Felix Mendelssohn was regarded in his time as a linguistic and worldly prodigy. He studied poetry, classical philology and theology and caused a sensation with his compositions at the age of nine. As a pianist, he was known for his improvisational skills.

On one of his hikes, from Interlaken via the Lauterbrunnen Valley to Wengen, the Jungfrau enchanted him. Spontaneously, on Sunday 21 August 1842, he drew a historical sketch showing the Jungfrau massif in Wengen. In honour of this great artist, there are three Mendelssohn productions in Wengen: The Mendelssohn Music Week, the Mendelssohn Memorial and the Mendelssohn Trail.

Mendelssohn Music Week
The Mendelssohn Music Week took place for the first time in 2005. The Mendelssohn Music Week always takes place in the week in which 21 August occurs. There are 6 top-class concerts by international classical artists to enjoy.

Mendelssohn Memorial
The Mendelssohn Memorial is located in the upper part of the village of Wengen. It takes about 20 minutes on foot. Felix Mendelssohn made a historic sketch of the Jungfrau massif at this exact spot on Sunday 21 August 1842. This sketch is the earliest non-coloured drawing of Wengen. The path to the memorial is closed in winter because of the danger of avalanches.

Mendelssohn Trail
The diary of Felix Mendelssohn reveals many unique experiences in the Jungfrau Region and in Wengen in particular. It describes a hike to Wengernalp. Felix Mendelssohn's hike was recreated on the basis of the diary. The hike first leads from Wengen to Innerwengen. Innerwengen was the centre of Wengen at that time. The trail continues along a forest path to the Staldenfluh. From Staldenfluh, a forest path leads to Mettlenalp and from there up to Wengernalp, where Felix Mendelssohn described his experiences. The hiking trail is closed in winter due to the danger of avalanches and ice.