Gstaad summer hiking highlights

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By Selina Riegert | 22.03.2023 | Summer

Gstaad summer hiking highlights

Welcome to summer in Gstaad, where hiking and dining go hand in hand. Soak up the breathtaking mountain scenery from one of the many routes, and sink your teeth into regional specialities and culinary highlights in the restaurants and mountain inns. Below are our top tips for a delightful summer in the region.
Meadow with colourful flowers and views of the Alps as far as the eye can see.

Rinderberg – Horneggli

A scenic hike with breathtaking views of the Bernese and Vaud Alps that takes you from the Rinderberg mountain, over Zweisimmen, along the panorama trail to Horneggli over Schönried via Parwengesattel. There are plenty of fabulous vantage points along the trail, and culinary highlights await in the Hornfluh mountain restaurant. This easy high-altitude hike is ideal for families. 

  • Easy 
  • 2 hrs
  • 5.86 km 
  • ↑79 ↓311   
: Family of four looking at their reflection in the lake on the Wispile.

Wispile – Chrine – Gsteig

This hike from Höhi Wispile near Gstaad to Gsteig via Chrinetritt takes you along the mountain ridge trail and offers breathtaking views of Saanenland. A different take on a classic hike, you will find barbecue sites, mountain restaurants, XXL fondue caquelons and fantastic vantage points along the way. 

  • Easy 
  • 2.45 hrs 
  • 9.02 km 
  • ↑21↓747  
Lake Lauenen surrounded by mountain scenery and trees, with a small rowing boat on the lake.

Lauenen – Lake Lauenen – Lauenen

This hike starts in Lauenen and takes you around the spectacular Lake Lauenen. A gem in the middle of an Alpine idyll, the lake is the perfect place to take a dip and linger. Whether it’s from a picnic basket, a fondue rucksack, at a barbecue site or the cosy restaurant at Lake Lauenen, there are plenty of tasty bites to be enjoyed.

  • Moderate 
  • 2.3 hrs 
  • 9.01 km 
  • ↑178 ↓178   
Colourful summer meadow with imposing mountains in the background.

Sparenmoos – Hundsrügg – Sparenmoos

This hike features stunning panoramic views of 427 peaks, over the Simmental valley and Saanenland, the western Bernese Oberland and the Vaud Alps. A picnic in one of the enchanting meadows as you look out over the tranquil, sparse fir forests on the peaceful high plateau is the perfect way to relax and unwind.

  • Moderate 
  • 3.2 hrs 
  • 10.12 km
  • ↑464 ↓464   
A couple sitting on a bench on the Rellerli mountain enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains over Gstaad.

Schönried – Rellerli – Grossi Vorschess – Bergmatte – Schönried

This fantastic hike runs from Schönried up to the green Rellerli mountain and the Grossi Vorschess. An incredible view of Gstaad greets you at the highest point of the hike. When the hunger hits, try one of the XXL fondue caquelons on the Grossi Vorschess, or one of the lovely restaurants in Schönried after you’ve made your descent. 

  • Moderate 
  • 4 hrs 
  • 10.80 km 
  • ↑668 ↓668   
Colourful summer meadow with imposing mountains in the background.

Gstaad – Bissen – Turbach – Gstaad

This superb hike takes you past cool streams and along the sunny south-facing slopes of Gstaad. A stop at the Wintermatte restaurant is a must for foodies.

  • Moderate 
  • 2.3 hrs 
  • 8.30 km  
  • ↑299 ↓299    
The beautiful blue/green Lake Arnen surrounded by trees and stones.

Col du Pillon – Lac Retaud – Arnensee – Feutersoey

This hike goes from the Col du Pillon mountain pass to the idyllic Lac Retaud and Arnensee lakes. Stop for a swim along the way, then refuel with a barbecue or a meal at the Huus am Arnensee restaurant. When you’re done, continue on your journey to Feutersoey in Saanenland.

  • Moderate
  • 4.00 h 
  • 12.7  km 
  • ↑ 508 ↓ 923