Discover Gstaad: Alpine Luxury, Adventure and Culinary Delights

The most opulent resort in the Berner Oberland, Gstaad, is where the four finger-like valleys of the Saanenland meet.

Connecting the French-speaking Pays-d'Enhaut of Canton Vaud with the Berner Oberland, the vacation area of Gstaad preserves the folk-art traditions of the Pays-d'Enhaut, including cowbells, wood carvings, and alpenhorns, while also showcasing the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the two regions.

In high season, jet-set international flair replaces the folksy Gemütlichkeit of the area. The main street is dotted with designer boutiques, but tipic weathered-wood chalets predominate everywhere.

Gstaad is a place to see and be seen, with its many ski slopes receiving equal attention to its glitzy après-ski, après-concert, and après-match events. You can, however, avoid the social scene, if you prefer.

The landscape of Gstaad, with its densely forested slopes, picturesque year-round pathways, thriving dairy farms, and, for the most part, stubbornly authentic chalet architecture, keeps it firmly grounded in tradition, is what paradoxically both challenges and sustains its socialite position.

Getting there:

Reaching Gstaad is an experience in itself, with several scenic routes winding through the majestic Swiss Alps. Accessible via major Swiss cities by train or car the journey to Gstaad is a prelude to the natural splendor that awaits. The village is well-suited for exploration on foot, though local transport facilitates easy access to the wider region and its array of attractions.

When to go:

Gstaad's landscape transforms with the seasons, each offering unique opportunities for exploration and adventure: winter in Gstaad is a dream come true for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with expansive ski areas catering to all skill levels. The region's snow parks and halfpipes are a magnet for freestyle enthusiasts, while cross-country skiers find solace in the serene trails that crisscross the valley.

As the snow melts, Gstaad reveals lush valleys and sparkling waterways, inviting visitors to indulge in hiking, mountain biking, and water sports. Paragliding over the Alps provides an exhilarating perspective of the region's beauty, while the Glacier 3000 offers snow activities year-round, including a breathtaking walk between peaks on the world’s first suspension bridge of its kind.

Things to do

Mountain Climbing: Gstaad is an unparalleled paradise for mountain climbing enthusiasts. With the Alpinzentrum as your starting point, you're introduced to a world where the peaks seem to touch the sky, and the air feels fresher with every breath.

This center provides not just the equipment but also experienced mountain guides who can navigate you through routes that challenge and exhilarate in equal measure. Whether you're a seasoned climber seeking to conquer new heights or a novice eager to experience the thrill of the ascent, the mountains around Gstaad offer a range of climbs that promise panoramic vistas and a profound sense of accomplishment. The alpine environment, with its rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery, becomes a playground for those willing to test their limits against nature's grandeur.

Skiing: In the heart of Saanenland, Gstaad transforms into a winter wonderland, offering some of the most picturesque skiing landscapes in the world. Since the advent of the railway, Gstaad has become a haven for skiing enthusiasts, from powder hounds searching for the perfect run to snow bunnies eager to glide down the gentle slopes.

The Gstaad-Saanenland region is dotted with ski resorts that cater to every level of expertise and preference, featuring expansive terrains that range from challenging black runs to beginner-friendly slopes. The area is renowned for its consistent snowfall in the winter, ensuring that the conditions are ideal for skiing throughout the season. Beyond the thrill of the sport, skiing in Gstaad allows you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of snow-covered peaks and alpine forests, making every descent an experience to treasure.

Tissot's Peak Walk: The Peak Walk by Tissot at Glacier 3000 is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the allure of the Swiss Alps. This unique suspension bridge, the only one of its kind in the world to connect two mountain peaks, offers an unparalleled alpine experience open throughout the year, regardless of the season. The journey to this architectural wonder begins with a scenic cable car ride from Col du Pillon, a short 20-minute bus journey from Gstaad, transporting visitors to the heights of Glacier 3000. Spanning 170 meters (558 feet) across a deep chasm, the bridge links the slightly lower View Point peak with the Scex Rouge mountain, which stands 5 meters (16 feet) higher.

What sets the Peak Walk apart, beyond its engineering, is the breathtaking panoramic views it offers. From its vantage point, visitors can gaze upon some of the most iconic summits in the Alps, including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and the Eiger and Mönch mountains. These views provide a stunning backdrop for the walk, making it a photographer's paradise and an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Reaching the Peak Walk by Tissot is an adventure in itself. The cable car ride to Glacier 3000 is an experience that showcases the beauty of the Swiss Alps, gradually revealing the expansive vistas that make this region so renowned. Once at the glacier, the bridge is easily accessible, inviting visitors to embark on a journey across the sky, between peaks, and into the heart of the Alps.

Unlike many alpine attractions that are seasonal, the Peak Walk by Tissot is open all year round, offering different yet equally mesmerizing experiences in every season. Whether it's the pristine snowscape of winter, the blooming flora of spring, the verdant greenery of summer, or the golden hues of autumn, the bridge serves as a gateway to the timeless beauty of the Alps, unbound by the changing seasons.

Museum der Landschaft Saanen: The Museum der Landschaft Saanen, located upstairs from the Heimatwerk handicrafts shop on Saanen's main street, uses tools, costumes, furniture, and ornamental items to tell the tale of the region's past.

Church of Saanen: The Saanen Church, the oldest structure in the area, was undoubtedly built earlier than 1228, when it was first mentioned in records. The church, which is conveniently located off Saanen's main street, is available for visitation every day excepting events. Parts of the internal walls' medieval frescoes were exposed during the 20th century renovation of this Romanesque building.

Music in Gastaad: The Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy and Les Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad are two cornerstones of the cultural calendar in Gstaad, offering a unique celebration of classical music that attracts enthusiasts from around the globe.

Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy (Mid-July to Early-September): Founded in honor of the legendary violinist Yehudi Menuhin, who made Gstaad his summer home, the Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy has grown into one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world. From mid-July to early-September, the festival transforms the region into a vibrant stage for classical music. Performances are held in various venues, including the beautifully intimate church of Saanen and the grand Festival Tent, designed specifically for the festival's concerts.

The event showcases a wide array of talent, from established global stars to promising young musicians, across numerous concerts. The festival's programming spans a broad spectrum of classical music genres, offering something for every classical music aficionado. The accompanying academy provides a platform for young musicians to learn from and perform alongside seasoned professionals, fostering the next generation of classical music talent. For more information, visit Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy.

Les Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad (Late January to Early February): Les Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad is another highlight of the Gstaad winter season, taking place from late January to early February. This festival is renowned for bringing together young, rising stars of the classical music world and established maestros in a series of concerts held against the backdrop of Gstaad's snowy landscape. The event prides itself on its intimate settings, such as the chapel in Gstaad and the church in Saanen, providing a unique and personal concert experience.

The festival also emphasizes the promotion of young talent through its awards, offering young musicians significant recognition and the opportunity to perform. Les Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad presents a carefully curated program that includes a diverse range of classical music, from chamber music to orchestral works, ensuring a rich and varied listening experience for all attendees. For schedules and more information, visit Les Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad.

• Megu at The Alpina Gstaad: In the midst of the Alps, this restaurant offers the essence of Japanese cuisine. Megu is well-known for its creative sushi and inventive dishes made with exceptional ingredients. The atmosphere, which draws inspiration from the alleys of Kyoto, enhances the eating experience and makes it a favorite among fans of Japanese cuisine.

• Sommet at The Alpina Gstaad: Under the direction of Executive Chef Martin Göschel, Sommet is a Michelin-starred restaurant with a menu that spans Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America. A stunning patio setting and the use of only the best ingredients guarantee a memorable dining experience.

• Leonard's at Le Grand Bellevue: Leonard's offers a classy dining experience emphasizing locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Italian-inspired world cuisine is served by Chef Francesco de Bartolomeis, who creates a visual and culinary feast.

• The Hotel Le Grand Chalet's La Bagatelle: La Bagatelle has been a gastronomic icon in the Bernese Oberland for more than thirty years. Classic French cuisine is the restaurant's specialty, and its meals match the breathtaking views of Saanenland and the Alps that one may enjoy from its terrace.

• Ristorante Bar Rialto: Located on the main promenade in Gstaad, Rialto is a sanctuary for real Italian food. It's a favorite of both locals and celebrities, offering meals like lemon risotto and pan-fried mint scampi, as well as an outside dining space to take in live music and the passing horse-drawn carriages.