Wengen: The Alpine Jewel of Switzerland

• HelloGrüezi
  [ɡrʏətsi]
• GoodbyeUf Widerluege
  [ʊf ˈviːdərluːɡə]
• YesJa
  [ja]
• NoNei
  [naɪ]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [ˈbɪtə]
• Thank youMerci
  [ˈmɛrtsi]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ɛntˈʃʊldɪɡʊŋ]
• How are you?Wie goots?
  [vi: ɡuːts]
• Fine. And you?Guat. Und dir?
  [ɡwat ʊnt di:r]
• Do you speak English?Redsch du Englisch?
  [rɛtʃ du ˈɛŋlɪʃ]
• I don't understandIch verstoh nöd
  [ɪç fɛrˈʃtoː nœd]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte d'Menükarte aluege
  [ɪç ˈmøːxtə ˈbɪtə də ˈmøːnəkɑrtə ˈɑluːɡə]
• I don't eat meatI esse kai Fleisch
  [aɪ ɛs kai̯ flaɪ̯ʃ]
• Cheers!Proscht!
  [prɔʃt]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahle
  [ɪç ˈmøːxtə ˈbɪtə ˈtsaːlə]

• Help!Hüüf!
  [hʏːf]
• Go away!Gang wäg!
  [ɡaŋ wɛːɡ]
• Call the Police!Rüef d Polizei!
  [ryəf d poˈliʦaɪ]
• Call a doctor!Rüef en Dokter!
  [ryəf ən ˈdɔktər]
• I'm lostI ha mi verlaufe
  [aɪ hɑ miː fərˈlaʊ̯fə]
• I'm illI bi chrank
  [aɪ biː xrɑŋk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möcht ... kaufe
  [ɪç mœxt ... ˈkaʊ̯fə]
• I'm just lookingIch luege nume
  [ɪç ˈlyːɡə ˈnuːmə]
• How much is it?Wieviel kostet das?
  [ˈviːfiːl ˈkɔstət das]
• That's too expensiveDas isch zviel
  [das ɪʃ ˈtsfiːl]
• Can you lower the price?Chasch du de Priis churzä?
  [xaʃ du də priːs ˈxʊrtsæ]

• What time is it?Wieviu isch es?
  [ˈviːfiʊ ɪʃ ɛs]
• It's one o'clockEs isch eini
  [ɛs ɪʃ ˈaɪni]
• Half past (10)Halbi (zähni)
  [ˈhalbɪ (ˈt͡sɛːni)]
• MorningMorge
  [ˈmɔrɡə]
• AfternoonNamittag
  [naˈmɪtaɡ]
• EveningAbig
  [ˈɑbiɡ]
• YesterdayGestere
  [ɡəˈʃtɛːrə]
• TodayHüt
  [hyt]
• TomorrowMorn
  [mɔrn]
• 1Eins
  [aɪns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvaɪ]
• 3Drei
  [draɪ]
• 4Vier
  [fiːr]
• 5Fünf
  [fʏnf]
• 6Sechs
  [zɛks]
• 7Sieben
  [ˈziːbən]
• 8Acht
  [axt]
• 9Neun
  [nɔɪn]
• 10Zehn
  [tseːn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo isch ...?
  [vo ɪʃ]
• What's the address?Was isch d'Adresse?
  [vas ɪʃ ˈdadˌrɛsə]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Chasch mir das zeige (uf em Plan)?
  [xas̩ miː das ˈtsaɪ̯ɡə (ʊf ɛm plan)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wänn fahrt de nächschti (Bus)?
  [vɛn fɑrt də ˈnɛːχʃti (bʊs)]
• A ticket (to ....)E Fahrkart (nach ....)
  [aɪ̯ ˈfaːrkaʁt (nax)]

Wengen's history dates back to prehistoric times when early settlers inhabited the rugged terrain of the Bernese Oberland. The evidence of human activity in this region includes ancient artifacts and remnants of early agricultural practices, which provide a glimpse into the life of the first inhabitants of Wengen.

During the medieval period, Wengen was a small alpine village that primarily engaged in farming and livestock rearing. The village was under the jurisdiction of the Abbey of Interlaken, which played a significant role in its development. The influence of the Abbey is evident in the architectural style of the village's early buildings and the layout of its streets.

The mid-19th century marked a turning point in Wengen's history with the advent of tourism. The construction of the Wengernalpbahn railway in 1893 connected Wengen to the broader Swiss railway network, making it accessible to tourists. This development transformed Wengen from a secluded alpine village into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over Europe.

Wengen has a rich history of skiing and winter sports, dating back to the early 20th century. The village became a hub for winter sports enthusiasts, thanks to its ideal location and snow-covered slopes. The establishment of the Lauberhorn ski race in 1930, one of the most prestigious events in the skiing world, further solidified Wengen's reputation as a premier winter sports destination.

During World War II, Wengen, like much of Switzerland, remained neutral. However, the war significantly impacted the village's tourism industry, as travel became restricted. Post-war, Wengen experienced a resurgence in tourism, with a renewed interest in its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The village continued to grow and modernize, while still preserving its traditional charm.

Today, Wengen is a vibrant community that seamlessly blends its historical heritage with modern amenities. The village hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich history and traditions. Wengen's commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that it remains a cherished destination for future generations.

Wengen is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The nearest international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), approximately 130 kilometers away. From Zurich, you can take a train to Interlaken Ost and then transfer to a regional train to Lauterbrunnen. From Lauterbrunnen, a cogwheel train will take you up to Wengen. The entire journey takes about 3 hours by train and offers stunning scenic views.

Wengen is a car-free village, so transportation within the area is primarily on foot or by local trains and cable cars. The Wengernalp Railway connects Wengen with Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg, from where you can access the Jungfraujoch. Cable cars and gondolas provide access to nearby ski slopes and hiking trails. Bicycles and electric taxis are also available for hire.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Wengen. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and public transport. ATMs are available in Wengen, allowing you to withdraw Swiss Francs as needed.

Wengen is generally a very safe destination for tourists. There are no specific areas with high crime rates targeting tourists. Standard precautions should be taken, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings and avoiding secluded areas at night. The village is well-lit and has a low crime rate.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The village has a small medical center for minor health issues. For more serious medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Interlaken. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies in Wengen can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Avoid wearing overly casual clothing in fine dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While there are no major religious sites in Wengen, it is always best to be respectful. Public Transport: Do be punctual and purchase tickets in advance. Don't speak loudly or disturb other passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüezi' (hello in Swiss German). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fondue and rösti. Don't tip excessively; a service charge is usually included in the bill.

To experience Wengen like a local, visit the village market for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and happy to share their knowledge about the area. Don't miss hiking the Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg trail for breathtaking views. For a unique experience, attend a local festival or event, such as the Lauberhorn Ski Races.