lenk

Lenk im Simmental, commonly referred to as Lenk, is a municipality in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It lies in the Bernese Oberland region, in the Simmental valley along the Simme river, at around 1,000 meters above sea level. The municipality includes the village of Lenk and several surrounding hamlets, and it encompasses a largely mountainous landscape with forests and alpine pastures.

The area has a long agricultural tradition, centered on dairy farming and cattle farming. In the 19th century the region began developing tourism, drawn by its alpine scenery. Today, tourism remains a major sector, with winter sports, summer hiking, and alpine accommodations. The region features a ski area with lifts and a cable car that connect the village to higher alpine pastures.

The local economy also includes small-scale forestry, crafts, and services for residents and visitors. The population is primarily German-speaking and comprises a mix of year-round residents and seasonal workers. Lenk is administered as part of the Bernese Oberland and collaborates with neighboring municipalities on regional infrastructure and tourism promotion.

Transportation access is by road, with regional bus services linking to rail hubs in the surrounding valleys. The closest major rail connections run through Interlaken and Zweisimmen, with bus connections available to Lenk. The municipality serves as a gateway to alpine destinations and a base for outdoor recreation in both summer and winter.