In 1908, just three years after the Public Schools Alpine Sports Club was formed by Sir Henry Lunn, with Wengen a popular destination for its members, Hotel Bernerhof was built on Dorfstrasse to accommodate the ever-increasing demand for tourism services in the area from those seeking the fresh mountain air and undeniably stunning views of the Jungfrau in the heart of the Bernese Oberland.
Hotel Bernerhof’s history has been beautifully maintained and the building today has a distinctive quirky vintage feel, writes Colette Redgrave. The recent discovery of the Hotel Guest book dating back to as early as 1922 and several photographs from the late 1960s and early 1970s encapsulate the essence of Wengen, where time feels often like it stands still. These discoveries will soon be on display in the Hotel Entrance for all to enjoy.
The current owners – the Family Schweizer – took over the property in 1970 and the Résidence in 1974, providing excellent traditional Swiss-style catering in the restaurant alongside what is now a warm, family-home-style establishment.
Traditional Swiss Fondu, Raclette, Rösti, Älpler Hörnli and home-made desserts entice customers throughout the summer and winter seasons. Herr Schweizer himself was a proficient sportsman, a keen member of Wengen Curling Club and the connection to the Curling Club is maintained to this day. Frau Schweizer still plays with the club and the hotel hosts regular Club meetings in the Schweizer Stübli, catered for the 2023 Wengen Curling Competitions and often has members at the Stammtisch throughout the winter.
Uniquely, Hotel Bernerhof brings a Latin-American fusion with the family connections to Chile, where Herr Schweizer pursued ed his early career as a hotelier. The responsibility of the Hotel continues now with his daughter, Lidice Schweizer, who is keen to preserve this beautiful Swiss Lodge-style accommodation at the foot of the Männlichen.
Just four minutes from the station, the DHO and ski lift, it is a wonderful place to discover good hearty food at the end of a decent day’s skiing. With hearty-sized portions on offer, we invite members of the DHO to enjoy a 5% discount in The Taverne restaurant throughout the forthcoming 2025-26 Winter Season.
As a clean and warm, budget accommodation, Hotel Bernerhof has welcomed members of the DHO for years, including Chaplain, Roger Scoones as recently as 2022 and ski instructor Charlie Murray-Brown, who frequents the property every year. We welcome back members annually as extended members of the Bernerhof family. Some of our guests are talented artists and we have collected a number of charming water-colours by Charlie and recently one of our Swiss guests, teacher and artist Frank Saurina:
