Lenk

Lenk closes the Simmental, with the Wildstrubel and its glacier at the head of the valley. The village developed partly as a spa: a sulphur spring here has been used since the eighteenth century and is among the stronger such waters in Europe, feeding the local baths. Its natural set piece is the Simmenfalle, where the young Simme comes out of the rock and drops in a series of stages - the water emerges from a karst resurgence in the cliff rather than flowing in from above, and in the melt the volume is substantial. Above it the Iffigfalle and the Iffigsee lie in a side valley. In winter the village links to Adelboden's ski area over the Hahnenmoos.

What you actually see

• A strong sulphur spring - used since the 1700s and feeding the baths.
• The Simmenfalle - water emerging from the cliff and falling in stages.
• The Iffig valley - a second waterfall and a high lake above.
• A glacier at the valley head - the Wildstrubel closing the Simmental.

When to go

June to September, or the ski season. Two days.

Honest expectations

The falls depend on melt and rain - late summer flow is much reduced. The sulphur water smells accordingly. Lifts and some hotels close between seasons. The Iffig road is narrow and toll-charged in places.

Nearby

Adelboden is over the Hahnenmoos; Gstaad is west via Zweisimmen.