Lenk im Simmental is a picturesque Swiss village located in the Simmen Valley, part of the Bernese Oberland. It is surrounded by the rolling hills typical of the region, but to the south stands the formidable Wildstrübel massif, an imposing wall of rock that separates the valley from Crans Montana. This natural barrier acts as a shield against southern weather systems, collecting snow in Lenk in the winter months.
Situated at the end of the valley, Lenk experiences no through traffic, making it a haven of peace and tranquillity. Flanked by Adelboden to the east, accessible during winter via ski routes, and Gstaad to the west, the valley enjoys prestigious neighbours. Yet, its quieter reputation, possibly due to its lesser fame, makes it a delightful retreat. With 80% of its visitors being Swiss, it appears that many Europeans are yet to uncover the area’s charm. In summer, Lenk exudes a relaxed, personal, and laid-back vibe. A highlight of the day is enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the Lenkerhof, where we were staying, with the stunning mountainous backdrop setting the scene.
Lenk, the Village
Lenk and its surrounding valley are not ostentatious; rather, they offer a down-to-earth, authentic Alpine experience. The area boasts working farms and some of the most beautiful architecture in the Alps, with idyllic Swiss chalets adorned with local Larch shingles, a true delight for those who appreciate aesthetics.
The village is well-organised and exudes a charming ambience. Many of the local shops proudly sell the produce from the local farms. Be sure to visit the local dairy shop, Lenk Milch. Top Tip: pick up a cheese fondue set and several bags of ready-prepared cheese to take home, you will thank me later.
There are regular events ranging from music and culinary experiences to cultural and sporting activities, ensuring there’s always something happening locally. The village also offers delightful local walks, such as those leading to Lenksee Lake, ideal for young children or those with limited mobility. A large children’s play area will keep little ones entertained for hours.
An Experience Like No Other
On the evening of our arrival, the Lenkerhof arranged a cab ride for us, taking us on a journey through farms and private residences up to 1664 metres. Our destination was Restaurant Bühlberg by Lenkerhof, where we enjoyed our first cheese fondue of the trip. The restaurant boasted a stunning sun terrace with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains. Although rain and clouds were forecasted, the mountains had other plans. As the golden sunset illuminated the mountain tops, we were treated to a spectacular double rainbow against a backdrop of mauve clouds and ginger-coloured mountains. It was a truly awe-inspiring moment, this is Switzerland on steroids.
Hiking Lenks’ Trails
In summer, Lenk offers a wealth of hiking options to suit all levels of ability. With over 600 km of marked hiking and mountain trails, you can explore everything from gentle village walks to challenging hikes over to Adelboden, Gstaad, or the glaciers of the Wildstrübel massif. The paths are well signposted, and the valley’s wide, flat terrain makes for easy local walking.
A popular option is to bike or e-bike to your starting point, park the bikes, and then set off on foot. For instance, we e-biked to Hotel Restaurant Simmenfalle, a ‘No WiFi or mobiles’ haven for those sensitive to technology. It was the perfect spot at the end of the valley to park our bikes and enjoy a drink before beginning our hike. Our journey took us along the Simme river, past roaring waterfalls that offered a refreshing spray of cool mountain water.
We hiked up to 1405m for lunch at the charming family-run Bergrestaurant Siebenbrünnen, where we savoured a rustic cheese and meat platter in idyllic surroundings. Just a short walk further on, the Siebenbrunnen waterfalls provided a spectacular setting for relaxation, with ice-cold waters perfect for dipping your feet and lush grassy banks for unwinding.
For an alternative Alpine atmosphere, take the Gondelbahn Betelberg up to Leiterli. From here, there are numerous hiking options. We enjoyed the delightful Blumenthal Walk, which winds past various signposted native flowers, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Wildstrübel mountain range. Lunch at Berghaus Leiterli is a must; be sure to try the Kaiserschmarrn. From there, we hiked steeply downhill back to Lenk, stopping at the cosy Wallegg Stub for delicious homemade iced tea and to put our feet up before heading back to the Lenkerhof.
From just a few days of hiking, one can tell that Lenk has so much more to offer when it comes to hiking, biking and outdoor pursuits; it looks like we will just have to go back again… and again and again. This is not the last you will see of us Lenk, you are forever in our hearts.
For more information, visit Lenk-Simmental.
