Without a doubt, Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the Alps, and if you come there thinking the place is just left out there, you would be surprised by the level of security there. Along with St. Moritz, Davos is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world.

The fantastic winter sports facilities and other sporting possibilities you can enjoy in Gstaad are what distinguish it. With 220 km of slopes and 57 mountain railways available, Gstaad is the right place to come for tobogganing, cross-country skiing, curling, ice surfing and ice Polo.

Gstaad was first mentioned in the 11th century and remained in the possession of the counts of Greyerz until the 15th century. When the Count was in financial difficulties, the inhabitants took advantage of the moment and escaped being sold. Since that time, Gstaad has become a village in the canton of Bern and is part of the Saanen region in the Bernese Oberland.

Gstaad was one of the first places in the Swiss Alps to benefit from tourism, as the first tourist board was established in 1906. Initially, only the inhabitants of the Swiss capital of Bern in the mountains came there for skiing, but over the years, Gstaad has evolved into a prominent tourist centre, and today it has nearly 7,000 residents at an altitude of 1,050 m.

 Target Group, Main Travel Time & Climate In Gstaad

In Gstaad, you would meet a lot of people from all over the world who all have one thing in common: a lot of money, and the prices are accordingly high. A certain dress code is expected in Gstaad, and the season is year-round because the place is always in demand, whatever season it is.

The place is practical for sightseeing, with a tour while photographing the beautiful Chalets by Elisabeth Taylor. You get to see celebrities such as “James Bond” Roger Moore and Roman Polanski.

If you ever want to go skiing in Gstaad, you should go between late November and early April in the Bernese Oberland, because then you will get the best conditions on the slopes of the ski areas of Wispile and Eggli Saanen.

Well-known Clubs, Discos & Bars in Gstaad

• GreenGo (website)

If you like the 1970s retro style, you would have a great time at GreenGo’s nightclub in Gstaad. The bar is comfortable and very stylishly furnished, located in the basement of the legendary Palace Hotel. You can drink a cocktail while the DJs entertain you.

• Iglu Bar

The bar is located on Gstaad’s local mountain, the Eggli and there’s always something going on in the early afternoons. The drink menu is rich and from cocktails to sinfully expensive champagne.

 Chlösterli Stall Bar (website)

From 11pm, you get the best atmosphere in the Chlösterli barn bar. There will be dancing on fluorescent mosaics from ancient slate and the elaborate light show switches in the clock. There are famous DJs who would be playing some good music until the early, with the volume low enough to allow for some conversions.

• Euter Bar

A very cosy ski hut awaits its guests, surrounded by the breathtaking mountain scenery. Here you can take skilful refreshment practically up against the counter. You can reach the bar on foot from the Saanenmöser Valley Station.

• Richi’s Pub

Anyone looking for a place that is a little dignified and comfortable should not look past Richi’s Pub. The music is not too modern, but always tasteful, with nice atmosphere, good old whiskey on offer, and good security too.

How to get to Gstaad

With the car

If you wish to drive Gstaad from maybe Geneva, it would take you around 2 hours via Lausanne and Montreaux

By Air

Geneva is the nearest airport from Gstaad, and is 148 Kms away, and from there you can hire a shuttle or taxi

By Rail

From Geneva, it would take you 3 hours to get to Gstaad by train. Board a Train to Montreaux and then from there, enter another train to Gstaad. From Zurich, take international train connections to Spiez and change trains to Zweisimmen, and from the take another train to Gstaad.