Destination Features
- Gstaad is located in the South West region of the Swiss Alps in the Bernese Oberland. Gstaad is well known for its ski and cross country slopes as well as the luxury lifestyle it has to offer which has an international reputation. With a population of less than 10,000 inhabitants, its exclusivity and Alpine charm has attracted many famous part-time residents who enjoy the mountain air and ambience of Gstaad. There are 9 small villages in the Gstaad area at an altitude of between 1000 and 1400 meters and a popular traffic free shopping promenade in Gstaad town center.
- The mountains around Gstaad provide for plenty of entertainment. In the Winter, 41 ski lifts cover 3 ski areas which offer over 200km of ski slopes up to an altitude of 3000 meters. The slopes offer varying degrees of difficulty so there is something to suit everyone. There are several snow parks and toboggan runs, as well as the world’s highest Alpine Coaster bobsleigh track at Glacier 3000. Gstaad is one of the top cross-country ski areas in Switzerland with 42km of cross country trails for all levels of cross country skiers or skating enthusiasts. Heli-skiing is available from Gstaad and there are 10 Winter sport schools to choose from. In the Summer months, mountain & road biking and hiking take over from skiing and you can enjoy a birds eye view of Gstaad by paragliding over the resort or enjoying the various via ferrata fixed rope routes in the region. The 18 hole Golf Club Gstaad-Saanen is at 1400 meters and surrounded by a nature reserve with panoramic views over the Bernese Alps. River rafting on the River Saane is popular with 2-3 hours of family rafting available or a longer route leaving from Saanen and rafting to Chateau d’Oex, where they often launch hot air balloons. Gstaad is famous for its picturesque promenade in the middle of the village full of prestigious boutiques and gourmet restaurants, art galleries and excellent hotels.
- There are plenty of places to enjoy fine food and good ambience around Gstaad. From the long standing exclusive Eagle Ski Club founded in 1957 with its gourmet restaurant on top of a private mountain to the Gstaad Yacht Club founded in 1998 by a group of sailing enthusiasts. The newest members club in Gstaad is the Club de Luge on top of the Eggli mountain accessed by a 6 minute private gondola ride designed by Porsche. For fine dining, La Bagatelle has a warm atmosphere and offers Mediterranean cuisine, le Grill is a gourmet rotisserie restaurant, and Megu offers contemporary Asian cuisine. For traditional Swiss dishes including fondue there are plenty of options including Le Petit Chalet, La Fromagerie or Chalet Waldhus. There are some après-ski bars like Horny Bar and the Mojo Snow Lounge and the Green Go club is popular for an after party and dancing. The Iglu Dorf Bar has fondue and drinks in the Winter months and the opportunity to spend the night in an igloo. The main shopping promenade has plenty of cafés to enjoy including Charly’s by the ice rink.
- There are over 1000 cultural and sporting events held each year in Gstaad. If music and theatre are of interest, there are Easter concerts in Saanen, Swiss Folk music evenings throughout the year, open air theatres in Swiss German, the Menuhin Festival of Classical Music, country nights and even an evening of film music with a focus on James Bond themes. If you are interested in sporting events, Gstaad hosts a Running & Nordic week in May open for all ages and abilities. The infamous Glacier 3000 run is a challenge, beginning in Gstaad and finishing 26km away at the top of Glacier 3000. There is a Gstaad kids fun run for children aged 4 to 16 years old, and a 3 day Snow Bike Festival in the Winter season. In the Summer months, Gstaad hosts the Beach Volleyball Major Series, and the Swiss Open Gstaad ATP tennis tournament which is played on clay courts in the middle of Gstaad. Swiss National Day on August 1st is celebrated in Saanen with a program of entertainment and you can watch the Swiss Wrestling Festival in August which is a popular traditional event. Each year Gstaad has an Alpine Christmas market.
- Most helpful website for fact finding and general information about Gstaad is provided by My Switzerland.
