Take a closer look at the natural world.
Hidden gems in the mountains: your summer bucket list
How about a bucket list for this summer? Far from the well-known hotspots, but all the richer in charm, nature, and true insider tips! Here are some “hidden gems” that are perfect for hiking enthusiasts, food lovers, and bike fans.
Gstaad Turbach E-Bike Summer
Mountain stream in the Saanenland.
Turbach – experience pure nature
Turbach – The idyllic Turbach Valley is a true hidden gem for anyone seeking peace and quiet. Away from the big tourist crowds, you’ll find gentle hiking trails, babbling streams, and an impressive mountain backdrop.
The PostBus takes you comfortably right into the valley, perfect for a relaxed journey without a car. For a delicious break, it’s worth stopping at the Restaurant Sunne-Stübli, where regional specialties are served in a cozy atmosphere.
Abländschen – Detox Valley
In the charming Abländschen, a very special highlight awaits: the XXL fondue caquelon. Here, indulgence becomes a unique experience right in the heart of nature.
Nestled in the impressive backdrop of the Gastlosen, the region offers plenty of opportunities for varied hikes, such as a trip to the cozy Grubenberghütte. The PostBus takes you comfortably from Saanen via Mittelberg to Abländschen. The region also has a lot to offer when it comes to food: a stop at the Restaurant Zitbödeli or the Bergrestaurant zur Sau is the perfect way to round off your trip.
The Mittelberg Pass is beautiful on a gravel bike, road bike or e-bike.
Mountain stream gushing over rock slab
Burgfälle near Gsteig bei Gstaad – a hidden natural spectacle
The Burgfälle are an impressive and still often undiscovered natural gem that surprises visitors with their wild beauty. Nestled in an unspoiled landscape, the rushing water cascades powerfully over the rocks, creating a fascinating natural spectacle that engages all the senses. Even the short walk to reach them feels like a little escape, accompanied by the gentle sound of water that grows louder the closer you get to the falls. Once at the bottom, the fine mist provides a refreshing cool-down, making this spot a particularly special retreat on warm summer days.
Sparenmoos & Hundsrügg – pure panoramic views
The Sparenmoos high moor is one of the most impressive landscapes in the region, a quiet, almost mystical expanse that enchants with its unique flora and gentle hills. Along the well-developed paths, you hike through this protected moorland, constantly accompanied by wide views and a soothing sense of calm. The route towards Hundsrügg is a true highlight: step by step, new perspectives of the surrounding mountain world unfold, until finally a breathtaking panorama reveals itself, inviting you to pause and take it all in. Practical and relaxing: with the hiking taxi, you can conveniently reach the starting point from Zweisimmen train station to Sparenmoos allowing you to fully focus on the natural experience.
Wonderful landscape on the Sparenmoos.
View of Arnensee
Arnensee reflects Staldenfluh
From Lac Retaud to Arnensee – alpine lake hopping
This varied tour connects two of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the region and offers impressive insights into the alpine landscape. Starting from the idyllic Lac Retaud, the trail leads through a diverse mountain setting towards the Arnensee always accompanied by fresh alpine air and wide-open views. Upon arriving at Arnensee, a relaxing break by the water is a must. The crystal-clear mountain lake provides a refreshing cool-down on warm days, and it’s also perfect for a leisurely pedal boat ride or a stand-up paddle session. The peaceful surroundings invite you to linger and fully enjoy nature. For a culinary highlight, a visit to the Huus am Arnensee is highly recommended, where regional specialties are served with a view of the lake. Around Arnensee, you’ll also find several barbecue spots, ideal for a cozy picnic in the heart of nature.
Bergbahnwanderung Glacier 3000 – entspannt hoch hinaus
A cable car hike combines comfort with impressive natural experiences and opens up access to some of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in the region. Getting there is easy: the Glacier Bus runs regularly from Gstaad train station directly to the starting point “Col du Pillon” at Glacier 3000, allowing for a smooth and relaxed journey. Whether it’s leisurely panoramic paths or varied routes along scenic ridgelines, the wide range of options makes this type of hiking especially attractive and diverse. The experience is also enhanced by culinary highlights, such as a stop at the architecturally striking Restaurant Botta, designed by renowned architect Mario Botta. Here, design, views, and regional cuisine come together to create a unique dining experience at over 3,000 meters above sea level. For an extra adrenaline rush, the Alpine Coaster the world’s highest toboggan run offers a fast-paced ride through the mountain landscape, providing a thrilling contrast to the peaceful hike. A special insider tip is the brunch at Glacier 3000, offering an exceptional culinary experience surrounded by a breathtaking high-alpine backdrop.
The Peak Walk by Tissot on Glacier3000 in summer
People racing on the Glacier3000.
Sunrise brunch on La Videmanette
A truly special experience at the break of day is the sunrise brunch on La Videmanette. In the early morning hours, the gondola takes guests up the mountain, where the day begins with a rich breakfast set against an impressive alpine backdrop. As the sun slowly rises over the peaks, a unique atmosphere unfolds making this an unforgettable experience.
Golfing with alpine views – tranquility and precision
Nestled above the Saanenmöser pass, the Golfclub Gstaad-Saanenland offers a truly exceptional golfing experience at the highest level. The varied 18-hole course and spacious driving range blend harmoniously into the alpine surroundings, while its occasionally steep fairways demand both precision and strategic play. The peaceful location above Saanenmöser, combined with the crisp mountain air, creates ideal conditions for relaxing hours on the course always accompanied by breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The culinary offering is equally impressive: the on-site restaurant delights guests with excellent cuisine and provides the perfect setting to round off a day on the course in style.
Hornfluh – alpine indulgence with a view
Just above Saanenmöser, nestled in a scenic hiking and mountain landscape, lies the charming Hotel Restaurant Hornfluh a place that beautifully combines tranquility, views, and indulgence. At around 1'800 meters above sea level, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The spacious sun terrace invites you to relax, soak in the scenery, and recharge. Culinary-wise, the kitchen impresses with homemade specialties and regional ingredients, ranging from classic Swiss dishes to freshly prepared meals.