National Hiking Day of Schweizer Familie

On August 29, 2026, the holiday region of Gstaad welcomes hiking enthusiasts from all over Switzerland on the national hiking day.

Three hiking routes with different elevation profiles provide participants of all ages and fitness levels with an enjoyable hiking experience. Each route is accompanied by a prominent hiking godparent. For fans, there will be opportunities to take a joint selfie against the mountain backdrop as a memento. Those who prefer a sporty e-bike tour can also enjoy the special views of the landscape from the saddle.

The National Hiking Day is much more than a regional event: In recent years, several thousand people have participated – from families to outdoor enthusiasts to experienced mountain hikers. This event is a significant highlight of the hiking summer and radiates well beyond the host region. 

Program:

08.00 a.m.: Opening of the festival area for coffee and pastries

09.00 / 10.00 / 11.00 a.m.: Start times for the hard hike
At 10.00 a.m., Nik Hartmann accompanies the hikers.

09.30 / 10.30 / 11.30 a.m.: Start times for the medium hike
At 10.30 a.m., Mira Weingart accompanies the hikers.

09.15 / 10.15 / 11.15 a.m.: Start times for the easy hike
At 11.15 a.m., Pepe Lienhard accompanies the hikers.

09:00 a.m.: Start of Bike / E-Bike Tour accompanied by Joana Hählen and Mike von Grünigen

All three hikes and the bike / e-bike route start and end at the festival grounds on the ice skating area.

From 11.00 a.m.: Festival catering and many attractive stands

From 12.00 p.m.: Performances by Klapperlapapp for children

At 12.55 p.m. & 1.55 p.m.: Village tour with local Explora guides

From 2.30 p.m.: Children's choir Saanenland

3.00 p.m.: Metzler Family Band family concert to participate from the Menuhin Festival Gstaad

From 4.00 p.m.: Handover of the hiking stick to the location of the event in 2027

From 4.30 p.m.: Pepe Lienhard and band

Approx. 6.00 p.m.: Stubete with Ländlerfründe Walopsee and Jodlerchörli Abeglanz Gstaad

Important information:
Arrival by public transport: Regular train connections from all train stations in Switzerland.
Additional connection from Spiez at 7:38 a.m. Arrival in Zweisimmen at 8:32 a.m., onward journey from Zweisimmen with the MOB at 8:36 a.m. Arrival in Gstaad at about 9:00 a.m.
The Gstaad train station is located right next to the ice skating area.

Arrival by car: In Gstaad, the number of parking spaces is limited and all are subject to charges.
We therefore recommend arriving by public transport!

Equipment: Good footwear and appropriate clothing, the event takes place in all weather conditions.
An e-bike can be rented at one of the specialized mountain bike shops in the region.

The hiking day is free and no registration is necessary.
We look forward to a great event!

For more information visit: schweizerfamilie.ch/wandertag