FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

2023 Summer Activities and Sites in Gstaad, Switzerland

by Ron Bernthal

May 15, 2023

© Ron Bernthal

Daily

For many travelers, the most scenic location in Europe is the Swiss Alps, and the most beautiful spot within the Swiss Alps would be the small town of Gstaad and the even smaller villages nearby, with traditional Alpine-style chalets nestled within the mountains and valleys of the Bernese Alps.

Gstaad, whose population can jump from its 3,000 year-round residents to 20,000 vacationing skiers during busy holiday weekends, quiets down during summer, with visitors enjoying hiking, biking and hang-gliding activities in the pristine countryside. A walk through the town’s car-free promenade is a must for visitors, as well as browsing shops selling high-end jewelry, clothing, outdoor gear and Swiss food products and souvenirs.

Although known for sky-high real estate prices and a half-century of hosting visiting entertainment and sports A-listers since the 1950s and 60s with Richard Burton, Liz Taylor, Brigitte Bardot and Roger Moore, as well as today’s corporate billionaires, a summer vacation in Gstaad is also within reach of middle-class budgets.

train station

© Ron Bernthal

From the well-known lakes such as Lake Lauenen or Lake Arnen to the less-popular lakes like Lac Retaud, nature in this part of the Alps is unforgettable. Lake Lauenen has a lot to offer and can be reached from the car park within five minutes. Those who want to hike around Lake Lauenen can do so in about 45 minutes.

Since 2020, a picture of Lac Retaud has gone viral on Instagram. Fortunately, the photographer did not tag the name, so the lake remains as unknown, beautiful and quiet as ever. You can reach this mountain lake from Gstaad with a car, driving via Col du Pillon, then using a small but passable road. The green of Lac Retaud is unique and makes it a jewel of the Swiss Alps, with a restaurant and bathing area. The lake is only two minutes from the car park and access is free.

Gstaad is the area’s most famous town and bears the name of an entire tourist region. In addition to its beautiful wood chalets, Gstaad is also known for its wellness hotels such as Alpina Gstaad or Palace Gstaad.

cabin

© Ron Bernthal

Gstaad and the surrounding area features more than 310 miles of GPS tours for mountain bikers, road bikers and e-bikers, with signposted routes, an e-bike charging system and specialized biking hotels.

The small village of Saanen, located next to Gstaad, is one of the prettiest villages in the region. In the old village center are chalet houses from the 15th century. There are several bakeries selling delicious breads and sweets, and some great restaurants, as well.

Another village to visit is Gsteig bei Gstaad. Here, too, are lovely chalet buildings and a photogenic white church. Interesting excursions start from here, such as a cable car to Lac de Sénin reservoir.

The Glacier 3000 is probably the best-known mountain in the region. A 20-minute drive takes you from Gstaad to Col du Pillon, where visitors park their cars and take the cable car toward Glacier 3000. Here, visitors can take an adventurous toboggan run in summer or go biking and hiking.

Gstaad sits in the southwestern region of Switzerland on the border of the French-speaking part of the country. The area is easily accessed by rail or car from Lake Geneva and the Gruyere region, as well as by the European high-speed rail network from all international airports in Switzerland. There is also free public transport on designated routes between Saanenland and Simmental through Oct. 31.

bike path

© Ron Bernthal

The Gstaad Card is a personal, digital guest card for stays in the Gstaad region, and hotel guests benefit from numerous activity discounts, booked easily and conveniently in the online shop and elsewhere. Hotel guests receive a Gstaad Card valid for the entire stay. Even beyond the boundaries of Gstaad town, Destination Gstaad created some unique offers for visitors.

Here are two hotel properties offering 4- and 5-star accommodations:

The 4-star Posthotel Rössli is located on the promenade in Gstaad. A wood chalet-style property constructed in 1845, it is the oldest hotel in Gstaad. The hotel includes spacious rooms with a bathroom and balcony and amenities like a minibar with free mineral water, flat-screen TV, hairdryer and free WiFi. Mid-June, double-occupancy rates start at $371.

The 5-star Alpina Gstaad, opened in 2012, is an elegant property featuring marble, sandstone and aged wood. The Alpina Gstaad offers three restaurants and its own cinema. All 58 rooms and suites have balconies with mountain views and marble bathrooms, with some featuring an open fireplace and an iPad for guests to use. Michelin-starred executive chef Martin Göschel supervises Sommet, Megu and Swiss Stübli restaurants. Six Senses Spa, free for guests, provide holistic treatments and include an indoor pool and heated outdoor pool. Covered parking is complimentary. Gstaad center is a 5-minute walk away, with mid-June, double-occupancy rates starting at $929.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
May 2025
May 12, 2025

Global Traveler Announces the Winners of the 2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards

While not always viewed as a lucky number, for us this year, 13 means winning! We offer our hearty congratulations as we bring you the winners of our 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. We offer our hearty congratulations as we bring you the winners of our 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Our travel, recognizing goods, services, destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, cruises and more. Read on to find out who dominates in the leisure travel industry and see if your favorites made the cut. We also say thank you to our readers, the most seasoned travelers we know, for voting in this year’s survey.

Sail Unique with Explora Journeys

SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.

Slideshow
May 12, 2025

6 Reasons to Put Salzburg, Austria, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Salzburg, Austria, with us.

Hotels
May 11, 2025

OMNI Fort Lauderdale Opens This Fall

This fall OMNI Fort Lauderdale Hotel debuts in one of Florida’s most iconic cities. Connected to Broward County Convention Center, this new hotel embraces Florida’s coastal energy across 29 floors and 800 rooms. The hotel’s debut will also make it the largest hotel in Fort Lauderdale in terms of number of guestrooms.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

May 2025
May 10, 2025

Embark on Unforgettable Adventures in The Great Barrier Reef

Spanning 1,430 miles of Australia’s eastern coastline, The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and marine park. Millions of people visit Earth’s most diverse natural ecosystem each year to enjoy marine-inspired activities.

eFlyer Deals
May 7, 2025

Book This New Girls Getaway Offer from Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

This summer, take a girls’ trip to Hawai’i, save big and experience unforgettable moments. Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort debuted a new Girls Just Want to Have Fun promotion.

Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November

Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.

eFlyer Deals
May 7, 2025

Mexico Grand Hotels Extends Cinco de Mayo with Limited-Time Promotion

Cinco de Mayo may be over, but that doesn’t mean the celebrations have ended. Mexico Grand Hotels extends the festivities of the Mexican holiday with its 5 de Mayo sale.