Saanen’s local history is reflected in its buildings and collections, as well as its cultural offerings. The church, chalets and Saanen Landscape Museum each offer a different perspective; music history, village history and local crafts complete the picture.

Church, Lanes and Historic Chalets

Narrow streets and lanes lined with old wooden houses define the village of Saanen. The historic chalets date from the 15th century. Saanen Church, formerly known as St. Mauritius, is another landmark: it was built between 1444 and 1447 and has a Romanesque tower. The church’s precise construction dates and the chalets’ century designation offer different time references within the 15th century. Together, they draw attention to sacred architecture and historic homes as two aspects of the village’s history.

Museum and Saanen Traditions

The Saanen Landscape Museum is housed in a building dating from the late Middle Ages. The village fire of 1575, which affected the entire village, badly damaged the building. The permanent exhibition is dedicated to Saanen customs and traditions. The museum also features a varied collection of local and regional bells. Regularly changing special exhibitions round out the programme. If you want to plan a visit around a particular special exhibition, check the current programme in advance. This makes it easy to distinguish between the permanent exhibition on Saanen traditions, the bell collection and the changing special topics as separate museum highlights.

Menuhin Center and Archive Materials

The Menuhin Center Saanen documents and presents the life of Lord Menuhin, his cultural milieu, and his musical and educational influences. It is located in the historic Salzhüsi chalet in the centre of Saanen. In addition to these topics, the Center makes archival materials available for public access and use. Prior contact may be required to access and use them; if you specifically want to work with archival materials, it is advisable to enquire in advance. The Center thus complements the village and architectural history with a dedicated focus on music, education and Menuhin’s cultural milieu.

Explore Village History and Local Crafts

Saanen’s audio guide features 28 stops covering the village’s history and architecture. Guided tours of Saanen can be booked through Guides Gstaad-Saanenland and Explora Gstaad. The audio guide has a fixed total of 28 stops; for a guided tour, coordinate with the provider to find a suitable date. Check booking options and dates before making plans, as providers and schedules may change.

Local crafts also offer hands-on ways to connect with the area. Silhouettes made using the art of paper cutting can be purchased at the Hausweberei-Heimatwerk in Saanen. Ceramics at the Saanen pottery are still made by hand. These two examples represent different kinds of work: cut silhouettes and handcrafted ceramics. If you are planning a particular purchase, it is worth enquiring in advance, as the selection at the Heimatwerk and the availability of individual ceramic pieces may change.

Elevation and Getting There

Saanen lies at an elevation of around 1,014 metres. The municipal area includes Giferspitz, its highest point at 2,542 metres, as well as the Saane near Rüttischlucht, its lowest point at 985 metres. Saanen’s elevation is therefore presented alongside the extreme points of the entire municipal area; the figures refer to different geographical scales.

A rail route runs via Bern, Spiez, Zweisimmen, Saanenmöser, Schönried, Gstaad and Saanen. Check the current timetable before travelling. Air taxi services to numerous national and international destinations are available in the Gstaad holiday region to and from Gstaad Airport in Saanen. As availability may change, check before booking.

Discover more destinations: Lauenen, Gstaad, Gsteig Bei Gstaad.

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