Gstaad, located in the Bernese Oberland, is name which rings with wealth and winter skiers. However, Gstaad is not just a single village but a region collectively called Saanenland with a total of 10 small mountain villages and some excellent summer walking. The region is predominantly German speaking, but being located on one of Switzerland’s linguistic borders, some of the walking extends into the  French speaking part of the country. The locality benefits from nearly 200 miles of walking paths offering the walker an immense choice with diverse mountain scenery. A railway line links many  of the villages and others are accessible by post bus - many of which extend far into the mountains to reach the start points of our walks. Post-buses and trains also link you to the many cable cars and chairlifts on which you can swiftly rise into the mountains.

The main village of Gstaad has become internationally well known for its rich and famous residents. This has brought some excellent boutique shopping which would not be out of place in most major cities - designer hiking gear included! There are superb restaurants and cafes for sumptuous lunches both in the villages and high in the mountains. The main village only has 1500 residents but swells enormously in the winter peak season and less so in the summer time. We have chosen two hotels in quiet locations - one just outside Gstaad and one in the nearby  village of Schoenreid. Both provide easy access to all transportation including the network of cable cars and chairlifts so useful to walkers!

We offer a superb collection  of walks for all levels which explore the many lakes and alpine meadows in the area. There are 9 cable cars  or chairlifts  which start  from a number of the villages and generally take you from the valley floor at 1000 – 1200m to one of the many peaks in the area at between 1700m and 2100m. An exception to this is the one cable car which rises to nearly 3000m offering an opportunity to walk above this altitude in a land of high mountains and glaciers. Glacier walking is just one option and an exception,  as most of the walking takes in gentle flower covered alpine meadows and clear blue glacial lakes. One opportunity is to walk from the alpine village of Lenk to Saanen - a walk on our Bernese highlights trek.

This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.

Hotel Alpine Lodge *** - 3 Star

GolfHotel Les Hauts de Gstaad **** - 4 Star

Availability Information

It is possible to walk in the Gstaad area from May to October, but with a possibility of snow in the first and last month. Some cable cars and chairlifts operate year around, whilst some operate for a very short season in summer. Most are running from the end of June to the middle of October. When to book your walking holiday in Switzerland - Gstaad - Spectacular Landscapes

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