Lenkerhof – the good is so close!

The train ride from Bern to the southernmost village of the Simmental takes an hour. Along the Simme, past idyllic mountain villages with a view high up into the mountains, the ride offers a lot for the eye. We also had time to really look forward to the upcoming stay at the Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort, which is located at the top of the Simmental at Lenk. The 5-star superior hotel looks back on a long history as a guest house and spa house. In 1686, the Lenkerhof was built below the hotel’s own spring. Today, the Betelberg cable cars are located right next to the hotel, which lead high up into the hiking and skiing area.

On the way to the hotel, our fine noses not only took in the refreshing alpine scent, but also sniffed a small hint of sulphur that rose from the bubbling stream right next to the Lenkerhof. The sulphur water is one of the central components of the spa landscape at the Lenkerhof, which we were to experience intensively later.

But first we had to move into our room for the weekend. On the fourth floor, with a view of the majestic Wildstrubel massif, was our junior suite. In front of the window a grandiose backdrop and inside a mixture of calm and sensuality. Neither traditional nor modern, the Lenkerhof has created its very own little world that is anything but uniform. Beautiful wooden floor, functional furniture and small details that hint at the long tradition of the hotel industry. Personally, I was a bit lacking in the design line.

As soon as we arrived, we were catapulted into pleasure heaven. As hotel guests with half board, a dinner at Spettacolo was on the agenda for us. In the multi-award-winning main restaurant of the Lenkerhof, a daily changing menu with up to 15 courses is available. The guest is free to choose which and how many courses he or she uses. The cuisine is inspired by regional and seasonal products and surprises with creativity and beautifully arranged plates (almost too good to eat). The culinary journey begins with the selection of bread and ends with chocolate dreams. Already at the first bite I was looking forward to the next evening, where I was able to experience this again (of course with completely different menus on the menu). In addition to the food, I was also impressed by the service. Rarely have I felt so comfortable in a finer environment. Attentive service, nice conversations and great tips (e.g. to try the Lenker blue cheese at the cheese buffet – I would never have come up with this idea myself) completed the all-round well-being package.

In addition to the Spettacolo, there is also the opportunity to immerse yourself in the pleasures of the Mediterranean world in a more intimate setting at Oh de Vie.

Satisfied and full, we fell into a deep and restful sleep. Since the weather forecast for the weekend didn’t look very rosy, we planned to get up early the next morning. We wanted to discover the beautiful mountain landscape around the Lenkerhof in the driest possible weather. You could read more about it here tomorrow.

Despite the early hour, we did not miss the delicious breakfast buffet. Thanks to generous windows, it almost felt as if you were sitting outside in the foggy mountains. The buffet impressed with a rich selection of regional cheeses, rolls, fruits, muesli flakes as well as meat and fish. Even sulphur water was available. Supposed to be healthy, but well, rotten eggs for breakfast…

Back from the hike, I had to get some refreshments first. Due to the rain, the secluded terrace was unfortunately not an option, but the cozy lobby was an equal substitute. I chose a handlebar – one of the numerous non-alcoholic drinks on the menu (plus for that) and a panini. En Guetä.

Saturated and full of impressive impressions of the mountains, nothing prevented us from diving into the spa world. 7sources – seven sources – Siben Brünnen. Not only the Simme is fed by seven springs, but also the wellness landscape in the Lenkerhof is entirely based on the drawing of the mythical number. We were first drawn to the outdoor sulphur bath. Even in rainy weather, you can enjoy the health-promoting water here at a pleasant 34°C with a view of Wildstrubel and pure alpine air. As an alternative, you can swim laps in the indoor sports pool. But outside it’s more relaxing in my opinion. Afterwards we explored the sauna area, which offers 7 treatments. The different areas are connected to each other by a watercourse. Bio sauna, herbal sauna, steam bath, stone oil sauna, Finnish sauna, sulphur and ice grotto – we didn’t even know where to start. But that wasn’t the highlight.

For me, a Lenker Stein & Rock Crystal Masage was still on the program. Dear people, if you want to be pampered for 90 minutes, this massage is great. I was first put in the mood for the full body massage with a foot bath including peeling. In the meantime, I sniffed my massage oil with my nose – the game strubel oil was able to convince my nose. I am good. Afterwards, warm stones on the back provide warmth, while the legs are really kneaded (this was also necessary after the hike). At the end, cool rock crystals really get the circulation going again. Very nice massage, which wonderfully establishes the regional reference and provides energy.

If you ever come back from the spa world, you will find countless leisure activities around the Lenkerhof. For families, a trip to the Betelberg is a good idea, the hiking and biking paradise starts right outside the hotel door and under the theme of “Alpine Culture” there are always exciting events on the program in the Simmental. Last weekend, for example, the Intercantonal Championships of the Hornussen took place – you don’t know what Hornussen is?! Well then, off to Lenk! In winter, the Lenkerhof offers the ideal starting point for discovering the Adelboden-Lenk ski region. Since this is my favorite ski resort in Switzerland, there is a good chance that you will also get to see pictures of the Lenkerhof in winter dress – I can imagine that the Lenkerhof is just as convincing in winter as in mountain summer.

Note: I have been invited to this stay by the Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort – thank you very much for this. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.