The Lenkerhof Experience: "Peace and energy: That's the luxury at the Lenkerhof MICE power spot"

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When choosing a conference venue, MICE buyers no longer consider only the space, technology, and social program. Management meetings and incentives are now gravitating towards locations with minimal distractions and that pass rigorous compliance checks. Equally crucial are travel arrangements, demonstrable sustainability for ESG reporting, and an environment conducive to focused work.

By Urs Seiler || Lenk, October 16, 2026

Welcome to the Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort, a retreat amidst unspoiled nature, majestic mountains and powerful springs.

When we speak with organizers of MICE events, companies, professional destination management companies (DMCs), and event agencies, it quickly becomes clear that Swiss destinations like Lenk outperform foreign destinations due to their immediate accessibility, personal safety and reliability, and sustainability. The Lenkerhof is environmentally certified with the Swisstainable II label and has been awarded the "Eco-Leader Gold" label by TripAdvisor.

And because of the compliance regulations that dominate the MICE business. Swiss destinations like Lenk pass the usual stringent compliance checks more easily. 80% of the guests at the Lenkerhof come from Switzerland, followed by the strongest foreign nationalities: Great Britain, the USA, France, and Germany. The hotel's 120 employees represent 18 nationalities.

The MICE decision criteria speak in favor of the Lenkerhof as a place of power. Among its MICE guests, the Lenkerhof is known for its inimitable, understated uniqueness, which envelops you at every turn, always with superior quality. Authenticity is everyday life here, defined by the world-famous Simmental cows grazing freely in nature. Anyone arriving here quickly feels how the pace of life shifts.

The charismatic restaurateur of the Lenkerhof, Laurent Schenk, pictured here with the head of marketing & sales at the Lenkerhof, Sandra Schönmann , describes the inspiring power place of Lenk as follows: "In Lenk, you can feel the strength of the entire region. Here you have both: peace and quiet and energy. That's the great luxury. There's no off-season here. Lenk is a real village that never closes."

Lenk, with its 2,300 inhabitants, is the southernmost village in the Simmental valley, offering views of the Wildstrubel massif and the Pleine Morte mountain. Most of these peaks are visible on the drive to the Lenkerhof. Located right next to Lenk train station, the hotel is a 60-minute train or car ride from Bern, taking you through one of Switzerland's most spectacular landscapes: the Simmental valley. It provides an inspiring setting for exclusive board meetings, creative workshops, or unforgettable corporate events amidst the Bernese Alps.

Lenkerhof: A natural retreat for incentives, team building, and seminars

In Lenk in the Simmental valley, a retreat for incentives, team building, and seminars, distractions are minimized, offering a change of perspective in the hectic MICE world. Here at the Lenkerhof, MICE guests will find a stylish and inspiring break with 83 hotel rooms, all offering breathtaking mountain views and a home-like atmosphere, right down to the subtle art in the bathrooms.

From left: the Loft Corner Suite, room and bathroom.

Many companies are now required to disclose their event travel in ESG reports. For them, it's crucial that the Lenkerhof is EFQM certified and carries the Swisstainable label. That's sustainability, amidst a natural setting.

Whether for seminars with 8 to 180 people, stylish product presentations, exclusive events or private celebrations, for example a wedding event - the Lenkerhof offers the ideal environment for tailor-made experiences - we call it the unique, relaxed Lenkerhof experience.

The Lenkerhof is available for groups, a feature offered by only a few five-star hotels, and can also be booked exclusively as a buy-out. In addition to its top-class restaurants, including the gourmet Spettacolo, the "Oh de Vie," and the Bühlberg, the hotel also boasts event spaces: the Adina (54 m²), the Naomi (61 m²), the Céline (94 m²), and the Noëlle (177 m²), all with natural light and air conditioning. The Lenkerhof also features a cigar lounge and a spectacular wine cellar.

Lenkerhof is geared towards management and strategy retreats, incentive trips for top performers, kick-offs and team events for up to around 80 people with overnight accommodation in the house.

All four seminar venues have natural light and air conditioning. They accommodate formats ranging from executive retreats to conferences. Adina (54 m², pictured above) is designed for boardroom meetings of 12 people. Naomi (61 m²) can hold 24 people in a seminar or 40 in a concert-style seating arrangement. Céline (94 m²) can accommodate up to 60 participants. Noëlle (177 m², pictured below) offers space for 120 people in theater-style seating or up to 200 guests for an aperitif.

Lenk in the Simmental: One valley, four seasons, one MICE program

Lenk, the valley at the foot of the Wildstrubel mountain, offers programs that bring teams together in every season.

In summer, the hiking area around Lenk opens up to groups of all fitness levels. Short high-altitude trails are available, as well as challenging tours. For participants who want to literally get away from everyday life, there are tandem paragliding flights and river rafting team-building events.

In winter, the ski slopes are right outside the door, and the snow becomes a team-building activity, whether it's igloo building, ski school, cross-country skiing on the flat valley floor, snowshoeing, or sledding evenings. In January, the sled dog race adds another highlight, providing the perfect opportunity to build an entire incentive program.

Regardless of the season, the region offers programs that support local businesses. Woodcarving workshops allow participants to create a piece they can take home. The Lenk cheese dairy demonstrates how alpine milk is transformed into a product with a sense of place. A local brewery invites visitors to peek into the brewing kettle. Champagne and wine tastings round off the day and are equally suitable as an evening activity or as an exclusive setting for corporate events.

A kick-off meeting in January and a strategy retreat in June can both be held at the same location. All activities take place in the valley or in its immediate vicinity, eliminating the need for long transfers.

And not to be forgotten: The popular wedding events at the Lenkerhof or on the sublime Bühlberg with the restaurant of the same name belonging to the Lenkerhof are also very popular with MICE managers.

At 1664 meters, Bühlberg lies where the Simmental valley closes, and the mountains form a majestic backdrop with the Wildstrubel massif, the Wildhorn to its side, and above it, the Plaine Morte Glacier stretches across the horizon: the largest plateau glacier in the Alps. Below lies the village of Lenk, above, the ice, and in between, nothing obstructs the breathtaking view. The Bühlberg Restaurant is suitable for events with up to 150 people, the "Stübli" on the first floor is ideal for films – and, of course, weddings with up to 40 guests.

After the meeting comes the gastronomic experience.

Top-class gastronomy: the gourmet restaurant Spettacolo, the terrace of the «Oh de Vie» and on the right the mountain restaurant Bühlberg at 1,600 meters.

For the evening, guests have a choice of three restaurants: "Oh de Vie," the Bühlberg mountain restaurant, and the gourmet restaurant Spettacolo. The Lenkerhof also boasts an impressive wine cellar, a cigar lounge, and a cozy piano bar. The food is sourced almost exclusively from local producers.

The Lenkerhof has stood for over 300 years amidst breathtaking natural scenery, perched atop a spring. Originally founded as a bathhouse, the approximately 2000 m² "7sources" spa continues this history. Lenk is a natural paradise, and the town takes great care to preserve it. With its 2,300 inhabitants, Lenk maintains a balance with the gentle MICE tourism that thrives here.

The kitchen staff with Executive Chef Anja Jungo (far right), who is responsible for the concept of all three restaurants.

Relax at «7sources». The name comes from the «Sibe Brünnen», the source of the Simme River. They originate in a mountain meadow above the Simmen Falls and release their energy into the surrounding area.

In the spa «7sources» with pine cone sauna and Finnish sauna (right).

Water is life in the Simmental

The 7 springs and the Barbara Bridge over the Simmen Falls in Lenk.

A rock fissure with seven springs – these are the Seven Springs, the source of the Simme River. They form a magnificent place brimming with natural power – the beginning of a unique MICE getaway and part of the proverbial Lenkerhof experience. Fed by these seven springs, the Simme River forms the mighty Simme Waterfalls.

Those who want to make their MICE event an experience that respects nature should hold their meeting in the Simmental, the home of the "Simme" river, in a relaxed atmosphere with proverbial sustainable gastronomy. Tranquility is a precious commodity in the Simmental, one that is rarely found in urban life. The energy you recharge here comes from exercise in the fresh air, from clear water, and from encounters without haste. The Lenkerhof is known for its sulfur springs and over 300 years of bathing tradition.

Silent Luxury in the Lenkerhof

This energy is passed on at Lenkerhof with its diverse range of treatments and signature massages in the spa menu for personal breaks during an event.

The management of the Lenkerhof from left: Laurent Schenk, Iris Feulner,

Sandra Schönmann, Stefan Ruf.

“For many people, the Lenkerhof is something special because it brings them into contact with nature. It’s a fact that people are gravitating back towards simplicity. Lenk is close to MICE tourism in its own authentic way of ‘Silent Luxury’,” says Sandra Schönmann, member of the management board and head of marketing & sales at the Lenkerhof.

The Lenkerhof, at the end of the Simmental valley, is one of Switzerland's most inspiring 5-star superior hotels for MICE events. It combines five-star hospitality with culinary delights, an inspiring meeting environment, and experiences in a truly special atmosphere. Here at the end of the Simmental, time stands still for management meetings that focus on slowing down, authenticity, and personal encounters that you won't soon forget.

Agenda: Cheese, beer, literature from the Röstigraben (the cultural divide between German- and French-speaking Switzerland), and cow-patty lottery.

October 10th - 11th: Alpine descent of the famous Simmental cows (picture above) with the election of the four-legged "Miss Lenk" and the "cow patty lottery", where guests bet on where the cows will relieve themselves...

November 27-29, 2026: Literary event «Der Röstigraben n'existe pas»

September 2nd - 5th, 2027: Simmental Beer Festival with crate stacking, StrongWoMen Contest, snuff machine, bars and food stalls and concerts by acts such as Dodo, Loco Escrito or Tequila Boys.