Wengen Favorites

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Favorite thing: OK this wasnt my favorite thing about Wengen but this seemes like the best place to include this ...

I was fortunate while hiking from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg a variety of Alpine Flowers in bloom…between the altitudes of about 2345 meters (the peak of Mannlichen) and about 2061 meters (Kleine Scheidegg).

If you might be traveling in the area and exploring the terrain at higher altitudes above Wengen watching and identifying these blooms might add a little something to your time there.

When they bloom is of course dependent on the weather and the conditions that vary somewhat from year to year but after the snows have melted and the temperatures warm up you can certainly look for them then. As I’ve mentioned my visit here was in the month of July so you can use this as a gauge for seeing blooming Alpine flowers when you’re hiking above the village of Wengen.

We were able to see and identify a few species that brought a little color to the slopes along that trails that we walked.

The species that I liked the most was the “Gentian”, a really pretty blue color that grows in altitudes up to and including about 3500 meters. I was surprised to see them at this altitude because they grow quite well here in my home town of Ottawa which is NOT very high in altitude above Sea level.

We were also fortunate to see the odd bunch of “Alpine Rosen”, a tiny pink flower that grows in altitudes up to about 2500 meters. Not so often but we saw two or three places where there were tiny Clover like flowers called “Vanilla Orchis” or “Negritella” which is a dark red color and has a scent similar to vanilla.

We also saw the odd Bellflower which in fact is quite common here in Canada as well.

So be on the lookout for some little dashes of color during your hiking adventures above Wengen… now you known four species that are found here and that you can identify along the trails.

Fondest memory: The walk from Mannlichen (reached by gondola fronm centre of Wengen) to Kleine Scheidegg is surely on of the most scenic short alpine strolls in Switzerland - its certainly my favourite. The mountains seem so close you could almost touch them. The path winds around the side of the craggy Lauberhorn - the setting for a famous downhill race in the winter ski sporting season - and afffords fine views of the Jungfrau range. The path is cleared in winter for walkers too.

Fondest memory: .....with the sound of music. An alpine horn or Fugel with the sound resounding around the mountains was amemorable sight and sound. It greeted us on our arrival in the village - what perfect timing!!

Favorite thing: If you're in the Jungfrau Region, you must visit the Schilthorn, which ofcause is home to the revolving restaurant which featured in a James Bond film quite a few years back.

Fondest memory: The times I enjoyed the most were when I would look around and just be surround by masses of mountains covered in snow! It was amazing! Everything looked so fresh and all around are just picture postcard scenes. It was also great to take some time to relax and sit in the sun to warm up!

Favorite thing: A favourite memory was a winter picnic near to Wengneralp Station just above Wengen. Cold but you soon warmed up with some Gluhwein inside of you...hey Dave save me some of that!

Favorite thing: Wengen is also an ideal winter sports resort or even for winter hiking. Sledging here on top of Mannlichen and down to Grindelwald is also great fun.