Lace up your hiking boots and start exploring this glorious region, which has plenty to offer once you’ve finished your outdoor adventures
Autumn in Gstaad is a particularly special time to visit this beautiful region. The weather is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors and the best way to do it is by getting your hike on. Gstaad is a paradise for hikers of all abilities and its numerous walking trails provide the perfect method of exploring a rich array of natural wonders.
And Gstaad’s cable car network is on-hand to help you move around seamlessly between your chosen routes (some cable car routes are open until the end of October, check the summer timetable for operating dates), providing stunning high-altitude views during the ride.
But while Gstaad excels as an outdoor destination (browse some of the many hiking routes available here), it also boats a top-quality dining scene. Experiencing the culinary delights on offer is just as important a part of any Gstaad trip, as you’ll find out when you nestle down inside a cosy restaurant while the autumnal world passes by outside.
Below, we’ve picked our five favourite autumn activities in the region that will allow you to see Gstaad at its most impressive during this marvellous season. For more inspiration on hiking and Gstaad’s unique natural offering, click here and start mapping out your trip.
See autumn colours at their most vibrant by following the circular path around the Sanetsch reservoir – a definite Gstaad hiking highlight. The route leading around this deep blue body of water is mostly flat and leads you past mountains and other varied scenery, making it a must for nature-lovers. Stop-off at the Auberge du Sansetsch restaurant to refuel after your trek.
Set aside a few hours to hike through picturesque meadows from Sparenmoos to Jaunpass and you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent panorama from the summit of the Hundsrügg mountain along the way. Once at the top, an incredible 427 peaks are visible on a clear day, including the mighty trio of the Eiger, Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, while down below you is the equally impressive Simmental Valley.
With all the hiking and outdoor adventuring, you’ll want to factor-in time to kick back during your trip. Thankfully, a Gstaad autumn is full of relaxation opportunities and chances to boost your wellbeing. If it’s chilly outside, head to one of the region’s many wonderful spas to warm up and rejuvenate. Afterwards, enjoy a well-deserved meal at a restaurant that showcases local culinary highlights, such as Hotel Kernen, which puts a modern twist on traditional Swiss classics, or Restaurant Zitbödeli, surrounded by rolling hills and gorgeous countryside.
There’s no better way to appreciate Gstaad’s magical scenery than by sitting down in the middle of it and enjoying a picnic. Rent or buy a picnic backpack in selected shops around the area (follow the link below for the list of stores) and cram it full of local goodies and delicacies to savour during your day trip. It’s the perfect accompaniment to all those long hikes you’ll be doing. If you want to step things up even further, opt for the picnic basket, a stylish vehicle for transporting your alfresco feast and something which can be used time and time again.
Finish your hiking extravaganza by ending at one of the many pretty villages around Gstaad, witnessing a far more relaxed way of life. You may even see the Züglete in action. This traditional event involves farmers descending from the Alps back into the valleys with their animals, and signals the beginning of a small, day-long festival in the village. There’ll be a market to buy local goods from, food tastings and live music to set a party atmosphere. This year’s Züglete will take place on September 4 in Gstaad.
All the above activities are just a taste of what you can expect on a Gstaad holiday. Find out what else is on offer and start booking your ideal autumn trip at Gstaad’s website:www.gstaad.ch/summer.
