Lenk combines a rare gypsum karst landscape with waterfalls, geological trails and winter activities. Lenk, also known as Lenk im Simmental, is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Bern and belongs to the Obersimmental-Saanen administrative district. The village is accessible by train. When planning a stay, you can choose from several themes: circular routes through mountain scenery, cross-country skiing and biathlon, or village history and culture.

Gryden, geology and mountain trails

The Gryden is a rare gypsum karst landscape with numerous sinkholes and crater-like depressions. The circular trail through the Gryden starts and ends at the Leiterli mountain station. It is 7.5 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 340 metres and takes around two and a half hours. The duration is approximate; conditions in the mountains can vary seasonally.

The GEOpfad Lenk offers a different focus: it starts and ends at the Betelberg valley station. Interactive stations explain the difference between hard and soft rocks. If you would like to combine the geological formations of the Gryden with an accessible introduction to differences in rock types, these offer two different ways to explore geology.

Water and rock also shape the landscape. D’Sibe Brünne is the source of the Simme at Rezliberg above Lenk, directly at the foot of a massive limestone wall. Iffigfall has a drop of more than 100 metres; the hike there has an elevation gain of 250 metres. The Bergwasser Trail through the Wallbach Gorge is an easy circular route that starts in Lenk village. Along the way, it passes finely polished rocks and a waterfall.

The Murmeli Trail leads from the Leiterli mountain station to the Stoss mid-station. At the marmot burrow, visitors can explore a walk-through marmot home. Alongside trails focused on geology or scenery, there is also a route with a special destination centred on marmots.

Cross-country skiing and biathlon in winter

The Nordic Centre Lenk is home to Switzerland’s first public biathlon facility. Introductory courses and lessons are offered there; operations are seasonal. A biathlon session begins with professional instruction in shooting and breathing techniques, followed by a set participant format: three laps of 300 metres each and two rounds of five shots.

There are cross-country trails with different profiles. On the valley floor at Lenk, the Lenk–Simmenfälle valley trail offers 18 kilometres of classic and skating trails; opening times vary seasonally. The mostly flat Herzloipe is a 3.4-kilometre circular trail and is particularly suitable for beginners. It starts at the Nordic Centre Lenk, at the Metschbahn valley station; winter operating conditions may vary.

Those wishing to include a high-altitude trail in their plans will find six kilometres of cross-country trails on Haslerberg, at just under 2,000 metres above sea level. Access and seasonal opening depend on winter conditions. The valley trail on the valley floor is complemented by a shorter option at high altitude and the beginner-friendly Herzloipe with its mostly flat circular route.

Village history and culture

A village tour points out and explains up to 70 locations in the village, sharing engaging stories about Lenk’s history. AlpKultur® is a living tradition that is actively maintained in the Lenk-Simmental destination. The village’s tourism history also has a historical connection: it is associated with the opening of the Lenk mineral baths in 1689. To this day, the mineral baths are supplied by a cold, eight-degree sulphur spring from Holiebi, west of the village.

Cinéma Lenk screens cultural films, current blockbusters and children’s films; Swiss premieres are also regularly on the programme. When looking for a hotel in Lenk, it is worth considering the purpose of your trip and the time of year: a stay focused on cross-country skiing and biathlon offers different activities from a trip devoted to the Gryden, the waterfalls or the village tour. Specific trail details and seasonal conditions can help you narrow down your focus.

Discover more destinations: Boltigen, Matten, Sankt Stephan, Zweisimmen.

Return to the main travel overview: Obersimmental.