A weekend on the Lenk
The magic of winter will soon be back on Lenk: as a certified family destination, the holiday village at 1068 metres above sea level in the Bernese Oberland offers unforgettable weekend experiences for every generation.
Experience
Lenk's local mountain, Betelberg, offers everything for a successful weekend with the whole family. In the Swiss Snow Kids Village at the Stoss middle station, little ones can immerse themselves in the world of mascot Snowli.
They can also make their first attempts at skiing on the magic carpets. In the Alphüttli in the middle of the Kids Village, there is also an after-school care centre for children aged three to ten - so parents can also enjoy a few hours of carefree skiing fun.
Family tickets on Wednesdays and Saturdays for 130 Fr., free parking at the valley stations. Start of the winter season on 17 December. www.lenk-bergbahnen.ch
Of course, there is also action on the Betelberg for the older ones: The gondola takes you up to Leiterli, then you can make your first turns up to the Wallegg middle station. From there, the chairlift takes you even higher up. The Swisscom-Skimovie piste is located below the Mülkerblatten.
Ambitious snow sports enthusiasts can experience a bit of World Cup feeling on this race course, compete against each other - and have their own run filmed so that they can then analyse it or share it with friends.
Grandparents can also air their heads in the fresh mountain air on a winter hike in the marvellous mountain world. The winter hiking trails are regularly groomed by snow groomers for a pleasant walking experience. From the Leiterli mountain station to the Stoss middle station, hikers can expect winter tranquillity and a magnificent panorama.
Down on the Stoss, you can enjoy a delicious coffee and cake with the children and grandchildren on the terrace of the Stoss mountain restaurant.
All winter hiking trails at: www.lenk-bergbahnen.ch/winterwandern
For a bit of variety, young and old can take a few laps on the ice rink after an eventful day of skiing. Three open ice rinks and an ice hockey rink are available at the TEC sports centre in Lenk amidst the stunning mountain scenery - and the bistro offers refreshments in between.
Single admission to the TEC sports centre: adults CHF 8.50 (CHF 6.50 with guest card), children aged 6 to 16 CHF 6.50 (CHF 4.50). Ice skates, ice hockey sticks and bobby seals as ice skating aids can be hired. The winter season is expected to start on 5 November, subject to change. Info:
www.lenk-simmental.ch/eislaufen-und-hockey
Enjoy
After a day on the piste, the Wallbach adventure pool offers recreation, relaxation and water fun for the little ones. A 25-metre indoor pool with diving board, a 34-degree outdoor whirlpool, a children's paddling pool and an 80-metre water slide offer something for every member of the family - including a view of the Wildstrubel massif. There is also a modern wellness and sauna centre and a bistro. Family ticket for 3 people CHF 32 (CHF 26 with guest card). Open from 21 November. www.wallbachbad.ch
For an entertaining end to the day or as a highlight in bad weather, we recommend the cinema at Lenk. The varied programme includes up to four films a day: cultural films, current blockbusters and children's films. Advance ticket sales (only on site) from 8 p.m., admission for adults CHF 15, children up to 16 years CHF 12. Programme and information: www.lenk-simmental.ch/cinema-lenk
Overnight stay
With panoramic views of the mountains, the cosy and family-friendly four-star Hotel Simmenhof is just 1.5 km from the centre of Lenk. It has an à la carte restaurant serving regional cuisine, a wellness area with indoor and outdoor pool (water temperature 32 degrees) and a free shuttle service to the ski slopes and village centre.
Price example: One overnight stay in the Superior Wildstrubel category for 2 adults and 1 child CHF 318 including breakfast. Info: www.simmenhof.ch
The more luxurious version of family-friendly accommodation is the five-star Hotel Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort. After an intensive day on the piste, the hotel's attractive wellness area invites you to relax.
In the evening, food lovers will get their money's worth in the Spettacolo or Oh de Vie restaurants. And the little ones can enjoy their evening meal with their peers in the Kleiner Prinz children's restaurant. A plus for those who don't like carrying ski equipment around: the piste runs right next to the hotel.
Price example: One night in the Deluxe Junior Suite category for 2 adults and 1 child CHF 770 including breakfast. Info: www.lenkerhof.ch
For those who like things simpler and more adventurous, the Seegarten campsite is just the thing. It is located just 500 metres from the village centre, the ski slopes can be reached quickly by bus and the Neufeld bus stop is not far from the campsite. Cross-country skiing fans will appreciate the location of the cross-country ski trail just 200 metres from the campsite.
Price example for a caravan pitch, 2 adults and 1 child: one overnight stay including electricity from 43.90 Fr. Info: www.campingseegarten.ch
