Winter Wonderland in the Bernese Oberland from Wengen, Switzerland

SUMMARY

Date: Friday 29th January to Friday 5th February 2027  – 8 days/ 7 nights with 5 days snowshoeing plus an optional  Toboggan ride. This is a chance to try out winter activities and there will be choices.

You can do downhill skiing from Wengen – we do not offer it as part of this holiday but it can be arranged for you. Perhaps you have a friend/partner who would like to join you but prefers downhill whilst your prefer snowshoeing?

Guide: Vroni, 0ur local Swiss Guide with Ginny from the UK WalkingWomen team.

Walking Grade: GOAT 2 – we have graded this holiday Goat 2 as you are walking and snowshoeing at altitude so you need to be fit enough for the mountains. Our snow shoeing and walks will be steady with lots of stops as this is the chance to see if this is a new winter activity for you. All days are suitable for those who have never snow shoed as well as those with some experience.

Highlights:

• snowshoeing along beautiful trails where you get off piste into serene nature
• being in the mountain village of Wengen with magnificent views of the snowy Alps all around
• being out in the bracing fresh air
• your cosy alpine hotel
• a toboggan run for fun!
• local food – fondue, raclette and rosti are staple alpine food
• an evening in a traditional mountain hut (huttli) for either a fondue or raclette.
• a half price train ticket valid for one month on Swiss trains – so well worth extending your stay.

Base:  Hotel Belle Vue, Wengen. You can check it out here  Hotel Belle Vue

Our hotel is in a quieter spot with spectacular views from your bedroom towards the great mountain range of the Eiger, Munch and JungFrau. The owner is Judith Graf-Engi and she has been running this hotel for decades. It is a very special place,

Arrivals:  Zurich

 If you would like to travel together with Ginny, meet at Zurich HB( main train station) at 14.00 to catch onward train to Wengen. There is a direct train from Zurich Airport to Zurich HB that takes approx 10 minutes.

You can also fly to Geneva and make your way to Wengen by train.

MEET UP : Wengen Train Station at 17.00 to go to the hotel together.

Departures: Leaving Wengen after breakfast at approx 10.30am for the train station for connections trains back to Zurich or Geneva.

Price: £tbc ( 2026 price was £2400)  for solo occupancy ensuite rooms each night . If sharing a room there is a discount.

Included:

• all Breakfasts and evening meals
• all taxes/water charges
• expert local guiding
• snow shoe and poles hire/toboggan hire
• your return train transfer from Zurich or Geneva aiport to Wengen
• cable Car/Lift Pass for our week in the mountains.
• luggage transport from Wengen station to the hotel and return.
• WalkingWomen hosting and personalised support throughout
• A Swiss Travel Pass valid for 1 month so any additional journeys will be just half price. Ideal if you choose to stay in Switzerland longer.

Not included:

• drinks from the bar and with dinner
• lunches – you can pick up something from the local bakery or sometimes we stop for a snack in a mountain restaurant. We also suggest bringing snacks that sustain you on the trail.

DETAILS

If you haven’t tried snow shoes then this is the time…do watch the video!

OUR LOVE OF SNOWSHOEING

Wengen is a charming car-free village in the Swiss Alps – a perfect base for outdoor adventures and peaceful mountain living. It is part of the JungFrau Ski Region which is home to over 200km of pistes. Plenty of great hiking and quiet spots for snow shoeing. The trails are well maintained and routes give experiences of walking through forests and across alpine meadows.

There are some of the longest scenic sled runs anywhere in Switzerland.

This could be just the trip you need to start your year.

ITINERARY

You will be guided by Vroni your local guide who is passionate to show you the best of her area. Last year she was loved!  As always, we say “Trust Your Guide” as they may need to change the programme due to weather or for other reasons. You can rest assured you will get a full, fun programme. We will brief you each day.

Arrival – Friday  

MEET UP : 14.00 at Zurich Main Train Station or 17.00 at WENGEN Train Station or directly at the Hotel BelleVue for a welcome briefing at 18.30am. Dinner together at the hotel.

Saturday : Breakfast together between 7.30 and 9am.

10.00am: Meet Vroni to try out equipment and have our first snow shoe experience which will be a short walk of approx 2 hours before stopping for lunch in a mountain restaurant. Return to our hotel around 15.00. There will be time for a hot tub or  relaxation time before our evening meal together at 19.00.

Sunday and Monday : we will do either snowshoeing, walking or tobogganing. We will discuss with you each evening . We meet Vroni on these days at 10am and return approx. 16.00. We have evening meals together at the hotel.

Tuesday is a rest day: we will give ideas for excursions. Last year the group went to visit the top of the world – JungFrau Joch and experience the Eiger Express.

Wednesday and Thursday – we will do either snowshoeing, walking or tobogganing. We will discuss with you each evening . We meet Vroni on these days at 10am and return approx. 16.00.

Wednesday early evening we will walk (approx 50 minutes)  to the Huttli ( a small forest hut/restaurant) for a traditional fondue or raclette. A taxi can be provided at an extra cost to you.

Thursday evening is back at our hotel for our finale evening together.

Friday : departure after breakfast around 10.30am. Check out is 12 noon if anyone would like to stay longer.