Village square gstaad ©  (c) Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Gstaad promenade

Loading

Our chalet villages

In the heart of the Bernese Oberland lies the holiday region of Gstaad, which consists of ten enchanting chalet villages. Each village has its own distinctive charm and contributes to a rich mosaic of traditional Alpine flair and timeless elegance. Together, these villages form the Gstaad holiday region, where guests can discover a wealth of leisure activities in a picturesque alpine setting. Each of these ten chalet villages has its own history and personality. Each of them contributes in its own way to the fascinating diversity of this destination.

Four people take a leisurely stroll along the promenade in Gstaad on a beautiful fall day.

A leisurely stroll along the promenade in Gstaad.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Gstaad

World-famous, traffic-free ‘chic’ chalet village

Gstaad (1,050 m above sea level) is the beating heart of the region and embodies a unique combination of tradition, comfort and style. The pedestrianised village centre is home to charming restaurants, exclusive shops, top-class hotels and trendy bars, which together create a remarkable atmosphere. The surrounding leisure areas are easily accessible via three modern mountain railways – perfect for trying a range of activities. Gstaad is the ideal place to leave the stresses of everyday life behind and experience unforgettable moments in picturesque surroundings.

Saanen

Living history on the border with French-speaking Switzerland

Saanen (1,010 m above sea level) is a historical settlement in the heart of the Saanenland and one of the most magical chalet villages in the Bernese Oberland. The village itself is a crown jewel among Switzerland’s protected sites. With its deep-rooted tradition, artistic craftsmanship and a historic past, Saanen exudes a unique and irresistible charm.

The road leads between wooden chalets.

The promenade of the village Saanen.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Mattias Nutt Photography / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
Cows stand in a meadow in front of a village with many wooden chalets.

Idyllic mountain village of Schönried.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Schönried

Sport & leisure on Gstaad’s sunny terrace

Schönried (1,230 m above sea level) lies on the sun terrace of the Gstaad holiday region and is a paradise for pleasure-seekers. The Horneggli chairlift takes you directly from the village centre into the charming mountain landscape, with its many hiking trails just waiting to be explored. In summer, Schönried offers the perfect combination of nature, relaxation and adventure.

Saanenmöser

Sunny views at the top of the pass

Saanenmöser (1,270 m above sea level) is a sunny chalet village connecting the towns of Zweisimmen and Saanen. It offers an abundance of winter activities for sports enthusiasts. The region’s largest ski area is accessible from the village centre thanks to the Saanersloch mountain railways. Saanenmöser is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, with slopes to enjoy right here. With a variety of runs and beautiful winter landscapes, this is a dream destination for winter sports enthusiasts. 

A bird's eye view of the village of Saanenmöser in summer. The areas around the village are green and in the background you can see higher mountains.

Village of Saanenmöser from above

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
Village with large church surrounded by colorful trees, green meadows and forests.

View of the village of Zweisimmen in the fall.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli

Zweisimmen

The gateway to Gstaad’s largest hiking area in the region

Zweisimmen, at an altitude of 945 metres above sea level, is transformed into a paradise for nature lovers in summer. The majestic Rinderberg offers hikers and nature lovers magnificent views of the Bernese Alps. Just a short walk away is Sparenmoos, a tranquil moor that’s perfect for hiking and nature-watching in summer. Enjoy unspoilt nature and the silence of the mountains to the full. Off the beaten track, there are cosy restaurants and bars where you can relax after spending a day in the stunning mountain setting. 

Lauenen

A romantic mountain village with a much-admired lake

The idyllic mountain village of Lauenen (1,241 m above sea level) is nature at its most tranquil. The authentic wooden houses and enchanting church reflect deep-rooted traditions. The nature reserve around Lake Lauenen boasts majestic waterfalls, spectacular glaciers and pristine moorland. Lake Lauenen is said to have a unique energy about it. The band Span went so far as to dedicate a song to the lake, which has gone on to become a timeless classic in Swiss music.

A village with many wooden chalets surrounded by green meadows and forests.

Small mountain village in summer.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
Shot of the Turbach valley with mountains in the background.

Hike from Gstaad to Bissen, Turbach and back to Gstaad.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Turbach

A scattered settlement in Gstaad’s most romantic side valley

Turbach, 1,320 metres above sea level, a hidden gem in the idyllic side valley of Gstaad, is a summer paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. The region boasts hiking trails and mountain bike routes that lead through the magnificent mountain landscape. Gstaad and other summer paradises are close by, showcasing the region's glorious splendour. 

Feutersoey

The stepping stone to the Arnensee

The idyllic village of Feutersoey is nestled among the majestic mountains at 1,185 metres above sea level. Tucked between Gstaad and the Col du Pillon, it captivates summer visitors with its sparkling lakes, picturesque hiking areas and challenging mountain bike trails. Nature sets the stage for summer adventures and experiences that leave every visitor spellbound. Feutersoey, a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. 

Arnensee photographed from Col des Andérets with many pink alpine roses.

View from the Col des Andérets to the Arnensee.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 unbekannt / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
In the foreground you can see the Hotel Bären in Gsteig. This is a very old wooden chalet with red geraniums in front of the windows and old drawings on the front. In the background the church of Gsteig is visible.

Gsteig Bären and church

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 unbekannt / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Gsteig

A historical village on the Col du Pillon

The heritage-listed village of Gsteig (1,200 m above sea level) lies in the deep Saane valley on the Col du Pillon, surrounded by the Diablerets massif and the Sanetsch region. The church and the Hotel Bären beside it are among the most frequently photographed traditional village scenes in Switzerland. 

Abländschen

Slow down in an unspoilt natural setting

A summer paradise at 1,300 m above sea level on the edge of the Bernese Oberland and the Freiburg Alps. Majestic mountain views, plentiful hiking options in the Grischbachtal and superb places to eat make this mountain village unique. Welcome to Abländschen, where you can enjoy winter at its finest. The limestone pillars of the Gastlosen range tower over the idyllic hamlet of Abländschen (1,320 m above sea level) in the municipality of Saanen. The area is popular with hikers, bikers and climbing fans. 

Two people hike in a blooming meadow below an imposing mountain face towards the horizon.

Highest hiking pleasure in the Gastlosen.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Melanie Uhkoetter / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus