Why Gstaad in Switzerland?

The destination of Gstaad is a dream region par excellence and situated in the Bernese Highlands. Although you often read in the media only about stars such as Madonna visiting the place, the region has much more to offer. Not only is it a wellness destination par excellence, but also the nature with glaciers, green meadows and nature reserves is dreamlike and varied, as you know it almost only from the picture book.

In this report you will get to know 15 places that you must see when you are in the Gstaad region. Most of them are easy to reach by car, such as the picturesque Village of Lauenen or the beautiful Arnensee. Only the Col de Voré requires a two-hour hike so that you can enjoy the unique view of the lakes and the mountains.

Now enough talking, let’s start the dream trip around Gstaad. Please be aware that, apart from Lake Lauenen, the lakes are only accessible from spring to autumn.

 

Lakes near Gstaad

The Gstaad region attracts visitors with incredibly beautiful mountain lakes. From the well-known lakes such as Lake Lauenen or Lake Arnen to unknown lakes such as Lac Retaud, nature in that part of the Swiss Alps is simply stunning. Let’s dive into the world of dreamlike mountain lakes.

Lake Lauenensee – the famous Swiss lake

Lake Lauenensee is the most famous mountain lake near Gstaad. But not only that. In Switzerland, practically everyone knows Lake Lauenen, at least by hearing. Because the lake was mentioned in a well-known Swiss song.

The Swiss Lake has a lot to offer becomes clear latest upon arrival because the region is a nature reserve. You can reach the lake from the car park within 5 minutes. Please note that the car park costs 8CHF (as of January 2022) and is often occupied early in the morning, especially at weekends in the summer months. As an alternative and the best option, it is recommended that you travel by public transport from Gstaad. Otherwise you can park your car in Lauenen (also limited parking spaces).

Those who want to hike around Lake Lauenen can do so in about 45 minutes. Large areas of the lake have already silted up due to the sediments that have been deposited. The idyllic lake is therefore becoming smaller and smaller. Nevertheless, there is still a large enough area to hire a rowing boat from the restaurant or simply enjoy nature. Since it is a nature reserve, you should keep quiet and always stay on the paths. Swimming, however, is allowed at the posted spot.

In winter, Lake Lauenen can also be reached, but it is frozen and popular mainly for winter hiking and cross-country skiing.

 

Lake Arnensee – surrounded by fir trees

Another dream lake only 20 minutes away from Gstaad is Lake Arnen. As well this Swiss mountain lake has become a popular destination and is very crowded, especially at weekends in summer. Nevertheless, you can find your peace and quiet if you hike up a little and enjoy the view from above. Even during the week, there are not that many people. The lake attracts visitors with its beautiful fireplaces and bathing opportunities. However, it must be said that the water is really cold.

By the way, Lake Arnen is a reservoir and, compared to Lake Lauenen, accordingly not a natural lake. Nevertheless, its natural character trumps and is a great tip if you are spending your vacations or a weekend in Gstaad.

 

Lac Retaud – the unknown

Since 2020, a picture of Lac Retaud has gone viral on Instagram. Fortunately, the author did not tag the name, so the lake remains as unknown, beautiful and quiet as ever. You can reach that mountain lake from Gstaad with a car drive via Col du Pillon, then take a small but passable road. There is no public transport to that destination.

The green of Lac Retaud is unique and makes it a jewel of the Swiss Alps. With a restaurant and a bathing area, Lac Retaud is well prepared to offer people the most beautiful moments. The lake is only 2 minutes away from the car park and access is free of charge.

For us it is the most beautiful lake in the region around Gstaad.

Col de Voré – the absolute insider tip

A 45-minute hike takes you from Lac Retaud to the Col de Voré, where a picture-perfect view awaits you. A view of two small mountain lakes and the indescribable Alpine panorama will make you dream! This is the perfect place to relax. Or as Gstaad Tourism says in its slogan: “Come up, slow down”.

From Col de Voré, you can either continue to Lake Arnen or return to Lac Retaud.

 

Seebergsee

The Lake Seebergsee is located above Zweisimmen and invites you to dream hikes or quiet moments. As the lake is now quite crowded at weekends, it is worth coming during the week.

There are also still huge insider tips, such as the hike on the link above to the karst areas.

 

Villages in the destination Gstaad

The villages around Gstaad have a characteristic feature that makes the region so unique. And that is the reason why practically all the buildings are made of wood, i.e. chalet houses. If you see a concrete building, it was built before the 1970s. But due to a change in the law to protect the landscape, this is now only allowed with the strictest of exceptions.

Now we have a look at the most beautiful villages around Gstaad, Switzerland:

Schönried

Schönried is a dream for all outdoor lovers, especially in winter. Because there are kilometres of winter hiking trails and cross-country ski runs (18km) here.

You can also take the cable car up to the Horneggli, where a great toboggan run awaits.

Schönried is also known as a wellness destination, with the Ermitage Gstaad standing out in particular. The chalet hotel pampers guests with heart and soul and is the ideal place to relax.

Gstaad

Gstaad is the most famous village and bears the name of an entire tourist region. In addition to the dreamlike chalets, Gstaad is also known for its wellness hotels such as the Alpina or Palace Gstaad. The rich and beautiful also come here to spend their Switzerland vacations.

A walk through the promenade is worthwhile and a visit to the dairy shop is as well highly recommended. It’s a shop where you can find all kinds of Swiss traditions.

Incidentally, the village centre is traffic-free, which makes stays on the promenade or in the outdoor area of a restaurant very pleasant.v

Saanen – right next to Gstaad

Saanen is located right next to Gstaad and is one of the most beautiful villages in the region. In the old village centre you can find chalet houses from the 15th century. The new village centre has slightly larger chalets, but they are still beautiful. In Saanen there are several bakeries selling delicious breads and sweets. So it’s worth buying something and sitting outside somewhere. But Saanen has also great restaurants.

Furthermore, the village is also important culturally, as the place forms the language border with French-speaking Switzerland (Romandie).

Lauenen

Most people probably know Lauenen through Lake Lauenen. But the village, which is only 15 minutes away from Gstaad, is for me one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland.

The chalet houses, the church and the poison-green grass give the village a charm as if you were in the middle of a picture book. If you are in Lauenen, you absolutely must visit the village shop. It is still furnished as if from the last century. Something you almost don’t see in Switzerland any more.

From Lauenen you can drive or hike in the direction of Lake Lauenen. A little more strenuous but also worthwhile would be the hike to the Wispile mountain. From there you can take the cable car back down and then a bus to Gstaad.

Gsteig bei Gstaad

Another dream village is definitely Gsteig bei Gstaad. Similar to Lauenen, it captivates with its chalet buildings and a white church. Great excursions start from here, such as a cable car to the Lac de Sénin reservoir. Gsteig is a popular photo location and has good light to take pictures in summer, especially around 9-10 am.

 

Rossinière (Gstaad’s insider tip)

Rossinière is already in the canton of Waadt. Therefore, mainly the French language is spoken, but most people also understand German. Rossinière is not really well-known despite its proximity to Gstaad. But the village is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland thanks to its charming houses. Incidentally, the largest wooden chalet in Switzerland is located here.

A village tour is an absolute highlight and a great insider tip for anyone close by Gstaad.

 

Mountains and valleys near Gstaad

Although Gstaad itself is very well known, the destination has many insider tips to offer. Besides the lakes and villages, which have already been presented, we also have a look at some mountains and valleys.

Turbachtal – Gstaads closest valley

The Turbach Valley with the small village of Turbach is one of the most romantic valleys near Gstaad. Everyone will be happy here, because whether simply resting or going on extreme hikes, the valley offers a lot.

In winter, for example, both cross-country ski trails and winter hiking or snow shoe trails await sports enthusiasts. In summer, a hike on the Giferspitz is particularly popular.

Glacier 3000

Compared to the Turbachtal and the Giferspitz, the Glacier 3000 is probably the best known mountain in the region around Gstaad. A 20-minute drive takes you from Gstaad to Col du Pillon, where you park the car and take the cable car towards Glacier 3000.

The mountain awaits you with various highlights. On the one hand, you can take the adventurous toboggan run in summer or go on a hike. This is also possible in winter, but you can’t really see the glacier because of the snow.

Glacier 3000 is also extremely popular for ist famous peak walk, the skiing and a great destination for an excursion from Gstaad.

 

Wispile

Another great destination in Gstaad is the Hoh Wispile, which is called “the family mountain”. Besides a petting zoo with lots of animals, there is also delicious food (large portions) and opportunities for short walks.

However, as well hikers get their money’s worth. From here you can hike along the ridge towards Lake Lauenen, where you can take the post bus back to Gstaad.

 

Sparenmoos

 

One of the most beautiful excursion destinations, especially in winter, is the Sparenmoos above Zweisimmen. The mountain is accessible by car in both summer and winter, but can also be reached by bus.

From here there are unique opportunities for cross-country skiing, winter hiking or sledging. Depending on the snow conditions, the toboggan run is open all the way to Zweisimmen, on the other hand to about the middle.

Summary Gstaad region

The region around Gstaad has everything to offer. Wellness hotels, good restaurants as well as the possibility to enjoy unique moments in nature, the destination makes the hearts of many beat faster.

With its cows, many hills and grassy green meadows you will have the perfect Swiss picture book scenery. Off the main seasons and weekends, Gstaad and the places mentioned here are practically deserted and a real dream.

Der Beitrag Gstaad Switzerland: 15 dream places to visit & excursion tips (2023) erschien zuerst auf Switzerland by Locals.