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Vacation in Lenk
Lenk im Simmental, often simply called Lenk, is a traditional alpine village with roots going back to Roman times. The name likely comes from "Lenken," a word used for places where the land bends—appropriate given the village's location at the end of the Simmental Valley, where the valley curves near the Wildstrubel massif. It developed as a farming community but became known for its healing springs and later grew into a tourist destination in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Description
Lenk sits at 1,068 meters (3,504 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by majestic peaks, waterfalls, and flower-filled meadows. It's less commercial than nearby Gstaad, offering a more relaxed, family-friendly alpine experience. The area is known for its peaceful nature, wellness offerings, and strong agricultural traditions.
Typical Foods
Lenk shares its culinary identity with the broader Bernese Oberland region:
Simmentaler Rindfleisch – Local beef from the famous Simmental cattle.
Berner Platte – A platter with various meats, sauerkraut, and potatoes.
Alpkäse – Alpine cheese made in mountain huts.
Rösti – Fried grated potatoes, often served with cheese or eggs.
Älplermagronen – Alpine macaroni with cheese, potatoes, onions, and applesauce.
Heusuppe – A mild herbal hay soup, occasionally served in local mountain restaurants.
Summer Activities
Hiking & Mountain Biking – Over 600 km of trails. Top hikes include:
Lenk to Iffigenalp and Simmenfälle
Betelberg panoramic trails
Wildstrubel glacier hikes (for advanced hikers)
Simmenfälle Waterfalls – Easily accessible waterfalls with scenic picnic areas.
Wellness – Alpine spas, including at Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort.
Paragliding – Tandem flights over Simmental.
Horseback Riding – Especially popular with families.
Mountain Lakes – Visit Iffigsee, a glacial lake in a stunning high-alpine basin.
Winter Activities
Skiing & Snowboarding – Lenk is part of the Adelboden-Lenk ski area, with 200+ km of pistes.
Cross-country Skiing – Trails along the valley floor and high-altitude tracks.
Tobogganing – Family-friendly runs, including Betelberg.
Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking – Many marked trails.
Ice Skating – Outdoor rinks in town.
Ski Touring – Popular routes in the Wildstrubel region.
Shops & Local Products
Cheese Dairies – Buy fresh Alpkäse and other dairy products directly from farms.
Bakeries & Butchers – Known for traditional breads and cured meats.
Souvenir Shops – Wooden crafts, wool clothing, herbal products, and handmade goods.
Local Market (in summer) – Sells regional specialties and crafts.
Festivals & Events
Alphorn Festival (Lenk Alphorntreffen) – Held in July, featuring traditional music and yodeling.
Lenk Jazz Days – A popular jazz festival in mid-summer.
Chästeilet (Cheese Sharing Festival) – Celebrates the end of the Alpine grazing season in autumn.
Christmas Market – A cozy, small-town festive experience.
Cattle Descent (Alpabfahrt) – Decorated cows return from alpine pastures in September.
Nature & Highlights
Simmenfälle – Iconic waterfalls just outside the village.
Iffigfall & Iffigsee – Waterfalls and glacial lake hikes.
Wildstrubel & Wildhorn – Famous mountains for climbing and glacier tours.
Floral Alpine Pastures – Explosive alpine flower blooms in June/July.
Sibe Brünne – A sacred spring where seven fountains emerge directly from a rock wall.
Description
Lenk sits at 1,068 meters (3,504 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by majestic peaks, waterfalls, and flower-filled meadows. It's less commercial than nearby Gstaad, offering a more relaxed, family-friendly alpine experience. The area is known for its peaceful nature, wellness offerings, and strong agricultural traditions.
Typical Foods
Lenk shares its culinary identity with the broader Bernese Oberland region:
Simmentaler Rindfleisch – Local beef from the famous Simmental cattle.
Berner Platte – A platter with various meats, sauerkraut, and potatoes.
Alpkäse – Alpine cheese made in mountain huts.
Rösti – Fried grated potatoes, often served with cheese or eggs.
Älplermagronen – Alpine macaroni with cheese, potatoes, onions, and applesauce.
Heusuppe – A mild herbal hay soup, occasionally served in local mountain restaurants.
Summer Activities
Hiking & Mountain Biking – Over 600 km of trails. Top hikes include:
Lenk to Iffigenalp and Simmenfälle
Betelberg panoramic trails
Wildstrubel glacier hikes (for advanced hikers)
Simmenfälle Waterfalls – Easily accessible waterfalls with scenic picnic areas.
Wellness – Alpine spas, including at Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort.
Paragliding – Tandem flights over Simmental.
Horseback Riding – Especially popular with families.
Mountain Lakes – Visit Iffigsee, a glacial lake in a stunning high-alpine basin.
Winter Activities
Skiing & Snowboarding – Lenk is part of the Adelboden-Lenk ski area, with 200+ km of pistes.
Cross-country Skiing – Trails along the valley floor and high-altitude tracks.
Tobogganing – Family-friendly runs, including Betelberg.
Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking – Many marked trails.
Ice Skating – Outdoor rinks in town.
Ski Touring – Popular routes in the Wildstrubel region.
Shops & Local Products
Cheese Dairies – Buy fresh Alpkäse and other dairy products directly from farms.
Bakeries & Butchers – Known for traditional breads and cured meats.
Souvenir Shops – Wooden crafts, wool clothing, herbal products, and handmade goods.
Local Market (in summer) – Sells regional specialties and crafts.
Festivals & Events
Alphorn Festival (Lenk Alphorntreffen) – Held in July, featuring traditional music and yodeling.
Lenk Jazz Days – A popular jazz festival in mid-summer.
Chästeilet (Cheese Sharing Festival) – Celebrates the end of the Alpine grazing season in autumn.
Christmas Market – A cozy, small-town festive experience.
Cattle Descent (Alpabfahrt) – Decorated cows return from alpine pastures in September.
Nature & Highlights
Simmenfälle – Iconic waterfalls just outside the village.
Iffigfall & Iffigsee – Waterfalls and glacial lake hikes.
Wildstrubel & Wildhorn – Famous mountains for climbing and glacier tours.
Floral Alpine Pastures – Explosive alpine flower blooms in June/July.
Sibe Brünne – A sacred spring where seven fountains emerge directly from a rock wall.
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