GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND
Located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, Gstaad is a small village in Saanen nestled between the Swiss Alps. It makes for a quiet and cosy winter destination, and a peaceful getaway. Though Gstaad is known to be an upscale ski resort, it's usually far less crowded than its counterparts (such as Zermatt and St. Moritz). Expect a charming mix of luxury and village-modesty, where you'll find a range of both upscale and homely restaurants, designer boutiques as well as local stores. Near to Gstaad are several other villages you can also visit, especially for skiing. Consider Gstaad for a peaceful, more private holiday destination in the winter - suitable for family, friends, and couples.
TO STAY
Perched between the forest meadows and mountain peaks is Hotel Park - one of Gstaad's five star luxury hotels and a memorable holiday resort. Inspired by surrounding scenery, the hotel is designed as a modern-cosy chalet with wooden walls, tall windows, and fur-lined furniture. All rooms enjoy a view of the forest or mountains, a mesmerising sight to wake up to. The hotel offers two upscale restaurants: Chubut, an Argentinian-inspired steakhouse for dinner; and Avenue Montaigne, serving regional cuisine for all-day dining. There is also a bar downstairs by the lobby, a terrace outside, and a cigar-room. For a romantic evening or a group experience, Chalet Waldhuus is available upon request for a fun night of fondue, raclette, and other Swiss specialities. For on-site entertainment is also an ice dome and an ice-skating rink, an indoors golf room, as well as a relaxing spa offering a wide-range of treatments. In addition to this, Park Gstaad provides equipment rental for winter sports; and though it's not a ski-in ski-out resort, the hotel provides transportation to nearby ski-lifts (even restaurants, too) free of charge. In terms of comfort and convenience, Park Gstaad's service truly stands out. A wonderful experience here, especially if you're looking for a refined ski-chalet atmosphere.
Le Grand Bellevue is a charming luxury hotel located by the famous Promenade. The hotel is smart and stylish, inspired by French elegance and alpine comfort. Chic, colourful, and lively, the hotel has a glamorous allure to it, attracting hip crowds and young couples, as well as important business men in suits. The bedroom views are not particularly remarkable (mostly street-view or forest), but the interiors make up for it. The hotel offers Michelin-star dining at Leonard's, which is upscale but unpretentious; fondue and raclette at Le Petit Chalet in the garden, a chimney-side lounge, and a stylish bar. For on-site entertainment is a cinema made available for private viewing, as well as a ride in the hotel's vintage Bentley. Le Grand Bellevue is remarkable, but can resemble a big-city hotel rather than a cosy ski-resort; and its ground-level location by the Promenade unfortunately ignores much of Gstaad's beautiful scenery. If you're looking for a mountain-side chalet experience and views of nature, look elsewhere to stay and experience Le Grand Bellevue as a visitor instead.
FOOD & DINING
Le Grand Bellevue offers a few great dining options with a variety to please all tastes and occasions. For a fine dining experience in a modern bistro setting, the Michelin-starred Leonard's perfectly blends both with a sophisticated but easy-to-please menu. For a cosy fondue night, Le Petit Chalet serves a fondue-exclusive menu in an intimate hut set out in Le Grand Bellevue's garden; there's also a limited barbecue menu for meat options. For a quick but enjoyable lunch or aprés-ski, the Bar & Lounge at Le Grand Bellevue serve restaurant-quality food in a more casual space. The menu offers a selection of dishes from Leonard's alongside bar-exclusive plates of salads, sandwiches and a full afternoon tea spread. Explore their inventive cocktail menu or finish off with a delightful hot chocolate. Outside guests and walk-ins welcome.
Located in a chalet-style hotel along the Promenade, Olden is one of Gstaad's oldest and most iconic restaurants. With cosy wood-clad interiors and soft lighting, the restaurant is at once warm and inviting; and Le Pinte is its more rustic sister. The Veal Milanese is perhaps the most popular dish at Olden; tender veal in a crisp but buttery breading, and so generous it spills over the plate a little. There's also an excellent selection of local wine. A charming and pleasant spot for a cosy Alpine atmosphere and regional cuisine.
Perhaps Gstaad's best mountain-top restaurant, this charming place sits atop Wasserngrat at an altitude of 1,920 meters - making it the perfect aprés-ski and lunch spot (also accessible to pedestrians by chair-lift). If you're staying in Gstaad, the station is only a 10-minute ride away. Wasserngrat Restaurant offers cosy seating indoors, as well as a terrace lined with bench-tables, fur-decked loungers, and the most breathtaking mountain views. A delicious Alpine menu complements the mesmerising scenery, with comforting specialties like röstis, beef entrecôte or bratwurst, and of course their famous Moitié-Moitié cheese fondue (order a side of french fries!). There's also a daily selection of desserts but if their famous bowl of meringue & double cream is on, order it. Finish off with a drink on a lounger overlooking the mountains. The perfect mid or aprés-ski experience.
For a warm and hearty meal, Saagi Stübli is a great place to enjoy traditional fondue and raclette in a rustic setting. Set in a homey, wooden-chalet with warm lighting and fireplace, the restaurant offers a perfectly Alpine experience. The menu is cheese-focused with a variety of fondues and raclettes to choose from, as well as a few options of hot-stone grilled meat. A fun and cosy night out.
For regional cuisine in a relaxing space, where the focus is on wellness and satisfaction - located at Park Gstaad Hotel. The menu integrates nature into the kitchen, offering healthy as well as indulgent dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. You can enjoy wholesome salads and warm soups, as well as homemade pastas and a variation of meats. The restaurant is open for all-day dining from breakfast to dinner, with a beautiful terrace outside serving bar food and drinks.
For a fiery dining experience, Chubut at Park Gstaad serves Argentinian-inspired cuisine that focuses on intense flavours. The menu offers fine cuts of meat from around the world, as well as a few options of fish. Come here for a meat-focused meal. Open only for dinner.
PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO
Nestled between the Swiss Alps, Gstaad is a great destination to enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, winter-biking, animal trekking, mountain hikes, and even paragliding. There are tons of outdoors activities on and off slopes to keep you busy - check Gstaad's official website here for details. As for the slopes, Gstaad offers several options for different levels (beginners to advanced); there are also more slopes in neighbouring towns, just a short car ride away. Cable lifts are available to pedestrians who would like to visit mountain-top restaurants.
One of Gstaad's most remarkable sites is Glacier 3000, a mountain-top establishment that takes you to some of the highest summits over Les Diablerets. In just two cable rides you can enjoy a breathtaking view of 24 different summits at an altitude of 4,000 meters (including Mont Blanc and the Bernese Alps). You can take a walk through the snow, enjoy an express chairlift, dogsled rides, as well as lunch at Botta or Refuge L'Espace. But the most notable highlight at the Glacier is the Peak Walk (details here) - a pedestrian bridge connecting two mountain peaks; a truly thrilling experience unique to Gstaad. Make sure to check weather conditions in advance, because Glacier 3000 strictly operates on that.
Another one of Gstaad's remarkable sites is Wasserngrat, famous for two reasons: the Tiger Run, being the steepest slope-run in and around Gstaad, and a mountaintop restaurant with the most spectacular food and view. A chairlift is available for both skiers and pedestrians, open until 4:30 pm (info here). Take the ski challenge or go up for lunch, but make sure to visit Wasserngrat.
In addition to what Gstaad has to offer, you can also enjoy multiple excursions within 50-100 km of town: from visiting the legendary Castle of Gruyères and the village of Montreaux, to embarking on a culinary journey at the Cailler Chocolate Factory. Find more options and details here.
TOWN PROMENADE
In the centre of town is a long promenade lined with restaurants and speciality shops. Here you'll find whatever you may need in terms of shopping (both designer & affordable), banking, food, and services.
TRAVELING TIPS
1. Visit Gstaad in the winter. There are plenty of summer activities there, but it's primarily a winter-holiday destination. Check weather conditions in advance, but the best time to visit is generally between December to May (February being the coldest).
2. Book a mountain-side hotel to enjoy your surroundings. Hotels along the Promenade are cheaper, but they do miss out on Gstaad's beautiful scenery.
3. Plan the length of your stay according to the activities you have in mind. If you're not out and about, there's almost nothing else to do around town and it can quickly get boring.
4. Always check the weather! Most winter/ski resorts strictly depend on climate conditions, and Gstaad is no exception. Despite unforeseeable circumstances, a general idea of what to expect will help you plan a better visit.
5. Don't worry about having/packing the right equipment or winter-wear, there are plenty of stores in Gstaad to help you out (both upscale and affordable).
6. Renting a car will save money. Many sites are not within walking distance, and taxis in Gstaad are more expensive.
