Wengen has welcomed skiers since the turn of the century and is one of the handful of `original` downhill skiing destinations pioneered by British tourists. The resort is the base of the famous Downhill Only Club (DHO), established in 1924 when the early 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`. Many members of the Club still return every year, content to go back to the same resort annually.
Wengen first appeared on the map in the 1880s, before alpine skiing was invented, with the construction of the Wengenalpbahn, the first mountain railway in the area. This ultimately went on to reach the legendary Jungfraujoch, Europe`s highest railway station, perched at 3454 metres (11,332 feet).
Much of today`s Wengen was then build on a sunny balcony on the mountain along one main street ending, at the station. It is still reached by the cog railway, which connects with the international European rail network. Car drivers must leave their vehicles in a carpark in the valley and take the train up. No introduction to Wengen is complete without mention of its other legendary and spectacular attraction - the Annual Lauberhorn World Cup downhill course, the longest and many believe the greatest there is. Apres Ski Wengen has enough lively bars and nightspots for most tastes. Lively bars through the evening include the Eiger, Tanne and the Pickle. Sina has live music and karaoke nights. There's a cinema, often showing English language films and occasional floodlit slalom races and ski jumping to watch, as well as ice hockey matches. Later on there are a number of discotheques. Eating Out An abundance of restaurants to choose from. • Pizzas from approx. SFr18 • Fondue from approx. SFr25. • Da Sina or Lauberhorn Treff Activities • Sports centre with pool • Wellnes Centre with sauna and massage (Grindelwald) • Curling • Ice skating • Wellness • massage • Cinema • Bowling (Grindelwald) • Snowshoeing • Guided walks on prepared trails • Tobogganing (50 kms) Other Amenities • Flood-lit ski and snowboard exhibitions • Cinema • Bowling (Grindelwald) • Train to the Jungfraujoch at 3454m • Piz Gloria revolving restaurant on the Schilthorn above Mürren • English church in Wengen |
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