Clothing for Wengen
 

Will be in Wengen in mid-August. Plan on going to Schilthorn and taking Mannlichen cable car and walking to Kleine Scheidegg.

Should I take my 800 powder-fill down Patagonia waterproof jacket with me???

Really, what's the scoop on what to wear?

I asked about ATM's in Wengen and only got one response.

Let's not turn this into the Walmart of travel forums.

Be nice and help.

Your old friend,
Buffy Buttmarkington

My husband and I spent 3 days in Lauterbrunnen June 21 to 23. The first day in Lauterbrunnen the weather was miserable. Rainy and very cold. So cold that it snowed in Wengen. I could not get warm. The warmest place was in the laundromat. I was wearing a turtlenect and a fleece. I went to a store in Wengen called Swiss Made and a lovely saleslady steered me to the sale section where I bought a long sleeve shirt to wear over the turtleneck. The following day the weather cleared up.We made it up to Jungfrau and it was quite comfortable up there. It is difficult to advise you on what to bring for clothing. I would definitely bring fleece and perhaps a light raincoat.Somedays I was very comfortable with only a light sweater. I hope you find this somewhat helpful. Enjoy your trip. Wengen is a lovely town.

Hi Poison_Preen,
We stayed in Lauterbrunnen last September for 8 days. Other than our trip to the Jungfrau, I wore capris, sleveless shirts and hiking sandals or boots everyday. I always carried a windbreaker in my daypack.

The walk from Mannlichen to KS is extremely easy so you will not need any special hiking shoes for that. School children and a gentleman riding one of those motorized scooters were on the trail so that tells you the condition of the trail.

As for the Schilthorn. I did not go there but did go to the Jungfrau. Are you planning on hiking around outside up there? How big is your jacket? If this is the only time you will using it on your trip I would say to leave it at home and just throw on a few extra thin layers if the weather is cold. We actually did not even need a jacket when we were hiking the Jungfrau. It was a beautiful sunny day and I was in a thin long sleeve shirt and my husband was in a t-shirt.

Regarding the ATMs. The ATM in Lauterbrunnen is directly across from the train station on the main street (across the street). If you don't have one in Wengen than you can pop on down to Lauterbrunnen for some money.

Have fun. You will love the BO. It is beautiful.

Michele

That is so funny ID to hear that is actually snowed in Wengen! We were there the previous week---it was cold and very overcast...I brought a short trenchcoat and wore it with a long sleeved shirt and scarf up to Schilthorn and Kleine Scheidegg...I was fine with that--since I am from Florida, I tend to get cold if it is chilly outside. I had brought a lightweight cashmere pullover just in case, but I never used it. So Buffy, not to worry--you should be just fine, dahling!

Layers. Took a couple of short sleeve shirts, one thin turtleneck (wicking kind), Polartec zip-up jacket, Gore-tex shell. Gloves and hat--you're ready for anything the summer Alps throws at you, hot or cold.

Footwear: Agree that most of the trails are doable with athletic shoes, but you might want to wear the hiking things anyway.

Warning: There was a sign on the Schilthorn when we were there that translated to "No high heels". Just an FYI :)

I just checked my pictures from 2006:

Schilthorn - June 28 - we wore jean, T-shirts and light sweaters and weren't cold.
Mannlichen to KS - June 29 - T-shirts and jeans and sneakers - its a very easy walk, my 12 year olds had not probem at all (and neither did I ;) )
Julngfrau - we did have winter jackets (but not for super cold temps - just regular ones that you can get in department stores) for that day since we were up on the glacier, and we did need them, although in the pictures my son has his unzipped and had a T-shirt underneath. I recommend a lighter jacket and layering.

Hope this helps.

Oops!!! Make that **JULY** 28 and 29 in my above post. Only a couple weeks before you'll be there. Sorry!

Thank you for all your help.

I guess I will leave the Patagonia jacket at home. I'll make do with my cashmere hoodie.

Your old friend,
Buffy Buttmarkington

I've been to Wengen 13 times in the past 13 summers, for anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months at a time. In August you need a number of lightweight layers along with a windproof/waterproof shell. You may get some rain showers in the afternoon so a waterproof shell with a hood is your best defense.

Not much to do outside of Schilthorn revolving restaurant as views are the same inside as out. And the views are sublime but the food lousy -- eat as Murren at the Alpenruh hotel next to gondola on way up or down and have a coffee or beer for the one hour it takes for the restaurant to revolve all the way around. If you are doing Jungrfraujoch and want to get out on the glacier bring your cashmere hoody along with all your other layers. It gets cool in the evening in Wengen so you will be happy to have your hoody there as well.

Mannlichen to KS a piece of cake, regular tennis shoes fine (vs. hiking boots).

Two 24/7 ATMS in Wengen, both on the main street in town. Both at bank branches that are open during the day in case you want to open a Swiss bank account - ha! Seriously, the Swiss are very accomodating about making sure you have the cash you need to fully enjoy your experience so there are ATMs in every village.

Thanks, Kim. I have read many of your very informative posts on TA. You have been a big help to me. 20 more days until Switzerland and counting.......

T

Hello Poison_Preen :)

Don't forget your sun protection! That sun can be piercing!((#))

In addition to sunscreen, I recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat; a lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirt; and Polaroid sunglasses when hiking the trails.

Very near the end of the Mannlichen --> Kleine Scheidegg walk, there is the Eigernordwand Restaurant. If you have time, get a cliffside table and try their apple strudel with vanilla sauce! Nice way to end a beautiful day!

August is a lovely time to visit Wengen and environs.

Happy travels!

Well, I will be wearing my Borsalino straw fedora that came from Rome and some Dries Van Noten and Balenciaga. My sunglasses are Prada, of course.

I have my outfit all picked out for my Kleine Scheidegg walk: Proenza Schouler PS 1 bag, Balmain jacket, Eddie Borgo bracelets from Luisa via Roma, Opening Ceremony shoes, and Acne Jeans.

Oh, I bet the everyone will be pea-green with envy when they see me do my high-kicks and twirls in the paddock with Flossie the cow. Not too many can do a cartwheel in dhoti pants from Lanvin.

Don't be hatin' cause I am beautiful, Miss Thing.

Your old friend,
Pippy Poptartington

Pippy/Buffy/Poison/Slim, m'dear: You've been so awfully QUIET lately that I feared you were buried under an avalanche. Now I realize, thank gawd, that you've just been going through your wardrobe with a Mason Pearson tortoiseshell comb. Have a fabulous time! You simply MUST have Keith snap some pics of that cartwheel. You've practically promised.

Who could hate you ThinPippy when you are so funny and entertaining!?

I hope Flossie the cow and all her bovine friends appreciate your sartorial splendour.

Have a great time and please do a trip report upon your return!

Thin

I just got back, it wasn't that cold - quite the opposite. Layers will be enough for the higher elevations.

You will love the walk from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg.

DO NOT miss Schynige Platte. Do not.

Beth and others, is this the best way to get to Schynige Platte from Wengen?

Take train from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen, transfer to train to Wilderswil. At Wilderswil, take train to Schynige Platte.

The Fantabulous Buffy Buttmarkington

Perfect, Fantabulous BB!!

Lots and lots of locals do this excursion as it makes for such a beautiful day.

The train has bench style seating, with two rows in each section facing each other. On the way up, I suggest sitting on the side that would have you facing forward. Then as you ascent, on the left you'll be rewarded with views of the Interlaken lakes.

But it's on the right side, after you come thru the tunnel, that will take your breath away. Won't tell you what awaits you -- the element of surprise is so worth the anticipation!!

Happy travels!

Thank you, Swisshiker. You have been a font of information.

My husband and I will toast you with a glass of Krug whilst at the Baur au Lac Hotel.

Prost, schotzi

Buff

I always take a sweater, a turtle neck pullover or two, a few short sleeve shirts, several pairs of jeans, both blue and black. A lightweight jacket is a must. Bring a good pair of hiking shoes, either boots or walking shoes. When you're down in Interlaken, it will be warm and maybe even humid. In the mountains, throw a sweater or a jacket in that backpack. If it's raining, get out that rain gear. If it's raining hard, get out of the mountains. I have found it is not a good idea to be walking up in the mountains when there is heavy rain! Look, juts my opinion here, which btw is based on many years of travel to this area!