Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps, Wengen

The village of Wengen is an idyllic alpine resort, set high on a sheltered alp above the dramatic Lauterbrunnen Valley, right in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Lying at an altitude of 1,163 metres, Wengen is backed by one of the finest mountain landscapes in Europe, including the famous trio of peaks - the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. These dominate the scene and form a spectacular background to the lush, botanically rich alpine meadows and spruce forests at their feet. In late June, all but the highest peaks are spared from snow and the newly exposed pastures become awash with a carpet of flowers. Our tour is timed to coincide with the peak of this display.

From our comfy hotel, sitting on the edge of Lauterbrunnen, we will view the excellent network of footpaths that radiate out into the adjacent countryside. We will also make full use of the extensive cable-car and mountain railway network to carry us quickly and comfortably high into the surrounding alpine meadows. At this time of year the high alpine pastures around the Männlichen hold a rich diversity of flora. Species such as Alpenrose, Globeflower and Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid are common, and several species of saxifrage, Pedicularis, Campanula, gentian, Primula and violet are likely to be found. We will endeavour to find some of the more sought after plants such as Lady’s Slipper Orchid, Alpine Pasque Flower and Alpine Snowbell, as well as ferns.

Excursions around Kleine Scheidegg and Mürren will add further to the variety of plants encountered, and a trip to the foot of the Eiger Glacier will allow us to search the screes and moraines for species such as Alpine Buttercup, Yellow Milk Vetch and Broadleaved Mouse-ear. Ibex are fairly common around the glacier and Alpine Marmots peer inquisitively from their burrows; high-altitude birds such as Snow Finch, Citril Finch, Alpine Accentor, Water Pipit, Alpine Chough, and Ring Ouzel are all likely to be seen. The natural limestone flora of the Schynige Platte is legendary amongst botanists, and for many will be the highlight of this tour. Our day here will begin with a visit to the famous botanical gardens, before we take in the undulating pastures along the ridge in search of plants such as St. Bruno’s Lily, Yellow Bellflower, Black Vanilla Orchid and Alpine Sainfoin.

The views down over Interlaken are breathtaking, as are those back towards the high mountains and Wengen. We will also explore at lower altitudes, searching the hay meadows and spruce forests around Wengen and Lauterbrunnen in search of plants such as Greater and Lesser Masterwort, many species of butterflies and birds such as Nutcracker and Black Woodpecker. The mountain landscape, the spectacular botanical riches and other wildlife combined with the area’s classical Swiss charm are sure to remain in the memory long after we return to London.