A weekend on the Lenk

There is plenty to discover in Lenk, both up in the mountains and down in the valley. As a certified «Family Destination», this village in the Bernese Oberland, situated at an altitude of 1,068 metres above sea level, offers a variety of exciting experiences for children and a chance for parents to relax.

Experience

The Betelberg Alpine Experience begins as soon as you board the gondola from the valley station up to the Leiterli mountain station: on the way, Mona the cow, Flöckli the goat and Moritz the marmot tell you all about their lives on the alp. The adventure continues at the alpine playground with climbing, balancing, spinning, sliding, swinging, and playing milk-can memory or using the alpine telephones. This is followed by a hike along the Lynx Trail or the Marmot Trail, featuring numerous play stations – the latter now also includes a walk-in marmot burrow. Children and young people aged 12 and over can whizz back down to the valley on a Trottibike. On the nine-kilometre descent from the mountain station to the valley station, the rush of the wind and the mountain panorama are sure to put a smile on Mum and Dad's faces too.
Lenk Mountain Railways two-day family pass (minimum 1 adult and 1 child): Adults CHF 45 (CHF 40 with GA albtax), children (6–15 years) CHF 20, children under 6 and dogs free. Single journey on the Trottibike: CHF 13. Further prices and information: www.lenk-bergbahnen.ch

Milk Jug Memory at the Betelberg Alpine Experience.

Young people aged 12 and over can whizz back down to the valley on a Trottibike.

At the 7,000-square-metre Lenkerseeli Alpine Culture Playground, located near the village, the alpine world is brought down to the valley. Around the old alpine hut, children are in their element: a zip line, suspension bridge, climbing mikado, barefoot path, chime and much more invite them to explore and let off steam. Animal lovers will be in their element at the petting zoo. The Strubeli-Bähnli, a miniature train that circles the playground, is also very popular. Wood for making a fire is available at the three barbecue areas. And the kiosk on the playground offers snacks, coffee or a cold beer, as well as toilets.

Use of the playground is free of charge. The alpine hut and arena (gravel area) can be hired for private events for half a day or a full day.
Info: www.lenk-simmental.ch/alpkultur-spielplatz

Playing at the Alpkultur playground at Lenkerseeli.

If the planned outdoor programme is cancelled due to rainy weather, the Boulderschüür is a great alternative. The indoor facility offers rope-free climbing at jumping height, with various difficulty levels on vertical and overhanging walls. The mats on the floor ensure a soft landing when you jump down. Climbing shoes can be hired on site for first-time boulderers.

Boulderschüür prices: Adults CHF 12, children (6–5 years) CHF 8, children under 6 free. A code for entry must be requested via the website.
Info: www.boulderschuer.ch

Climbing at the Boulderschüür.

Enjoy

Just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Lenk, parents in need of a break can relax on bubble loungers and enjoy the massage jets at the Wallbach Water Park, set amidst the mountain landscape. Meanwhile, the little water lovers are sure to have plenty of fun too: The outdoor pool features an Aquatrack, a large non-swimmer's area with a waterfall, fountains, a children's slide and a giant crocodile, as well as a toddler's pool with water jets, a water hedgehog and a sloping slide. Inside, there is a children's paddling pool with a slide and other play equipment, as well as an 80-metre water slide.

Price example for a family ticket for the indoor and outdoor pools: 3 people (1 adult + 1 child) CHF 32, each additional child CHF 8, children under 6 free. Single entry for wellness, sauna and pool (aged 18 and over): CHF 32.

Accommodation

The holiday destination of Lenk-Simmental offers a wide range of accommodation options, from campsites to five-star hotels, as well as many family-friendly holiday apartments.
An exceptional family accommodation in the Lenk mountains is the Wildhornhütte. Around the SAC hut in the Gelten-Iffigen nature reserve, unforgettable experiences await, such as building stone sculptures, observing wildlife, climbing, swimming in the mountain lake or playing with Ben the hut dog. During the summer season, the Wildhornhütte also offers weekly family holidays – including guided mountain hikes or a visit to a mountain dairy – as well as a day of childcare, so that Mum and Dad can have the mountains all to themselves for a change.

Accommodation with half-board (non-SAC members): Adults CHF 77, children aged 12–17 CHF 58, aged 6–11 CHF 37, up to 6 years old CHF 3 per year.
Info: www.wildhornhuette.ch
Search for and book further accommodation: www.lenk-simmental.ch/buchen

Good to know

In most hotels , the price of accommodation includes the Lenk mountain railways. www.lenk-bergbahnen.ch/inklusive

With the Simmental Card, guests enjoy free travel on public transport in the Simmental and Saanenland regions from 1 June to 31 October, as well as discounts on various offers. www.simmentalcard.ch

Find out the latest information on all offers and safety measures, as well as any restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lenk-Simmental Tourism: 033 736 35 35, info@lenk-simmental.ch, www.lenk-simmental.ch