Gstaad, Switzerland

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Ski Resort Glacier 3000 Hiking GoldenPass Express Chalet Village Hot-Air Balloons

Gstaad

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.

Attractions and Activities

City Excursions in Gstaad

In Gstaad, the mountains won't let you wait...
We are presenting you just a few of the many activities that are possible in Gstaad and its surroundings. You will be fascinated by flowering meadows under clear blue skies.

Mountain Excursions in Gstaad

Les Diablerets/Glacier 3000
Full-day excursion. Both in summer and in winter, Glacier 3000 has become a world-famous tourist destination for tourists. You will be amazed by the breathtaking, 360-degree panorama of the Vaudois, Bernese and Valaisan Alps.

City/Lake Excursions in Gstaad

Berne – Switzerland's Captivating Capital
Beautiful Berne is only a 90 minutes rail trip from Gstaad. This is a city of medieval magic, listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Attractions include the famous clock tower, the bearpits – home to Berne's heraldic animals – and excellent shopping arcades.

Cruises on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
April – October. (included with some Swiss Rail Passes!)
Half-day or evening excursions. Boats are operated on both of these beautiful lakes. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on a modern motorship or one of the renovated stately steamers. Excellent catering and banquet facilities. Theme events and club, company and family festivities. Paddle steamer with Children's Club. Evening cruises with entertainment. Cruises depart at Interlaken Ost for Lake Brienz or Spiez for Lake Thun.

Rail Excursions in Gstaad

Montreux – on Lake Geneva
Full-day excursion by rail. This attractive excursion crosses the "border" between German and French-speaking Switzerland. The trip runs from Gstaad via Saanen to Montreux on Lake Geneva. Can be combined with wine-tasting in Switzerland's largest wine-growing region.

Summer Sports in Gstaad

Hiking
Gstaad is an excellent location for leisure and adventurous hiking. The greater region features more than 323 km (200 miles) of summer Hiking paths. Free brochures with suggestions for walks and various detailed hiking maps are available at the local tourist offices.

Hot-air Balloons
Rides are available from Chateau-d'Oex (next to Gstaad) to wherever the wind takes you... The view of the Alps or the Gruyere from a balloon basket is incredible.

Biking
Switzerland in general and Gstaad in specific are great places for biking and mountain biking. Getting around on two wheels is made significantly more feasible by the ease of bike access. You can rent a seven-gear country bike or a quality 21-gear mountain bike from Rent-A-Bike, located at 200 SBB-CFF-FFS train stations nationwide.

Golf
The countryside and the physical well-being found in it personify luxury in Gstaad. A round of golf at the foot of the snow-capped mountains remains unforgettable. Guests are welcome on the golf course throughout the season. A handicap of 36 and club membership are necessary, however. Equipment can be rented.

Other Summer Sports
The options in Gstaad are many. Following you may find a list with all kinds of sports activities: Climbing, Fitness, Golfing, Horseback Riding, Mountaineering, Paragliding, Rock-Climbing, Indoor Swimming, Tennis, Indoor Beach Volleyball and Trekking.

Winter Sports in Gstaad

Skiing/Snowboarding
In Gstaad you can choose from various ski areas with more than 62 cable cars and lifts and 250 km downhill ski slopes ready for your enjoyment. Valley stations are accessible by train, bus and car.

Others Winter Sports
Hiking, Snowshoe Walking, Ice Skating, Curling, Tobbogaining, Cross Country Skiing, Swimming, Snowtubing.

Location and Map

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.

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