Wengernalp
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The Wengernalp is an
alpine meadow Alpine tundra is a type of natural region or biome that does not contain trees because it is at high elevation, with an associated harsh climate. As the latitude of a location approaches the poles, the threshold elevation for alpine tundra gets ...
at an elevation of 1874 m, above
Wengen Wengen () is a mountain village in the Bernese Oberland of central Switzerland. Located in the canton of Bern at an elevation of above sea level, it is part of the Jungfrauregion and has approximately 1,300 year-round residents, which swells t ...
in the
Bernese Oberland The Bernese Oberland (; ; ), sometimes also known as the Bernese Highlands, is the highest and southernmost part of the canton of Bern. It is one of the canton's five administrative regions (in which context it is referred to as ''Oberland'' witho ...
of
Switzerland Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located in west-central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland ...
. It lies on the southern slopes of the
Lauberhorn The Lauberhorn is a mountain in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, located between Wengen and Grindelwald, north of the Kleine Scheidegg. Its summit is at an elevation of above sea level. Lauberhorn ski races The mountain is best known for th ...
, just below
Kleine Scheidegg The Kleine Scheidegg () is a mountain pass at an elevation of , situated below and between the Eiger and Lauberhorn peaks in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The name means "minor watershed", as it only divides the two arms of the L ...
, a mountain pass connecting the valleys of
Lauterbrunnen Lauterbrunnen () is a village and Municipalities of Switzerland, municipality in the Interlaken-Oberhasli (administrative district), Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the Cantons of Switzerland, canton of Canton of Bern, Bern in Swi ...
and
Grindelwald Grindelwald is a village and Municipalities of Switzerland, municipality in the Interlaken-Oberhasli (administrative district), Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the Cantons of Switzerland, canton of Bern (canton), Berne. In additio ...
. The pass is traversed by a railway bearing its name, the Wengernalp Railway (WAB) with a railway station serving the locality, the Wengernalp station. The Wengernalp is a popular for its views over the giants of the
Bernese Alps The Bernese Alps are a mountain range of the Alps located in western Switzerland. Although the name suggests that they are located in the Berner Oberland region of the canton of Bern, portions of the Bernese Alps are in the adjacent cantons of Va ...
. In fact, it directly faces the huge northern walls of the
Jungfrau The Jungfrau (, , , "maiden, virgin"), at is one of the main summits of the Bernese Alps, located between the northern canton of Bern and the southern canton of Valais, halfway between Interlaken and Fiesch. Together with the Eiger and Mönc ...
,
Mönch The Mönch (, German: "monk") at is a mountain in the Bernese Alps, in Switzerland. Together with the Eiger and the Jungfrau, it forms a highly recognisable group of mountains, visible from far away. The Mönch lies on the border between the ...
and
Eiger The Eiger () is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, just north of the main watershed and border with Valais. It is the easternmost peak of a ridge crest that extends ...
, across the extremely narrow Trümmelbach valley. In 1841 the hotel '' De la Jungfrau'' was opened; it was later rebuilt after a fire in 1865. In winter, the Wengernalp (and Kleine Scheidegg) are part of a large ski area. Amongst the many historical, famous people who have spent holidays on the Wengernalp are
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (3 February 18094 November 1847), widely known as Felix Mendelssohn, was a German composer, pianist, organist and conductor of the early Romantic period. Mendelssohn's compositions include symphonie ...
,
Richard Wagner Wilhelm Richard Wagner ( ; ; 22 May 181313 February 1883) was a German composer, theatre director, essayist, and conductor who is chiefly known for his operas (or, as some of his mature works were later known, "music dramas"). Unlike most o ...
and Peter Tchaikovsky. Sure, I can help you expand the Wikipedia article on Wengernalp. The provided URL points to the Wengernalp ''station'' article, not the railway itself, though they are inherently linked. Let's assume the goal is to expand the article about Wengernalp as a location/alpine pasture/station, rather than just the railway which has its own detailed article. If the intent was to expand the railway article, please clarify. Here's an expanded version of what a short article on Wengernalp (the location and station) might look like, incorporating more information and potential sources. Hypothetical Short Article (Before Expansion): "Wengernalp is an alpine pasture and railway station in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It is located at 1,874 metres above sea level and is a stop on the Wengernalp Railway between Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg. It is a popular spot for hiking and skiing." Wengernalp is a significant alpine pasture (German: ''Alp'') and a prominent railway station located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Situated at an elevation of 1,874 metres (6,148 ft) above sea level, it serves as a key intermediate point on the Wengernalp Railway (Wengernalpbahn), connecting the car-free village of Wengen with the mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg The name "Wengernalp" translates to "Wengen's Alpine Pasture," reflecting its traditional use as a grazing area for livestock from Wengen


Geography and setting

Wengernalp is nestled in a spectacular high-alpine landscape, offering panoramic views of some of the most iconic peaks of the Jungfrau Region, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains The pasture itself consists of rolling meadows that are rich in alpine flora during the summer months, providing grazing land for cows. In winter, these same slopes transform into a popular skiing area, part of the extensive Jungfrau Ski Region The area is characterized by its dramatic topography, with the steep slopes of the Eiger towering to the north. Due to its elevation and location, Wengernalp experiences a typical alpine climate, with cold, snowy winters and relatively mild summers Meltwater from the surrounding peaks contributes to small streams and seasonal tarns (mountain lakes) that dot the landscape.


History and development

Historically, Wengernalp has been used for centuries as an alpine pasture by the local farming communities of Wengen and Lauterbrunnen, vital for summer grazing and cheese production The area's true transformation began with the advent of tourism in the 19th century and, most significantly, with the construction of the Wengernalp Railway. The Wengernalp Railway, which opened to Kleine Scheidegg in 1892, placed Wengernalp on the map as an accessible destination The construction of the railway itself was a major engineering feat, and Wengernalp became a crucial stop for passengers ascending towards Kleine Scheidegg and beyond to the Jungfraujoch. The railway station at Wengernalp allowed for the development of the area beyond just a pasture, facilitating the growth of mountain hotels and other tourist infrastructure Over the decades, Wengernalp has evolved from a purely agricultural area to a well-known tourist hub, maintaining its pastoral charm while accommodating visitors from around the world.


Wengernalp Railway Station

The Wengernalp station is a key stop on the Wengernalp Railway, a metre gauge (1,000 mm) cogwheel railway that is the longest continuous cogwheel railway in the world The station serves as a passing loop for trains and provides direct access to the surrounding hiking trails and ski slopes. It typically features a station building, platforms, and sometimes a small refreshment or souvenir shop, though its primary function remains as a railway stop and access point to the high Alps 0 Trains run regularly between
Wengen Wengen () is a mountain village in the Bernese Oberland of central Switzerland. Located in the canton of Bern at an elevation of above sea level, it is part of the Jungfrauregion and has approximately 1,300 year-round residents, which swells t ...
and
Kleine Scheidegg The Kleine Scheidegg () is a mountain pass at an elevation of , situated below and between the Eiger and Lauberhorn peaks in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The name means "minor watershed", as it only divides the two arms of the L ...
, allowing passengers to easily reach Wengernalp for various activities throughout the year 1


Tourism and activities

Wengernalp is a popular destination for both summer and winter tourism: * Summer: Hikers can explore a vast network of trails leading from Wengernalp to Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, or even towards the Eiger Glacier. The "Eiger Trail," offering close-up views of the Eiger North Face, is accessible from nearby Kleine Scheidegg or Eigergletscher and can be combined with a visit to Wengernalp 2 The alpine meadows are ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying the scenic beauty. * Winter: During the winter months, Wengernalp is integral to the Jungfrau Ski Region, one of Switzerland's largest ski areas. Ski slopes directly surround the station, and skiers can access lifts and runs connecting to Wengen, Grindelwald, and Kleine Scheidegg. The famous Lauberhorn ski race, part of the Alpine Ski World Cup, passes nearby, and Wengernalp offers excellent vantage points for spectators 3 * Accommodation: Several historic hotels and guesthouses are located at Wengernalp, offering overnight stays with breathtaking mountain views. These establishments often date back to the early days of alpine tourism and provide a traditional Swiss mountain experience 4


Environmental considerations

As part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wengernalp is situated within a protected natural landscape 5 Efforts are made to manage tourism sustainably, preserving the delicate alpine ecosystem while allowing visitors to experience its beauty. This includes managing erosion, protecting alpine flora and fauna, and promoting responsible tourism practices 6 The Wengernalp Railway itself contributes to sustainability by providing car-free access to the region, reducing road traffic and associated environmental impacts.


See also

*
Alps The Alps () are some of the highest and most extensive mountain ranges in Europe, stretching approximately across eight Alpine countries (from west to east): Monaco, France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria and Slovenia. ...


References

*
Swisstopo Swisstopo is the official name for the Swiss Federal Office of Topography, Switzerland's national mapping agency. The current name was made official in 2002. It had been used as the domain name for the homepage of the instituteswisstopo.admi ...
topographic maps * "Wengernalpbahn AG , jungfrau.ch." ''Jungfrau.ch''. Available at: https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/corporate/jungfraubahn-holding-ag/companies/wengernalpbahn-ag/ (Accessed May 23, 2025). * "Wengen - Switzerland Tourism." ''MySwitzerland.com''. (This general source for Wengen often explains its history and connection to the surrounding area). * "Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe." ''Jungfrau.ch''. Available at: https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe/ (Accessed May 23, 2025). (This often highlights the views from the region). *4] "Jungfrau Ski Region." ''Jungfrau.ch''. Available at: https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/winter/jungfrau-ski-region/ (Accessed May 23, 2025). * (A general geographical or climate resource for the Bernese Oberland or Jungfrau region would be ideal. ''Placeholder: Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss)''.) * (Historical accounts of alpine farming in Switzerland or local history books of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. ''Placeholder: Local historical society publications for the Jungfrau Region.'') * "Wengernalp Railway - Wikipedia" (While this is the article to expand, its own existing references would be used here. For external verification: "The Wengernalp Railway, a Swiss Train Line to Paradise." ''Switzerland Insider''. Available at: https://switzerlandinsider.com/the-wengernalp-railway-a-swiss-train-line-to-paradise/ (Accessed May 23, 2025)). * (Tourism history of the Jungfrau Region, indicating how infrastructure developed alongside the railway. ''Placeholder: Academic articles on Swiss alpine tourism history.'') * "Wengernalpbahn AG , jungfrau.ch." ''Jungfrau.ch''. Available at: https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/corporate/jungfraubahn-holding-ag/companies/wengernalpbahn-ag/ (Accessed May 23, 2025). * 0(Observation from maps, images, and descriptions of the railway line. Official railway timetables often show station amenities. ''Placeholder: Wengernalpbahn official timetable/map.'') * 1"Jungfraubahnen Timetable." ''Jungfrau.ch''. (Regularly updated timetable information). * 2"Hiking trails in the Jungfrau Region." ''Jungfrau.ch''. (This site provides details on popular hiking routes). * 3"Jungfrau Ski Region." ''Jungfrau.ch''. Available at: https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/winter/jungfrau-ski-region/ (Accessed May 23, 2025). * 4(Booking websites for the Jungfrau Region or specific hotel websites at Wengernalp, e.g., Hotel Jungfrau Wengernalp. ''Placeholder: Hotel Jungfrau Wengernalp website for historical context.'') * 5"Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site." ''UNESCO.org''. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1037 (Accessed May 23, 2025). * 6(Sustainability reports from Jungfraubahn Holding AG or environmental management plans for the UNESCO site. ''Placeholder: Information from the UNESCO World Heritage site management plan for Jungfrau-Aletsch.'')


External links

*http://www.wengernalp.ch {{Coord, 46.5756, N, 7.9398, E, type:landmark_region:CH, display=title Ski areas and resorts in Switzerland