Nestled at the base of the Wildstrübel massif, Lenk is a scenic Swiss village south of Bern. It lies in the idyllic Simmen Valley, which is dotted with alpine farms and traditional wooden chalets, which provide a backdrop for a range of outdoor pursuits.
Things to do in Lenk im Simmental
Stretch your legs on the themed hiking trails that hug the slopes of Betelberg Mountain, with a highlight being the Alpine Flower Trail. More than 90 signs pepper its 1.6-kilometre-long route to help you identify both well-known and rare species. Alternatively, you can learn about native lynx, roe deer and chamois on the four-kilometre-long Lynx Trail, which features kid-friendly game stations and nature-inspired artwork.
One of Lenk’s most impressive natural wonders is the Simmen Falls, which plunges 200 metres along the Simme River. Fed by seven different springs at the base of an immense limestone wall, this powerful river is particularly spectacular during the spring melt. For the best views of the waterfall and to feel its spray in your face, head to the Barbara Bridge, which is named after a former hotel manager.
Visiting in the winter months? The Simmen Valley boasts around 205 kilometres of downhill pistes for skiing and snowboarding, as well as 60 kilometres of cross-country trails. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a soak in the outdoor hot tub of the Erlebnisbad Wallbach or take advantage of its indoor swimming pool and sauna complex.
Getting around Lenk im Simmental
Lenk is just over an hour’s drive from Bern and Bern Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Lenk im Simmental railway station and buses travel throughout the village. Chair lifts connect to the surrounding ski slopes.