Someone posted this same question about Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen and got some great responses. I'd love to hear similar opinions on the pros and cons of Grindelwald vs Wengen (in August if it matters).

Grindelwald- cars; bigger so more restaurant, shopping options, etc.; "busier" atmosphere

Wengen-no cars, smaller, quieter atmosphere

Grindelwald---on the valley floor, looking up at mountains and glaciers. Lots of options for dining, lodging, hikes, and shopping. Lots of cars and tourists.

Wengen---high up on a ridge, looking down into the Lauterbrunnen valley and up at the Jungfrau. Small, car-free village; very peaceful, very special.

We try to spend some time in each.

Thank you both. I think I'll look into a couple of nights in each location.

Bear in mind that Wengen and Grindelwald are very close to each other geographicaly.

The transit time on the train is a little long because two changes are required, assuming you don't take the mountain train route via Kleine Scheidegg, which is expensive if you have no discount. Even then, it is not cheap!!

Travel time via the conventional route of Wengen - Lauterbrunnen - Zweilütschinen - Grindelwald on the BOB is at best 56 minutes.

You ask what is the difference? I think the answers above summarize it nicely.

I guess a flippant answer is that Wengen has a better bakery, but Grindelwald has more hotels and cars.

Hi bd,

Unless you like crowds, don't stay in Grindelwald in August. I took my mom there one August, and it was packed with crowds exiting tour busses and mobbing the sidewalks. Mom and I had lunch in Wengen, and it was empty. Do yourself a favor & stay in Wengen!

s

I can't think of a better reason to pick Wengen. Thanks Swandav!