Best Things To Do In Gstaad, Switzerland: 6 Ways To Make It Special

1. Winter: Gstaad Mountain Rides

If you have heard about Gstaad, you probably know that is a ski resort that attracts high society. But there is a lot more to this village than that. The ski resort covers more than 200 km (124 miles), one of the largest resorts in the Alps. Year after year, it’s becoming a more common destination for ski enthusiasts from all over the world because of its snow fields, open from the end of October to May.

A perfect setting for winter activities - the most popular are skiing and snowboarding, of course. Gstaad offers 2000 metres (6562 feet) of vertical descent, 80 pistes, 170 km (106 miles) of cross-country ski trails, zones that are perfect for expert skiers and a lot more that are suitable for beginners and intermediate levels.

Getting to know this region in the winter can be a unique experience, so keep it in mind for your next ski trip. Many companies offer different tours and experiences to help enjoy the mountains to the fullest. And if you are not so into skiing or snowboarding, you can also choose among activities like tobogganing - fun for all ages - or, if you are brave, you can try air-boarding and go downhill as fast as you can imagine.

Gstaad Mountain Rides

Address: Promenade, 3780 Saanen, Switzerland

Price: from 55 USD

Duration: around 4 hours required.

Contact: +41-337488282

Website: Gstaad Mountain Rides

2. Fondue: Fondueland Gstaad

When you get so tired from the mountain that you simply can’t move your legs, and you are completely starving, you need something that will replenish all the energy you expended outdoors. How are you going to do that? Can you think of a better way than sharing an amazing, warm and delicious fondue with your friends or family?

At Fondueland Gstaad, it’s not only about the incredible melted Swiss cheese and the great ingredients to dip into it, it’s also about the atmosphere - the mountains surrounding you and at your table. Basically, you get a pack with all the ingredients to set the fondue up wherever you want and with whoever you wish to share it.

You’ll never have a fondue like this. Don’t miss it!

Fondueland Gstaad

Address: Gstaad Saanenland Tourism, Promenade 41, 3780 Saanen, Switzerland

Price: from 18 USD per person

Opening Hours: 8:30am - 6:30pm from Monday to Friday. Saturdays and Sundays from 9am - 12pm and 1:30pm - 5pm.

Contact: +41-337488181

Website: Fondueland Gstaad

3. Music: Gstaad Menuhin Festival and Academy

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Throughout the year, the region of Gstaad offers its visitors a variety of concerts, festivals and events to enjoy with the family. The biggest and more well-known is the Gstaad Menuhin Festival and Academy, that takes place between July and September and is devoted to classical music.

2017 marks the 61st edition of the festival and it will start on July 13th with more than 70 concerts scheduled for the season. You can get advance tickets through the event website and start making reservations for your accommodation.

Gstaad Menuhin Festival and Academy

Address: Postfach 65, CH-3780, Gstaad

Price: from 40 USD

Opening Hours: July to September, annually

Access: Various event locations

Contact: +41-337488338

Website: Gstaad Menuhin Festival and Academy

4. Sports: Swiss Open & Polo Gold Cup

Besides being the perfect setting for winter sports, Gstaad hosts tournaments every year in various summer sports. These events make the city more alive with visitors from all over the country, and around the world, from the participants and their teams to the sponsors and viewers.

One of the most active months of the season is July, when the J. Safra Sarasin Swiss Open Gstaad tennis tournament takes place. In 2017, from the 22nd to the 30th of July, you’ll get the chance to see some of the best tennis players compete on the clay court in the Roy Emerson Arena, a very interesting setting outdoors, surrounded by mountains.

And if you stay until August, you’ll get the chance to do two for one and attend the Hublot Polo Gold Cup. See some of the fastest horses in the world race each other. Are you in for some thrilling sports?

J. Safra Sarasin Swiss Open Gstaad

Address: Roy Emerson Arena, 3780 Gstaad

Contact: +41-337488182

Website: J. Safra Sarasin Swiss Open Gstaad

Hublot Polo Gold Cup

Address: Polo Club Gstaad, Les Arcades, PO-BOX 419, CH-3780 GSTAAD

Contact: +41-337440740

Website: Hublot Polo Gold Cup

5. Shopping: boutiques in Gstaad

One of the great things about Gstaad is that between all those days of sports, festivals and walking, you can fit in a relaxing day of shopping. You will especially find a lot of shops and boutiques in the pedestrian Promenade, located in the center of Gstaad and awarded the Swiss Milestone Tourism Prize.

Remember to save some money to spend on your shopping day!

Shopping in Gstaad

Website: Find the shops and boutiques

6. Wellness: spas and swimming pools

And if shopping stresses you out, don’t worry - you still are in the perfect city. Gstaad is awarded the “Wellness Destination” quality seal by the Swiss Tourist Association, making it one of the most relaxing places in the world. Not only does the natural atmosphere help Gstaad win the award, but also the many spas and wellness institutions that Gstaad has to offer its guests.

From hotels with spas included, public wellness facilities, and different tourist packages - you’ll go back home feeling brand new.

Wellness Amenities

Website: Wellness Activities in Gstaad

You can enjoy the holiday of your dreams

With all this information, dates and recommendations, you are probably already planning your trip to Gstaad. Make sure you go on the dates that suit your interests best. If you are into winter sports, classical music and sport tournaments…Gstaad has it all for you! Just don’t tell too many people you are going, because they might ask you for a souvenir. Get to know this city, the way you want it.