Gstaad combines local history with trails along the Saane, a distinctive chalet district and cheese culture. The car-free village centre is home to restaurants, shops, hotels and bars.
Village character and history
Gstaad is a village in the German-speaking part of the canton of Bern, in southwestern Switzerland, and belongs to the municipality of Saanen. It lies at an altitude of about 1,050 metres above sea level. Its history is reflected in various parts of the village: the centre developed at a crossroads on routes to Valais and Vaud. In the 13th to 14th centuries, there was an inn and a warehouse for traded goods there.
The Chapel of St. Nicholas in Gstaad was built in 1402; its murals date from the second half of the 15th century. Two bronze musician figures stand at the entrance. The bronze sculpture “Sitting Duck” is also located on Gstaad’s promenade. The calf “Rosie” stands by the fountain at the Posthotel Rössli. These places offer different cultural points of reference for exploring the area, without representing the same period or the same kind of art.
Routes between the promenade and the Saane
The W56 Gstaad Loop starts at the historic MOB railway bridge in the middle of Gstaad’s promenade and leads to the Gstaad Palace Hotel. Along the way, it passes through the Oberbort chalet district. The Palace opened in December 1913. The W56 thus links the promenade, the chalet district and a historic hotel as specific local landmarks.
The Ww21 between Gstaad and Saanen offers a different landscape: it runs along the valley floor beside the Saane, through sunny meadows and beneath shade-giving trees. Saani’s sound experience is an interactive themed trail with a picnic fire pit by the Saane. By contrast, the W56 descriptions take you closer to Gstaad’s promenade and Oberbort, while the Ww21 puts the river and the valley floor between the two villages centre stage.
Cheese, tastings and regional culture
More than 3,000 types of cheese, including historical rarities, are on display in the Cheese Grotto. It is located in a former water reservoir 25 metres underground. Visitors can also learn about Berner Hobelkäse AOP and its origins there. The Fondue Caquelon is also located near the Gstaad Cheese Grotto and is easily accessible by bike.
Guided tours with cheese tasting are available by prior arrangement for groups of at least six and no more than 25 people. The described format includes a candlelit tour and regional cheeses from different vintages, white wine, mineral water and bread. If you are planning such a visit, confirm the booking and group size with the provider in advance; terms and conditions may change. The Gstaad Menuhin Festival was founded in Saanenland in 1957. Its programme varies by season.
Cycling, mountain scenery and sport
For a shorter ride, the easy B9 Panorama Route mountain-bike tour is a useful option: the loop via Gstaad, Gruben, Oberbort and Turbach is 8.1 kilometres long, takes one hour and involves 183 metres of ascent and descent each. The B20 Eggli Gondola Trails Tour starts at the top station of the Eggli cable car and follows alpine trails through the open mountain landscape around Eggli. The Gstaad cycling region has more than 500 kilometres of GPS routes for mountain bikers, road cyclists and cyclists, including those using electric assistance. The published size of the trail network may change; check route details before planning your trip.
Gstaad is considered an important ski area. The local recreation areas around the village are accessible by three modern cable cars. If you are planning a mountain trip, check operating times in advance. This keeps information about the areas you can reach separate from specific travel times.
Swimming and relaxation
The Gstaad Sports Centre has several pools with water temperatures of 28 to 34°C, an outdoor area, a turbo slide and a children’s paddling pool. The swimming pool complex also includes a steam bath, sauna, whirlpool, experience showers and several relaxation rooms. A visit to the Sports Centre can therefore be planned as a standalone activity alongside routes and cultural attractions. Facilities may change; check the current offerings before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Saanen, Lauenen, Gsteig bei Gstaad, Saanen.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Saanen.
