place to enjoy the quiet beauty of winter without feeling too isolated.

Accessible only by train, Wengen serves as a frosty Shangri-La for travelers who love skiing, snowshoeing, and strapping on a sturdy pair of boots to explore quaint, snow-covered streets. Even if you’re not a fan of braving the elements, Wengen offers plenty of cozy hotels and restaurants where you can enjoy delectable fondue by a roaring fire while taking in sweeping alpine views.

Located at the center of the village, the Wengen ice rink is an excellent place to refine your figure skating moves or practice your skills on the curling ice. The rink even offers curling lessons for visitors who are new to the sport. Parts of the rink are covered, allowing you to skate or perfect your technique even on snowy days.

Taking a snowshoe tour through the Lauterbrunnen Valley is a wonderful way to embrace Wengen’s winter calm. Exploring the snowy slopes of the Bernese Alps without the sound of cars anywhere nearby is a truly unique experience. The valley is dotted with frozen waterfalls and snow-covered chalets. Most snowshoe tours last around 90 minutes, so packing snacks and water is recommended. Wool socks are also a lifesaver when tromping through the snow.

If you visit Wengen in January, you can experience the excitement of the International Lauberhorn Races—one of the most elite downhill ski races in the world. Watching jubilant crowds cheer as seasoned athletes race past at breakneck speeds is exhilarating, especially with Wengen’s stunning mountain scenery as the backdrop.

One of the greatest joys of visiting Wengen is strolling its peaceful streets without the sound of cars, allowing the crisp crunch of fresh snow underfoot to take center stage. Sipping a steaming cup of mulled wine while soaking in the beauty of one of Switzerland’s most tranquil alpine villages is a winter experience that perfectly captures the cozy magic of the season.