Snowshoe Hiking
Snowshoe hiking allows guests to explore quiet, snow-covered landscapes beyond the maintained winter trails. Using wide, lightweight frames strapped to winter boots, snowshoes let hikers move across deep snow without sinking. It’s a low-impact, accessible winter sport ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking solitude in the Alps. Wengen’s high plateau location and surrounding terrain make it an excellent base for snowshoe hikes of all levels.
Snowshoe Hiking in Wengen
Wengen offers direct access to a variety of snowshoe-friendly zones, from open meadows to forested slopes. The most popular self-guided area starts from the Männlichen mountain station, where a marked snowshoe loop leads toward the Tschuggen ridge. This route offers spectacular views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Eiger, making it a scenic favorite for day hikers.
Another accessible route begins from Wengernalp, reached via train from Wengen. The trail leads toward the slopes below the Lauberhorn, with open snowfields ideal for snowshoeing after fresh snowfall. While not all routes are officially marked, Wengen’s terrain offers a number of intuitive paths that are safe to explore in good weather and stable snow conditions.
All snowshoe hikes require attention to avalanche advisories and weather changes, especially when venturing beyond marked areas.
Broader Regional Routes
Additional snowshoe hiking opportunities can be found around Mürren, Grütschalp, and the Schilthorn region, accessible by train and cable car. The Allmendhubel area above Mürren has gentle terrain suited for less experienced hikers, while the Grindelwald-First area offers more ambitious routes for experienced snowshoers looking for elevation gain and long-distance loops.
Equipment Rental in Wengen
Snowshoeing equipment can be rented from shops in Wengen:
- Central Sport – Modern snowshoes, telescopic poles, and hiking backpacks
- Intersport Wengen – Adjustable snowshoe sets and gaiters
- Alpia Sport + Mode – Winter boots and layering gear, suitable for snow travel
It’s recommended to wear waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, and thermal socks. Rental shops can advise on suitable trails based on current snow conditions.
Practical Info
The snowshoe season typically runs from January to early March. No lift ticket is needed for low-altitude routes near Wengen, but Männlichen and Wengernalp require a train or gondola fare. Snowshoeing can be done independently or with local guides, who offer half-day and full-day tours including safety equipment and instruction.
Stay with Faern
Faern Victoria Lauberhorn offers the ideal starting point for snowshoeing adventures, with access to trails via the Männlichen gondola or Wengernalpbahn just minutes from the hotel. Guests can store equipment onsite and unwind after a snowy hike in the spa, lounge, or panoramic dining area.
