Wengen

Wengen is in fact a village built on the side of a mountain, so it slopes downhill from north to south. Nothing is perfectly flat.

Hotel Baren is a reasonable distance from the train station, but it will be a slight bit of incline/decline going to/from. Nothing major, but it’s not a flat walk, it’s a gentle slope. If you want as flat of a walk as possible to the train for your activities during the day, then you should look at hotels right next to the train station - Maya Caprice, Silberhorn or Arenas Resort Victoria Lauberhorn are the closest. Baren & Maya Caprice probably have the best views.

With any room you get in Wengen, make sure it’s a south facing balcony if you want the best view.

Do not rely on pick up/drop off and e-taxis in Wengen. The point of the place is that it’s a car free village, so don’t pick somewhere that you can’t get yourself to and from. Zermatt has been ruined by tourists thinking they need to be driven everywhere….in a car free village. It defeats the purpose. Stay somewhere near the train station where you can manage your own movement and you’ll have a great time.

I'll just throw in that I've heard many reports saying that the Maya Caprice restaurant is wonderful.

We stayed for a week in Wengen last year, after being in St. Moritz and Zermatt. I found that the altitude caused me lots of problems that I don't normally suffer, mainly breathlessness, so hills were incredibly difficult. Strange because I live in a hilly area and walk them daily.

We chose the Maya Caprice and are so very glad we did. It was extremely close to the station, with the teensiest of slopes, so easy to manage even with suitcases.

We did dine at the Baren one night, and coming back was quite difficult for me. I would have hated to do that on a daily basis.

I agree with Janet, the previous poster, about the restaurant at Maya Caprice too. Probably the best restaurant we ate at in over three weeks. We rarely repeat a dinner, but we made an exception for Restaurant Caprice and ate there twice, as well as breakfast each day.

The views from our room over the valley were simply stunning. I could have sat on that balcony all day.

We stayed at the Hotel Edelweiss, just across from the Hotel Bären. While we were okay going uphill to the train station, it is steep and if she isn't used to elevation it could be difficult for your mom.

Carrie has stayed at the Hotel Schonegg, so maybe she will see this and let you know what she thinks. I'm pretty sure she thinks it's an easier walk to the station than the Bären.

The altitude in Wengen is less than St. Moritz or Zermatt and is less than places like Denver in the US. You won't experience altitude sickness at 4,000 ft. but of course if you're out of shape you may feel a bit of extra work on walking uphill than you would at sea level.

The main street of Wengen is as flat as you're going to get in Wengen, so Schoenegg will be slightly further from the train station but less incline/decline than Baren. Baren is a gentle hill, not steep at all, but it does have some incline. It's about a 5 minute walk from Baren or Schoenegg to the train station - Baren, shorter distance with some incline - Schoenegg, a bit further distance and as flat as you're going to get in the mountains.

The 3 hotels next to the train station that I listed would probably be your best choice though.

I love the Bären, but it’s a fairly steep walk up to the village. Based on your descriptions, it would probably be a bit much for your mom. Basically anywhere not in the center of Wengen from around the train station to about where Hotel Schönegg is will involve some sort of incline. The walk to the Schönegg itself is pretty much level - there is a big staircase at the front, but you can avoid that by going along the left side to the hotel entrance (small incline but ok). Very nice hotel.
Otherwise, the other hotels along the Dorfstrasse would be the best options if you really want to minimize walking or save it for the sightseeing.

Carrie has stayed at the Hotel Schonegg, so maybe she will see this
and let you know what she thinks. I'm pretty sure she thinks it's an
easier walk to the station than the Bären.

Definitely! :-) I would not stay at the Baren or anywhere down from the train station. I’m 51 and in pretty good shape, but the hills/inclines in Wengen always give me trouble. It’s the altitude!!

As others have mentioned, I would stay near the train station or not past the Schönegg. You already know that the hotel does have a lift.

As far as sitting on the balcony and enjoying the sounds of nature, just be aware that the view side of the Schönegg does face a playground. The noise has never bothered me, but I do remember someone commenting on it here once. People are going to be outside and sound travels no matter where you stay.

There is a small church just past the Schönegg on the left. If your mom can manage the short uphill walk, there are some benches there with a great view overlooking Lauterbrunnen.

I should clarify: I would not stay anywhere down from the train station, even though those hotels are near the train station.

I think that Baren hotel is where i was waiting for the cows this past June. I was up and down multiple times and it was not pleasant. Again, i blame the altitude, which is weird because it's not that high up. But, just high enough i guess.

Just note that past the Schoenegg up that road there is a permanent crane up for the new 5 star hotel construction. If you can get a room at the Maya Caprice I think that would be your best choice for a combo of views and accessibility.

Thanks for your input. I love this forum! Since Schonegg (my first choice based on photos) was not available for all three nights, I booked the Maya Caprice. Which I probably wouldn't have done without this forum, and I am sure I will come back to thank all of you in August! Maya Caprice was originally ruled out by me because the rooms look "modern" and I know my mom is looking for that chalet vibe. I'm sold on the great food and ease to the train. Thank goodness Swiss trains are quiet, and for the feedback from all that replied!

Thanks for letting us know what you decided. I just looked at the website for Maya Caprice. The bathrooms look a little modern, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. The hotel looks super nice. Good choice.

Have a great trip!!

P.S. You might find my trip reports helpful.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-switzerland-june-2024-my-trip-report

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-switzerland-my-trip-report

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/still-dreaming-of-switzerland-a-trip-report