Gstaad is a charming village in the Bernese Oberland, situated at an altitude of 1050 meters and belonging to the municipality of Saanen. The village center has been car-free since 1998, which contributes to a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. There are numerous exclusive stores, restaurants and hotels along the promenade, inviting you to stroll and linger. The Alpine idyll of Gstaad is one of the absolute tourist highlights in Switzerland.
Note: The excursion to Gstaad is part of our Luxury Tours Switzerland.
Gstaad – Chalet style
The architectural design of the chalet-style houses gives Gstaad a special charm and adds to the picturesque setting of the resort. It is no wonder that many celebrities spend their vacations here, as Gstaad is known for its exquisite appeal and first-class amenities.
Gstaad is a popular destination for international celebrities due to its first-class hotels, gourmet restaurants, luxury chalets and proximity to Saanen Airport.
However, together with the neighboring villages of Saanen, Schönried, Saanenmöser, Zweisimmen, Gsteig, Lauenen, Feutersoey, Turbach and Abländschen, the Saanenland offers a much wider range of activities. For example, you can explore the nature reserve at the idyllic Lake Lauenen with its waterfalls and high moors, stroll through the narrow streets in the historic village center of Saanen or enjoy the tranquility of the dreamy mountain village of Abländschen. This diverse destination offers something for every taste.
The Swiss band “Span” even dedicated a song to Lake Lauenen.
Gstaad in summer
Gstaad – Lake Lauenen
Gstaad Mountain
The Saanenland, with its vast and open landscape, offers a wide range of sporting activities for variety and versatility. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the well-developed network of over 300 kilometers of trails, while mountain bikers can seek a challenge on the numerous routes. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy paragliding or white water and canoeing adventures on the Saane. Golf enthusiasts can put their skills to the test on the region’s golf courses.
Cross-country skiing is even possible in summer in the “Glacier 3000” glacier ski area, while the summer toboggan run in Schönried, a via ferrata and the natural paradise of Lake Lauenen are ideal excursion destinations for families. These offer both fun and nature experiences for young and old.
With such a diverse selection of sporting activities, the Saanenland is a true playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Gstaad in winter
The Gstaad winter sports region has 47 cable car facilities, which can be reached by feeder cable cars from several villages. The Montreux-Oberland cable cars and buses connect Gstaad with the valley stations in Saanenmöser, Schönried, Zweisimmen, Gsteig, Reusch, Lauenen, Rougemont, Col-du-Pillon and Château-d’Oex in the neighboring French-speaking region of Pays d’Enhaut. This makes it easy to explore the various ski areas and enjoy the region’s diverse activities and landscapes.
Skiers and snowboarders
In winter, skiers and snowboarders in the Saanenland can look forward to an impressive range of 200 kilometers of pistes stretching between 1000 and 3000 meters above sea level. In addition to the varied downhill runs, there are also several snow parks, numerous toboggan runs and 42 kilometers of perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails, half of which are available for classic cross-country skiing and half for skating. For hiking enthusiasts, there are around 185 kilometers of winter hiking trails to explore.
Away from the traditional winter activities, there are also unusual options such as curling in the center of Gstaad or the experience of glacier and heli-skiing.
In the smaller villages in the region, such as Lauenen, visitors can experience winter in peace and enjoyment. Extensive winter hikes, cross-country skiing or romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides are on the program here. These places offer an idyllic and relaxed atmosphere for winter activities.
Alpine idyll of Gstaad as a meeting place for high society
In addition to Gstaad, there are nine other chalet villages in the region, stretching between 1,000 and 1,400 meters above sea level. Today, the Gstaad brand is known worldwide for its elegant grace and understated luxury. Despite its style and elegance, Gstaad has remained true to its alpine origins and down-to-earth roots. The inhabitants are proud of their traditions and actively live them.
The region offers its guests more than 1,000 events per year, including first-class events of international renown. Visitors can also expect an excellent hotel industry, first-class shopping facilities along a car-free promenade and its own airfield in Saanen.
Video TOP 10 Things to do in Gstaad, Switzerland 2023!
Gstaad, Switzerland is an amazing place to visit in Switzerland…
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Video Gstaad, a magical Swiss village loved by the rich and famous!
Gstaad ist ein magisches Schweizer Dorf…
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