Old Lodge Backpackers

Old Lodge Backpackers, or Wengenlodge, is a large, beautiful old building down the hill from the main town. Coming from the train station, go straight and hang a right when you get to the co-op supermarket. Go down through the tunnel under the train tracks and follow the road until you see a big yellowish house with a cow-patterned sign that says "Wengenlodge". When you arrive, the reception desk may be empty but there should be instructions where to find the hosts. The hosts are friendly and helpful (hello Angela!).

Accommodations in the dorms are simple but comfortable (the best sleep I had on my trip was on one of their bunk beds). There are clean linens supplied, including a pillow and pillowcase, fitted sheet, duvet and duvet cover. There are two washrooms at the end of the hall (with cute paintings of cows on the walls), a sink in the hall, and one shared shower in a good-sized room with a locking door. The water in the shower was hot and I never had to wait in line.

The building itself is getting rather run down, but it is clean and it has a unique atmosphere. Being in a small town, the mood at the hostel is quiet and very casual. Most of the guests are interested in the fantastic hiking in the Jungfrau region. People often talk in the common room to compare notes on their favorite hikes and sights.

The kitchen has a sink and small refrigerator. There is a large common area with several tables, wood floors, couches, and a TV. Outside is a large yard with more tables, chairs, a small rock climbing wall, and a ping pong table, and a spectacular view of the mountains.

The hostel advertises "free internet," but it is not at the hostel. It is up at Rock's Bar in the town. You get 1/2 hour of free internet when you buy a drink. There is usually a line for the internet access when it's busy, but they are often less crowded early in the day, if you just want to pop in for a spot of tea.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2004