When I was growing up, my father took me to the Saanenland every year in the summertime. Unlike showier Gstaad, the six historic villages that comprise this valley in the Swiss Bernese Alps are prized for their authentic chalet-style architecture, only found here. In spite of the region’s unassuming, traditional vibe, you can still find world-class art, authentic and excellent restaurants, wine bars, cheese shops and local artisans—but few crowds, as the locals like to guard this region for themselves. (I am so devoted to the area that I opened two chalets in the last two years, with another on the way.) And while the Saanenland is renowned for its winter activities, including multiple ski resorts, in my opinion the region has even more to offer in the summer months.
Below are some personal favourites from my beloved Saanenland, which includes Saanen, Rougemont, Schönried, Saanenmöser, Lauenen and Gsteig, with Gstaad being the centerpiece, famously and logistically.
Winter Activities
The Wasserngrat is my favorite mountain to ski—it’s the most challenging in the area because of the infamous Tiger Run. Have lunch at Berghaus Wasserngrat – the sister restaurant to 16 in Saanen, which has a beautiful terrace with stunning views over Gstaad (order the sausage with rösti). Other mountains are Eggli with the Club de Luge, the second members’ club (after the famed Eagle—an established members’ club on top of Wasserngrat mountain), and the largest ski area of Schönried, Saanenmöser, and Zweisimmen, where I am going to open our third 84 Club Chalet – Le Petit Club Chalet, later this year.
If you are not a skier, you can rent snowshoes and poles at Brand Sport in town and hike up to Wasserngrat, which is a 1.5-hour ascent and quick chair lift down with a scenic lunch at Berghaus Wasserngrat in between.
Summer Activities
There are spectacular hiking and bike trails, and the scenery is breathtaking everywhere you look. This part of Switzerland is famous for its beautiful Alpine lakes, such as Arnensee or Lauenensee. The water is cold, but a dip in summer is super refreshing—or you can rent a boat to bop around in. There are endless hiking routes to take, and I always discover beautiful new chalets, views, or vegetable gardens each time.
Where to Stay
Gstaad & its surroundings have many excellent hotels. One of my favorites is the Alpina Gstaad, which has a contemporary mountain design and a Six Senses Spa.
I am also a fan of Le Grand Bellevue, right in town. Occupying a perfect position at the start of the promenade, it’s one of the village’s oldest palace hotels and stands out with its primrose-yellow and white facade, surrounded by beautiful parkland. I love their lobby to hang out in and have afternoon tea or one of 8 different hot chocolates.
There is, of course, the Gstaad Palace, one of the only family-owned and operated hotels in Switzerland, where guests are treated like extended members of the family (big names who have checked in here include Louis Armstrong, Liz Taylor and Marc Chagall). During World War II, the hotel housed other treasures: owing to its isolated location on the upper mountainside, the Swiss government hid a large portion of the country’s gold reserves in a two-story bunker at the hotel. Today, this historic space serves as La Fromagerie, serving a Champagne truffle fondue, and the terrace of the famous Lobby Bar. For more formal dining, there’s Le Restaurant, Le Grill Rôtisserie, or authentic Italian Gildo’s Ristorante.
For a more private option, you can rent my chalets: Le Chalet Lion Rouge in the nearby village of Rougemont, the only French-speaking village in the Saanenland, with the most beautiful architecture. The 300-year-old farmhouse was completely renovated by our team in 2024 and features 7 bedrooms, a chalet spa, and several salons. A little closer to Gstaad, you can now book the newest addition to our 84 Club Collection: Le Chalet Saanen is located in picturesque Saanen and features 8 bedrooms, 2 salons, a spa, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Bernese Mountains. Both chalets are inspired by local mountain architecture and the alpine culture of the 1960s and ‘70s.
Where to Eat
Rössli in Feuterosey is one of Gstaad’s longest-standing restaurants, which has been owned by the Reichenbach family since 1919. Order the legendary poached trout, which it still serves to this day. I also recommend the wiener schnitzel, eaten ideally on the beautiful terrace on a sunny winter’s day.
Restaurant Sonnenhof on top of Saanen offers some of the best authentic Swiss cuisine in the valley, and has a wonderful terrace.
Le Cerf, Rougemont: Not far away in the French-speaking part of the Gstaad Valley, you will find the exceptionally pretty village of Rougemont. In the heart of it is Le Cerf, a wonderfully cozy and authentic spot with a hearty menu and, according to local opinion, the best fondue and raclette in the Alps. Get the Edgard fondue and finish off with wood-fired meringues with double Alpine cream.
16, Saanen is my personal favourite restaurant—an authentic old chalet-style spot with lots of wood, low ceilings, and cozy ambience. The must-order is the cote de boeuf, paired with excellent wine advised by the sommelier, Simon.
The Olden is a meeting place for bon vivants and gourmets. No expense is spared in serving you the most delicious and finest highlights of international cuisine (the penne alla vodka and Milanese are incredible). P.S. Don’t look at the bill!
Where to Shop
Neighboring and quaint Saanen is where the locals live and shop, and where you can also find my favorite tailor, Zwahlen-Hüni, who carries the best Jankerl for men, women, and children. If you have a bit more room in your stowaway or are looking for small ceramics, fondue sets, or great decor, check out Heimatwerk Saanen.
Three local shops in Gstaad are The Flower Shop with rotating designer pop-ups, Gstaad Chocolate Shop (get the yogurt pops in summer and do not leave home without a box of their chocolates), and Antonella for excellent cashmere (their secret is it’s the same makers as Loro Piana).
Art
Tarmak22, founded in 2019 by Antonia Crespí, is an exhibition space located at Gstaad-Saanen Airport. It hosts exhibitions in partnership with international galleries during the winter and its own curatorial shows in the summer.
Getting Around
The best way to get around is by train. No matter where you go, all villages are connected to the Swiss Railway. It’s a journey back in time; some of the trains are vintage and wooden and have a feeling of old-world glamour.
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