Simmefälle and Siebenbrunnen, Lenk

🗺️ Overview

• Starting point: Simmenfälle parking (approx. 1,100 m)

• Highest point: Siebenbrunnen (approx. 1,400 m)

• Total elevation gain: ~300 m

• Total distance: ~8 km round trip

• Total time: 2–3 hours walking time (5h30 including breaks)

• Technical difficulty: Easy (some steeper and uneven sections on the path to Simmenfälle)

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The hike to Simmefalle and then to Siebenbrunnen starts at the end of the valley after Lenk, at about 1,100 m altitude. There is a parking area next to the restaurant, and you can even get there by bus.

At the end of the parking lot, a path starts along the river, which already roars at this point. After a short stretch, you can choose whether to climb via the road on the left or the path on the right. I took the path and, to ease the flow of hikers, keep in mind that it is marked as a one-way trail and can only be used uphill.

The first part of the path is the most beautiful. It runs right along the river, which has several rapids and small waterfalls. There are plenty of photo opportunities. This section is also a bit more adventurous, with some steeper and rocky stretches. Nothing difficult, but not suitable for everyone.

After about 30 minutes, the path becomes flatter and enters the forest. About 10 minutes later, you reach Barbarabrücke, the bridge just in front of Simmefalle. You will cross it quickly as you get sprayed by the falls!

On the other side of the bridge, the path rejoins the larger road. Here you have to decide whether to head back or continue to Siebenbrunnen. The gravel road is steep in some places but wide and easy to follow. After about 20 minutes, you reach a crossroads where you have to turn right, and the road levels out. The next 10–15 minutes take you past waterfalls, gorges, and tiny rivers crisscrossing the natural rock amphitheater. It is really beautiful!

You will then reach the hut, which offers drinks from a self-service fountain that keeps them fresh, traditional dishes, and ice cream.

Another five-minute walk beyond the hut brings you to Siebenbrunnen, the source of the River Simme, which gives its name to the valley: Simmental. The water emerges dramatically from the mountainside through several openings. Small paths bring you closer if you want, and it is a perfect place for a picnic if you did not stop at the hut.

The way back follows the same route, but you have to take the gravel road all the way down, as the riverside path is one-way. Overall, we took about 5h30, including a long stop at the hut. The climb took around two hours, but that was with two kids stopping to admire every flower along the way. An adult could comfortably reach Siebenbrunnen in about 45 minutes. It is a perfect family day out in a very beautiful place.