The resort village of Lenk is located just 150 km from Geneva. Very often in guidebooks you can find another name for this village – Simmental. In the village of Lenk, tourists are waiting for the amazing beauty of the mountains, endless forests, and the coniferous aroma of the air. The pride of the village of Lenk is the highest level of service and the best technical equipment of the snow parks. Among other things, Lenk is famous for its healing factors. There are 2 thermal sulfur springs nearby. Baths with this water are used to treat skin and other types of diseases.

The ski resort Lenk im Simmental is well known in Switzerland, and even in some neighboring countries. It is located in the canton of Bern and is easily accessible by train or public transport. From the capital of the country, Bern, you can get to the lower station in just 1 hour and 50 minutes. There is free parking near the train station, which makes the process of movement convenient. There is a train from Bern to Lenk, with only 1 change. Upon arrival at the railway station, you can take a regular bus that will take you directly to the cable car.

Lenk is considered the most beautiful valley in the entire canton of Bern. The mountains surrounding the city and the resort are simply breathtaking! As soon as the first snow falls, Lenk turns into a winter wonderland.

Historical reference

Long before the first spa tourists arrived in the Simmental Valley, “Stone Age” hunters had already gathered there. Neighboring residents of the Canton of Valais also sought wealth in these lands. Weissenburg thermal water became popular in 1604. Since 1686, members of high society began to stop in Lenka for the purpose of recovery. Around the 1900s, the resort had 250 beds, mostly in the summer. And soon winter sports began to develop.

The British played a decisive role in the development of foreign tourism in the Lenk resort. They were responsible for helping Lenka “break” into the market, and they were the initiators of the start of the construction of the first transport system – the famous Funa funicular. Among Lenka’s numerous guests was Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery Alameyskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Ground Forces in World War II, who spent many weekends in Lenka.

The 7 sources of the river Zimme, from which the name of the valley derives, are located on the Rezliberg hill just above Lenk, right at the foot of the mighty limestone wall. The springs of Zimme erupt in massive white foam. In summer, up to 2,800 liters of water flows through 7 springs every second. And, indeed, “7 springs of Zimme” is a magical waterfall, which is a leading source of power and a wonderful place for leisure.

Waterfall at “7 springs of Zimme”

A little above Weissenburg, a warm spring emerges from a rocky gorge. For 350 remarkable years, the Weissenburg bath has been a famous spa. In 1604, the city council of Bern made sure that a pool was built, into which water entered directly from the source. A special caretaker was hired for this pool. In order to organize the reception of people wishing to improve their health, in 1875 a building and a fenced place for a bathhouse were built. The Weissenburg Bath had up to 300 beds at the time and became a meeting place for the European nobility. After Dutch Queen Wilhelmina and her daughter convalesced here in 1938, and then Princess Juliana married Prince Bernard, the flow of tourists increased rapidly.

Today, there is a Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort hotel in Lenk. This hotel offers an outdoor pool with sulfuric water that has been flowing for almost 350 years. Hydromassage sulfur baths with a temperature of +34°C gently massage the back. Bathing in this water has a beneficial effect on the skin, helps relieve skin diseases, rheumatism, and joint pain. It also stimulates metabolism and helps to get rid of toxins.

Hotel Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort 5*

Slopes and lifts

The Simmental Valley offers its unique 5 ski resorts. Great ski slopes, high-class modern lifts, as well as some secret places are waiting for you!

At the Adelboden-Lenk ski resort, everyone will find their own unique slope. A wide selection of cross bars and obstacles await freestylers and snowboarders at the Gran Masta Park (GMP) on Hahnenmus. Cross-country skiers will be able to carve up the slopes along Metsch, and beginners will be able to practice their turns on the flat slopes of Bühlberg.

Gran Masta Park

Snowboarders and freeriders feel comfortable in Gran Masta Park. Three lines offer a challenge to everyone from beginner to professional! More than 30 jumps, tracks and obstacles invite you to engage in snowboarding and freeskiing. Gran Masta Park is considered one of the largest snow parks in Switzerland.

Locals and experts know many secret trails, with the help of which the resort will provide the opportunity to make a “trip” on skis or snowboards.

The ski resort of Betelberg, located on the other side of the city, has quite good infrastructure, snow guns, and is suitable for families, and is also known for its wide slopes – just perfect for beginners! Children can spend the whole day in the Kids Village at the Stos mountain railway station. In addition, they can be looked after and entertained for only 5 francs / hour. The constantly active snow-cross track on Haslere will make everyone’s heart beat faster, at the same time, cozy alpine bars invite you to spend a couple of hours in an unpretentious way.

There are 3 schools that teach skiing and cross-country skiing. They have the perfect deals for the whole family, snowboarders, adrenaline seekers and more! There’s no experience they can’t teach, from basic skating group lessons for young kids to private biathlon lessons.

To the west : the Gstaad ski area

To the east : the Adelboden-Frutigen ski area

Lenk does not lie so high. The height of the resort starts from 1068 meters and reaches 2200 meters. The season lasts from the end of November – mid-December to mid-April.

Starting with the WINTER 2016/2017 season, guests will get more for the same money. When you buy at least 1 night’s stay at a resort with breakfast, you get a day ski pass for skiing in the Adelboden-Lenk area – at the best price!

Lift in the mountains at the Lenk-Simmental resort

There are also special offers for families.

Summer at the resort

When the snow descends on the lush alpine meadows, Simmental becomes a hiker’s paradise, with more than 600 km of equipped hiking trails. You will be on an easy walk, on the most difficult mountain routes, or on numerous bicycle routes, passing by glaciers, crystal clear mountain lakes, rapid waterfalls, in any case you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of countless mountain peaks. Thematic routes will be offered for guests who want to enjoy nature.

Summer hiking in Lenka

Summer sports activities:

– hiking (thematic routes);

– cycling;

– alpine cultural events;

– tennis;

– outdoor playgrounds;

– children’s programs / children’s clubs.

Family rest

Children are especially welcome in Lenka! The “Family resort” quality mark is the pride of the entire valley. Lenk im Simmental resort focuses its offers on the target group in particular. Attractive and diverse children’s programs will satisfy our guests with families. They are waiting for pizza cooking, pirate camps, go-kart building, weaving, ceramic painting, adventures in the rope park, etc. Moreover, in Lenk-Simmental, railway travel is included in the price of 1 night of hotel stay.

Entertainment

After an eventful day of skiing along 210 km of beautiful pistes, and as the sun sets, après-ski begins to beckon. Cozy houses, snow bars, pubs and the legendary wigwam offer to end the day on a rustic note.

There are very few complaints about noise, and if there is an event that could increase the noise level, guests are warned in advance. None of these problems exist in this situation.

Lenk is known for the Lenk Jazz Festival. But the matter is not limited to one jazz festival. What other interesting events is the life of the resort rich in?

Events are very diverse. The main horse is alpine culture. In autumn, the cows come down from the pastures, and the traditional Alpine festival takes place – the cultural event of the year. In various workshops, guests can meet Jodl performers, play the Alpine horn, play the role of a cheese maker, and also engage in wrestling and hornussen (an originally Swiss sport).

Alpine Festival in Lenk

In addition to these and many other activities, there is an opportunity to ride sled dogs, take part in a night race in the winter, and listen to jazz and gospel in the summer.

Where to stay

It is impossible to say for sure whether guests prefer to stay in hotels, residences or chalets. Many people buy their own accommodation here, and host many guests in rented chalets, but there are also beautiful hotels that are popular with guests.

The most popular and well-known hotel is the Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort, which appeals mainly to the upper class. This is a 5 * hotel that offers excellent quality, a wide range of services in the wellness area, different categories of rooms and exquisite cuisine.

Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort 5-star hotel

The Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Hotel is located in the village of Lenk, not far from the village of Gstaad. Guests can enjoy a wide range of modern wellness services and amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs.

On the territory of the resort spa hotel there is a 7sources cosmetic spa salon with a Finnish sauna, an outdoor pool with sulfur water and an acoustic bath. Various cosmetic and massage treatments are available to guests.

The à la carte restaurant, with an excellent chef and a wonderful view of the conservatory, serves excellent Mediterranean and Swiss cuisine with a French twist. At 18:00 there is a wine tasting.

The Lenkerhof Gourmet Resort & Spa offers quiet, elegantly decorated rooms with free soft drinks from the minibar.

Private covered parking is available for an additional fee. Open parking is free for guests.

During the summer months, the price of accommodation includes cable car rides to the Betelberg and Metschstand mountain peaks. In addition, guests receive a SIMMENTAL card for free travel on all bus routes in the village of Lenk (except the route to Mount Laubbargl), as well as special discounts on some types of outdoor activities in the summer season.

During the winter months, guests are provided with free travel on all bus routes in the village of Lenk, including the ski bus on the route Lenk Bus Station – Belleberg Valley Bus Station – Metz Valley Bus Station. Guests are also given special discounts on some types of active recreation in the winter season.

Hotel Simmenhof 4-star hotel

With panoramic mountain views, the family-run Hotel Simmenhof is 1 km from the center of Lenk in the Simmen Valley. It has an à la carte restaurant serving regional cuisine, a spa with indoor and outdoor pools, and a free shuttle to the ski slopes and the city center.

All rooms at the Simmenhof have a balcony, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a private bathroom.

The spa has a sauna, a tepidarium and a massage shower. Guests can play billiards at the bar and enjoy mountain views from the large sun terrace.

An indoor playroom and outdoor playground are available for children, and there is a horse ranch nearby.

Cyclists can use the bicycle storage facilities free of charge, and facilities for washing and repair are also provided. On t

Free private parking is available on the hotel grounds. The garage can be used for an additional fee.

Guests also receive a SIM card, which includes free use of all bus routes in Lenk (except the Laubbargli route) and discounts on certain summer events.

During the winter season, all bus routes in Lenk, including the ski bus Lenk Station – Betleberg Valley Station – Metsch Valley Station, can be used free of charge, and guests can benefit from further discounts on certain winter activities.

Hotel Waldrand 3-star hotel

Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Hotel Waldrand is located in the town of Lenk in the Simm Valley. It offers a restaurant serving regional cuisine, a sun terrace, free Wi-Fi and free parking.

The comfortable and cozy rooms offer a breathtaking view of the mountains. Most rooms have a balcony.

In the surrounding area, you can go hiking and cycling.

During the summer season, the overnight stay includes use of the cable cars to the metro stations Betelberg and Metschstand. Guests also receive a SIMMENTAL card which entitles them to free travel on all buses in the Lenk region (except the Laubbingley route) and discounts in certain summer months.

During the winter season, the hotel runs free bus routes to Lenk, including the Berk ski bus – Betleberg Valley Station – Metsch Valley. Guests are given discounts on some types of winter recreation.

Hotel Krone Lenk 3-star hotel

Hotel Krone is located in the center of Lenk in the Simmental Valley. It features a spa with an indoor pool and 2 restaurants serving Swiss, Italian and international cuisine. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, including rooms. All rooms have a covered balcony.

Guests are invited to visit the Krone Lenk Hotel’s spa area with sauna, hot tub, solarium and fitness room. For young guests, there is a children’s club and a children’s playground. Free rental of tandem bicycles and toboggans is organized.

All rooms are decorated in a country style and have a hospitality corner, a minibar, a bathroom and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

In winter, guests can purchase ski passes at the hotel and use the ski storage room. The hotel is located 900 meters from the Betelberg ski resort and 2 km from the commune of Adelboden.

The Gemeindshaus bus stop is 160 meters from the hotel, and Lenka Train Station is 280 meters away.

In summer, the price includes cable car rides to the Betelberg and Metschstand mountain peaks. In addition, guests are provided with a SIMMENTAL card, the owners of which receive the right to free travel on all Lenka bus routes (except for the route to Mount Laubbargl), as well as discounts on some types of annual outdoor activities.

In winter, travel on all buses in the commune of Lenk is free, including the ski bus on the route “Lenk bus station – bus station in the Belleberg valley – bus station in the Metz valley”. In addition, discounts are available for guests on some types of winter outdoor activities.

Most tourists are Swiss. Especially many guests are received in winter, mostly weekend tourists. But tourists also come from far away.

How to get there

Simmental is a few hours from the airports of Zurich, Basel or Geneva, and there is also a direct flight to Bern-Belp, practically in the canton of Bern. You can get to the resort from the commune of Belp in 1 hour by car, or relax and get there by train in 1 hour 45 minutes.

Traveling on the A6 via Bern-Thun, exit at Uimmis / Zweisimmen via the Simmenfluh tunnel, on the other side of which your journey to the Simm river valley begins. The main road in the valley, Simmental Street, is open all year round.

Driving from Bühl and the canton of Freiberg, you can reach Lenk via the thermal resort of Charme via the Jaunpass in Simmental (Boltigen), or via the Chateau d’E-Saan-Zweisimmen.