Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg
Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg is a tourism region in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, spanning the Kandertal, Engstligtal and Simmental valleys around the towns of Adelboden, Lenk, Kandersteg, Frutigen, Reichenbach and Kiental. It is a rural, alpine destination of high mountains, mountain lakes, waterfalls and unspoilt side valleys, with no large city at its centre. The region is known for its extensive hiking, trailrunning and mountain-biking networks, its water experiences around springs, streams and turquoise mountain lakes, and its strong winter sports tradition with several ski areas, cross-country trails and toboggan runs. Cultural life is rooted in alpine traditions, with local festivals, markets and events such as the Alphorntage and the Adelboden Ski World Cup. The destination is framed by the UNESCO World Heritage of the Swiss Alps and offers a mix of nature, wellness and regional cuisine.
Summer activities
In summer and autumn the region is a centre for hiking, with routes ranging from easy family walks and barrier-free paths to high-alpine tours, including three stages of the Via Alpina and hut hikes near glaciers. Mountain bikers and e-bikers find varied trails, bikeparks in Kandersteg, Adelboden, Frutigen and Lenk, and guided tours, while trailrunning routes span flat forest trails to demanding high-altitude routes. Water is a defining theme: turquoise mountain lakes, waterfalls such as the Engstligenfälle, the Cholerenschlucht gorge and the Gemmipass, plus swimming pools, the Alpenstrand at Elsigenalp and water sports such as rowing, SUP, fishing and river rafting.
Winter activities
Winter turns the region into one of Switzerland's most versatile ski destinations, with ski areas such as Adelboden-Lenk, Betelberg, Elsigen-Metsch, Engstligenalp, Kiental-Ramslauenen, Oeschinensee, Silleren-Chuenisbärgli and Tschentenalp, plus funparks, ski schools and the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Adelboden. Cross-country skiers enjoy high-altitude, village and floodlit night trails, while tobogganing offers long runs such as the Sillerenbühl–Bergläger and Elsigenalp routes, and snowshoeing leads through quiet, deep-snow landscapes. Winter hiking trails, fondue evenings and après-ski bars round out the offer.
Culture and entertainment
Cultural life in the region is rooted in alpine tradition and a lively calendar of events. Highlights include the Alphorntage in Kandersteg, the Adelboden-Märit autumn market, the Audi FIS Ski World Cup, the Swiss Chamber Music Festival and the Wildstrubel by UTMB trailrunning race. Villages host local festivals, markets, concerts and culinary events such as the Älplerfest and Älplerzmorge at Lenk, while museums, libraries, climbing halls and indoor arenas in Adelboden, Kandersteg and Frutigen provide year-round entertainment.
