Gstaad: Village Life, Trails and Cheese Culture

Gstaad is a locality in the German-speaking part of the canton of Bern in southwestern Switzerland and belongs to the municipality of Saanen. The car-free village centre is home to restaurants, shops, hotels and bars. It therefore gives you a concrete impression of what the village centre is like when choosing your destination. Trails through the landscape, local history and cheese-related activities also shape the options for planning a stay.

Village Centre, History and Art

The village centre developed at a crossroads of routes leading to Valais and Vaud. In the 13th to 14th century, it had an inn and a warehouse for trade goods. St. Nicholas Chapel provides another historical landmark: it was built in 1402, and its wall paintings date from the second half of the 15th century. Two bronze figures of musicians stand at the entrance. The bronze sculpture “Sitting Duck” is also located on the Gstaad Promenade.

Gstaad Palace is also part of the village’s history: it opened in December 1913. The W56 Gstaad Round Tour leads from the historic MOB railway bridge in the middle of the promenade to the Gstaad Palace Hotel and through the Oberbort chalet district. The route as described therefore connects several different views of the village, without specifying a particular walking time.

Walking Routes and Riverside Trails

The Ww21 runs between Gstaad and Saanen along the valley floor beside the Saane. Sunny meadows and shade-giving trees characterise the landscape along this route. Those choosing a tour based on its surroundings will find a different landscape here than in the Oberbort chalet district, through which the W56 runs.

Saani’s Sound Experience is another interactive themed trail. There is a firepit by the Saane for picnics. Its riverside setting makes this stop a distinct way to combine a trail with a break outdoors.

Cycling and Mountain Scenery

The easy B9 Panorama route: Gstaad – Gruben – Oberbort – Turbach – Gstaad mountain bike tour is 8.1 kilometres long. The stated duration is one hour, with 183 metres of ascent and descent each. These figures help you assess the tour by distance and elevation; route details may be updated and should be checked before making specific plans.

Another route description for the B20 Eggli Gondola Trails Tour leads from the mountain station of the Eggli cable car along alpine paths through the open mountain landscape around Eggli. The Gstaad cycling region also has more than 500 kilometres of GPS routes for mountain bikers, road cyclists and cyclists, including routes for e-bikes. The size of this network may change as routes are added or removed.

Cheese Culture and Guided Tours

The Cheese Grotto showcases more than 3,000 types of cheese, including historic rarities. It is located in a former water reservoir 25 metres underground; visitors can also learn about Bernese Hobelkäse AOP and its origins there. Guided tours with cheese tasting are available by prior arrangement for groups of at least six and no more than 25 people. The tasting described includes a candlelit tour, regional cheeses from different vintages, white wine, mineral water and bread. As the terms of the offer may change, it is advisable to check them with the provider before making plans.

The Fondue Caquelon is also located near the Gstaad Cheese Grotto and is easy to reach by bike. For another cheese-related experience, you can combine the visit with a separate destination centred on fondue.

Swimming Pool and Cable Cars

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 facilities also include a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, experience showers and several relaxation rooms. As the facilities on offer may change, check what is currently available before visiting.

The local recreation areas around Gstaad can be reached by three modern cable cars. If a specific ride is part of your plans, it is worth checking the timetable. This makes it easier to weigh up the options for a stay in Gstaad based on tangible differences: local history and art, routes along the Saane, cycling trails, cheese experiences or facilities at the Sports Centre.

Discover more destinations: Gsteig bei Gstaad, Saanen, Saanen, Lauenen.

Back to the main travel overview: Saanen.