As a holiday destination, Gstaad boasts an incomparable offer of cultural and sporting events, without in any way compromising its genuine alpine authenticity. Here in Gstaad, you can combine the sheer thrill of sports activities with pleasure and regeneration. As a hiker’s paradise, the destination never fails to attract visitors to Nature’s peace and tranquillity.
Gstaad stands for pleasure and relaxation in its purest form. For its guests, the destination is a little oasis where the Alps are resplendent in all their diversity. The unspoilt natural setting is also closely associated with a tradition of alpine farming that has been nurtured over centuries. Hiking is a beautiful way of discovering just how diverse the landscape is. 300 km of signposted hiking trails feature fantastic views. Also, since Gstaad is first and foremost about enjoyment, there is always a cosy alpine eatery somewhere to entice you with regional specialities.
Easy high-level hikes for all the family
There is a fantastic alpine panorama for hikers to enjoy, for example along the trail from Horneggli to Rinderberg. The two-hour hike goes from the Horneggli mountain station on to the Alp Parwenge and via the Gandlouene ridge after a short descent to the Rinderberg. All sorts of crazy surprises await along the way. For instance, who would expect to find a wakeboarding facility up here at 1800m above sea level? Children’s playgrounds at 2000m and fantastic mountain lodges serving delicious treats are sure to fulfil every wish. After that, it’s a leisurely ride by gondola lift back down to Zweisimmen.
A hiker’s paradise in an unspoilt natural setting
The famous and much-vaunted lake of Lauenensee is an ideal spot to take in the beauty of the Alps. A hiking tour starting in Wispile leads to the nature reserve. Hikers can enjoy an incomparable panoramic vista of the Saanenland and views of the region’s 3,000+ metre peaks. The hike, which takes a good three hours, is ideally suited for families. Finally, the gondola lift is a relaxing way to travel up from Gstaad to the Berghaus Wispile mountain lodge.
There the new adventure playground invites children and adults alike to spend some time relaxing, enjoying and exploring the area. Follow the mountain ridge and savour the breathtaking panorama of the Saanenland and the stunning summits of the Oldenhorn group. Then, at Chrinetritt the trail continues along the ridge to the Chrine Pass. From there the trail descends again to reach the unspoilt nature reserve of the Lauenensee.
Holiday treats for the palate, too.
The hiking trails run through all sorts of landscapes, allowing hikers to discover moorlands, deep gorges, alpine valleys, high mountain summits and, of course, the beautifully located alpine eateries and mountain restaurants. Regardless of how nature lovers are out and about in the mountains, there are always opportunities to find somewhere for an enjoyable break. The alpine eateries, or Alpbeizli, have lost nothing of their authentic character.
Their hosts are happy to give an insight into everyday life as an alpine farmer and the region’s traditions. With often delicious home-made treats and pure surroundings, the Alpbeizli certainly exude a charm all of their own. This hospitality of a different kind ensures that hikers and mountain bikers always get to enjoy a unique experience. Also with a little luck, there may even be a few new-born calves around to pet.
For more information visit gstaad.ch
Header photo © Destination Gstaad
