Lenk-Simmental
Lenk-Simmental is a tourism region in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, the first valley that branches off southwards from Lake Thun near Spiez. The region is rural and alpine, centred on the Simme river that gives the valley its name, with the village of Lenk lying at the upper end at the foot of the Wildstrubel massif. The landscape is gentle with a flat valley floor and sun-drenched mountain terraces, surrounded by high peaks, waterfalls, gorges and crystal-clear mountain lakes. It is a nature-oriented destination known for its AlpKultur tradition, with six villages including Lenk, St. Stephan, Boltigen, Oberwil, Weissenburg-Därstetten and Erlenbach. The region offers extensive hiking and biking networks, winter sports in the Adelboden-Lenk ski arena, and a lively cultural calendar of festivals and concerts. Lenk serves as the central hub of the destination.
Summer activities
In summer the Simmental is a hiking and biking paradise with more than 600 km of marked trails, from easy family walks to demanding high-mountain tours and glacier crossings towards the Wildstrubel. The region is known as the valley of water, with the Simmenfälle, the Iffigfall and the Sibe Brünne springs, plus crystal-clear mountain lakes such as the Iffigsee and Lenkerseeli. Mountain bikers, e-bikers and trail runners find a wide network of routes, while the Betelberg and Metsch offer family-friendly mountain experiences. Coolcation is a theme, with shady gorges and refreshing waterfalls offering relief from summer heat.
Winter activities
In winter the Lenk is part of the Adelboden-Lenk ski arena, with well-groomed pistes at the family mountain Betelberg, the Metsch, the Bülberg, the Jaunpass and the Rossberg. The Gran Masta Park is one of the largest snowparks in Switzerland, with over 30 kickers, rails and obstacles for snowboarders and freeskiers. The region also offers extensive winter hiking trails, snowshoe routes, cross-country skiing loops, ski touring and sledding runs, plus ski schools for all levels.
Culture and entertainment
The Simmental pairs its Alpine scenery with a lively cultural life rooted in tradition. The summer season is packed with music festivals and concerts, from the legendary Jazz Tage Lenk and the Mittsommerfestival to the Hangar Rockin' for vintage-car fans, the Panflöten Festival and the Simmentaler Festival. Workshops in jazz, gospel and pan flute lead to public closing concerts, while the Heimatmuseum Obersimmental and historic churches and buildings bring the valley's history to life. Alpine traditions such as the Älplerfest, the Alpabzug and farmers' markets are celebrated throughout the year.
