In terms of size, Gstaad is just your average Swiss village, but its reputation as a fashionable mecca for the jet-set is global. Surrounded by some of Switzerland's finest alpine scenery, Gstaad lies in the south west of the country, about two hours' drive from Geneva or Zurich on the boundary between the Bernese Oberland and the Vaud Alpes.Gstaad is a friendly car-free village. A rather charming, attractively located place full of restored weathered-wood chalets between four gently sloping valleys. It is pleasing with a variety of sporting activities and social events during most of the year.Most summertime tourists visit Gstaad for the endless walking path. In winter; a magnificent ski area is served including about 60 ski lifts, which enable runs to be varied in accordance with individual tastes. Cable cars ferry you into the mountains - and the local tourist travel pass, the Gstaad Easyaccess Card will save you money on these as well as giving you a range of other benefits. In summer, Gstaad plays host to several world-class festivals and tournaments including the Menuhin Classic Music Festival, the ATP Tennis Championships and the Polo Silver Cup. In January, don't miss the hot-air balloon festival in Chateau-d'Oex.
Getting to Gstaad
Gstaad is located in South West Switzerland, 148 km (92 miles) from Geneva, the nearest airport. Travel time from Geneva is 1 3/4 hours by car and 3 hours by train. The resort is 178 km (110 miles) from Zurich and 60 km (37 miles) from Berne.
From Geneva, take the train to Montreux and change trains for Saanen/Gstaad. From Zurich, take international train connections to Spiez and change trains for Zweisimmen. In Zweisimmen change trains for Gstaad. Gstaad has an excellent covered swimming pool.Gstaad is in a good location for train or auto excursions to Montreux, Geneva, Lausanne, Interlaken and Bern, all within approximately two hours by train.There are world-class toboggan runs here. Eggli-Grund is 6 km. Turbach is 2 km. and Chinnetritt-Gsteig is 6 km. That’s a long way to slide.Ballooning over the Alps provides a once-in-a-lifetime thrill, and Chateau-O’ex is renowned for it. Balloon rides can be arranged through the tourist office (033-748-8181). The price is €325–€350 per person for about two hours. Paragliding is also available. Ice skating, curling and horseback riding are available (033-744-4368).Rougement has three claims to fame: cheesemaking, découpage and the Rougemont Church. You can purchase locally made cheeses in town (look for the “produits authentiques” stamp), and don’t miss the opportunity to visit with some of the fine papercutters and view their exquisitely detailed works. The Romanesque church dates back to 1080. Three of its four bells date from the 15th century; the fourth was cast in honor of the 900th anniversary of Rougement.In Chateaud-Oex, the Musée de Vieux Pays-d’Enhaut is a small, wonderful museum with emphasis on the region’s history and culture. Visit the Caves de L’Etivaz, where fromage d’Alpage is made. Les Diablerets has a tubing park, a 7-km. sledding run, 30 km. of winter walking and 15 km. of snowshoe trails. |
