Four trails to tread in Swiss paradise Gstaad

Posted by Peter Burnside on 09/12/2021
Gstaad, Switzerland. Photo: Zuzana Berger

The stillness of nature is experienced in Gstaad, Switzerland, in a very special way. Sweeping views of nearby mountain peaks, the floral scents of fresh flowers and warming sunlight pours over the landscape. It’s easy to enjoy one of the many well maintained trails and paths in Gstaad, making it a veritable paradise for hikers and bikers alike.

Heaven for hikers

The trails in Gstaad take you through a variety of spectacular scenery; moorlands, deep gorges, Alpine valleys, high mountain peaks and, of course, the beautifully located Alpine restaurants. With more than 300 km of signposted and well maintained trails and paths, hikers will think they’ve arrived in heaven. The dense and expansive network of routes, which is ideally accessible thanks to the many lifts, cable cars and different modes of public transport, is sure to offer something for everyone.

Easy: Rinderberg – Horneggli

The easy high-mountain hike is breath-taking, especially because of its wonderful alpine panorama. Families love the playground on Rinderbergspitz – here the young kids can play around, while the adults enjoy a well-deserved refreshment after the hike from Horneggli. On the hike between Rinderberg and Horneggli you will discover great surprises along the way: for example, a wakeboard facility on Hornberg and great mountain huts with fine things to eat. The alpine panorama – whether you start your hike from Rinderberg or from Horneggli – is unbeatable.

Moderate: Sparenmoos – Hundsrügg

The Hundsrügg offers fantastic panoramic views of 427 peaks, including the infamous Eiger, Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. A true experience for all. Time your walk to capture an epic sunrise or sunset on the Hundsrügg and enjoy the view of the Alps and the imposing Gastlosen chain on the descent towards Erbetlaub-Seeli. And make sure to take the slight detour on the way back – believe us it’s worth it! – to visit the mountain restaurant Nüjeberg, which offers delicious and fine delicacies from the alp.

Advanced: Glacier 3,000 – Sanetsch

The varied route leads from the Scex Rouge mountain station over the glacier via Quille du Diable and Sanetschsee to Gsteig.

Despite starting by cable car ride to the top station Scex Rouge at 2,940m, this varied route is a little more advanced and requires decent fitness to complete. Enjoy a beautiful view over the fascinating alpine panorama including the glacier Tsanfleuron which you later cross. The trails are well marked and take you in a south-easterly direction to the Tour St. Martin (2,908 m), situated at the edge of the glacier. The descending path fortunately encounters no crevices in the glacier in this area and leads through several beautiful points of interest via a fantastic Barrgae du Sanetsch restaurant at 2,062m. After a welcome repast, jump back on the trail which later leads back to the cable car in Gsteig at 1,184m, so remember to buy a round trip ticket in the morning!

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Biking of all kinds

From enjoyable to sporty, the routes and trails in Gstaad are diverse. E-bikers can regularly re-charge their batteries en route, mountain bikers will find hidden trails with breath-taking views, while those with racing bikes get their money’s worth on mountain passes. What brings everyone together is the experience in nature – and maybe the reward of a delicious meal or relaxing spa visit after a long day on two wheels.

Mountain bike/E-Mountain bike: Saanen – Mittelberg – Rellerli – Saanen

This versatile mountain bike tour winds along the Bernese cantonal and language border with French-speaking Switzerland. The route leads over small roads with asphalt and natural surface, as well as single trails, through unknown valleys and dreamy landscapes to the Rellerli and then back to Saanen. The route is also well suited for e-mountain bikers.

Duration of ride: 3 hours 15 minutes

Highlights: The Gastlosen rocks, great views, long descent

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Don't Miss

No trip to Gstaad would be complete without these experiences:

  • Seeing Glacier 3,000
  • Enjoying a mountain top panoramic view
  • Visiting a charming chalet village: Saanen and Lauenen are especially picturesque
  • Trying an outdoor fondue at Fondueland, Gstaad
  • Swimming or cooling your feet in an icy mountain lake

Fondueland, Gstaad. Photo: Melanie Uhkoetter

Getting there via train

Seeing the breathtaking Swiss landscapes by rail is all part of the holiday and is really easy to do. Just a few changes on the train from London can get you to Gstaad, via Paris and Geneva and Montreux. Booking in advance will get you the cheapest deals on fares. 


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Europe by Train

Seat61 has a plethora of information, ready-planned for you to make your train journeys to Europe plain sailing. We fully recommend checking out the routes available and booking in advance to get the best deals on cheaper tickets.

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