Gstaad: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Gstaad is located in the Bernese Oberland in the Swiss canton of Bern. The fashionable community in the Saanenland attracts an international audience that appreciates the upscale accommodations as well as the elegant shopping street. The Gstaad ski area offers downhill fun on around 200 kilometers of slopes in winter, and in summer, the Lauenensee is popular for excursions.
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Gstaad - Must-see attractions
Gstaad Promenade
Let yourself be inspired on the Gstaad Promenade by the many small craft and art shops as well as the charming cafés where you are offered a hot Swiss chocolate. Especially in winter, many people stop by to warm up. The Gstaad Promenade is a popular place for strolling all year round and fascinates with a wide selection of shops. Many visitors simply sit on the small benches and watch the colorful hustle and bustle on the street.
Black Lake
The Schwarzsee (Lac Noir) is a picturesque mountain lake near Gstaad in Switzerland. This idyllic lake is situated amidst a breathtaking alpine landscape and is surrounded by lush forests. The name "Schwarzsee" comes from the deep, dark color of the water. The lake is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers who enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the opportunity for picnicking, hiking, and fishing. In the warmer months, the surrounding mountain peak is reflected in the clear water of the lake!
Gstaad Eggli Mountain Railways Destination
With the panoramic cable cars to Eggli, Swiss Gstaad offers a true highlight. The routes guarantee magnificent views over the Alps thanks to panoramic windows and take you to a height of more than 1,500 m within 5 minutes. On Gstaad's local mountain, idyllic and varied hiking trails await you. Along the way, you pass rustic mountain huts where you can taste local delicacies. Those who wish can hike back to the valley or glide down well-prepared slopes in winter.
Glacier 3000
The Glacier 3000 ski area offers a mix of slopes with easy, medium, and challenging levels for beginners and experienced skiers, as well as families skiing together. The winter sports offerings are complemented by varied freeride slopes with plenty of adrenaline kicks. In addition to the groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowboarding, the Swiss ski area delights with beautiful opportunities for snowshoe hiking. An absolute highlight is guided sled dog tours with huskies. By the way, a visit is also worthwhile in summer. Then the summer toboggan run opens.
Church of Saanen
Through the magnificent stained glass windows of the Saanen Church in the canton of Bern, the interior is bathed in a fascinating play of colors. During a tour of the church, you can admire the wooden bell tower and the wall paintings in the choir dating back to around 1470. The Saanen Church is not only a religious center but also a cultural jewel. Concerts and cultural events regularly take place here, taking advantage of the building's unique acoustics. For example, the annual Menuhin Festival Gstaad is well-known.
Gruyères Castle
Initially, the Greyerz Castle belonged to the Counts of Greyerz, who were loyal to Burgundy. Later, it came into the possession of the Bovy family, under whose aegis renowned painters like Gustave Courbet and Camille Corot created some of their masterpieces at the castle. Today, the Greyerz Castle houses a museum. Visit the knight's hall in troubadour style as well as the cloaks of the knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Below the castle, the HR Giger Museum awaits you, exhibiting items from the fantasy genre.
Gstaad - Secret spots
Lauenensee
The Lauenensee in Gstaad is an idyllic mountain lake, surrounded by untouched nature. Here, one can discover rare alpine flowers and enjoy the tranquility. The lake is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. In summer, the surrounding peaks are reflected in the clear water, offering a picturesque panorama.
Moonshot
The Tungelschuss is an impressive waterfall near Gstaad. It plunges roaringly into the depths and offers a spectacular natural spectacle. The path there leads through dense forests and along babbling brooks. The waterfall is particularly an impressive experience in spring after the snowmelt.
Gsteig near Gstaad
Gsteig bei Gstaad is a charming village that has preserved its traditional character. Here you will find historic chalets and a picturesque church from the 15th century. The surroundings invite you to take extensive hikes, where you can experience the alpine flora and fauna up close. A place that promises peace and relaxation.
Gummfluh
The Gummfluh is a striking mountain in the Bernese Alps and a hidden gem for experienced mountaineers. The ascent is challenging, but the view from the summit is breathtaking. You can see as far as Mont Blanc. The Gummfluh is also a habitat for ibex, which you can observe with a bit of luck.
Gstaad - In 3 days
Day 1
Start your first day in Gstaad with a leisurely stroll through the charming village center. The picturesque chalets and breathtaking mountain backdrop offer perfect photo opportunities. Visit the local boutiques and art galleries to get a feel for the local culture and craftsmanship. After wandering through the village, you can walk along the Gstaad Promenade and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Take a break in one of the cozy cafés and try a traditional Swiss specialty like Rösti or Fondue. In the afternoon, a cable car ride to the Wispile is recommended. Once at the top, you can take a light hike and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding Alps. For the adventurous, there is also the option to try paragliding. End the day with a relaxing dinner in one of the traditional inns, where you can taste local specialties like Raclette or Älplermagronen. Conclude the evening with a glass of Swiss wine and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
Day 2
Start your second day in Gstaad with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or one of the charming cafes in the village. Then head to Glacier 3000. A spectacular cable car ride takes you to the summit, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the snow-covered Alps. For the adventurous, there is the opportunity to cross the Peak Walk, the only suspension bridge in the world that connects two peaks. After this exciting experience, you can take a break in the panoramic restaurant and enjoy the view with a warm drink. In the afternoon, a visit to the nearby Lake Lauenen is recommended. Take a leisurely hike around the lake or rent a rowboat to explore the idyllic landscape from the water. End the day with a visit to a traditional inn, where you can try local specialties such as Berner Platte or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. Conclude the evening with a cozy stroll through the illuminated village center.
Day 3
The third day in Gstaad begins with a visit to the charming village of Saanen, which is just a short drive away. Stroll through the historic alleys and admire the well-preserved wooden houses and the picturesque 15th-century church. After a leisurely walk, you can visit the Museum of the Saanenland region to learn more about the local history and culture. In the late morning, a trip to Arnensee, an idyllic mountain lake perfect for a relaxing hike or picnic, is recommended. Enjoy the tranquility and pristine nature before returning to Gstaad in the afternoon. There, you can take advantage of the wellness offerings at one of the luxurious spas and indulge in a massage or sauna. End your day with a delicious dinner in a traditional inn and reflect on the experiences of the past few days.