HIKING & TRAIL RUNNING GUIDE
Dear Guests, dear hiking fans, Do you want to discover the beauty of the Saanenland ? Do you want to be enchanted by the intense green of the meadows, by the cool spray of the thundering waterfalls or by the cosy spots by the lake ? We have compiled this hiking and trail running guide for you and selected some of the most beautiful trails in the Saanenland. In this guide you will find easy hikes for the whole family or challenging tours on the glacier. The many pictures give you a taste of what awaits you: incomparable nature and unforgettable experiences. With the Outdooractive app you have all the hikes described in this guide at your fingertips and can find your way around the terrain at any time. Open the Outdooractive app on your mobile phone and proceed as follows : 1. Scroll down the start menu to the “Tour scanner„ selection 2. Scan the QR code provided in this Hiking and Trail Running Guide. 3. The selected tour opens automatically. You can also search for “Gstaad Palace„ in the Outdooractive app’s search function and go directly to the selection of trails suggested by Gstaad Palace. Once you have discovered all the hikes we recommend, you will find a large number of other hiking suggestions under the keyword “Gstaad„. You’ll see : the outdoor experiences surrounded by nature are indescribable and the choice is inexhaustible. The Gstaad Palace team is of course at your service. Don’t miss out on any discovery ! Andrea Scherz and the Palace Family
Explore – Experience – Ease up a bit Incomparable nature awaits you. Discover meadows in bloom, idyllic lakes, craggy cliffs, glowing firn fields and small streams that burble leisurely along winding paths. Be enchanted by the alpine mountains, immerse yourself in moving experiences in untouched nature and relax on the warm meadow floor in the bright sunshine.
1
2
Mountain hut magic up the Walig Ascent from Gsteig, indulgent overnight stay in the Walig Hütte, cosy mountain inn atmosphere, fireplace, sunset. Hike to the idyllic Arnensee lake. First day: 1 hour 45 minutes Second day: 1 hour 30 minutes Level of difficulty: moderate Pages 4–7
4
On the balcony above Gstaad
Comfy ride with the MOB railway to Zweisimmen and with the gondola up the Rinderberg. Rinderberg–Hornberg– Palace picnic area–Gstaad Palace high-altitude hike. The panorama of the giant snowy Bernese Alps is incomparable. The Saanenland and Gstaad lie at your feet on the picnic area. Time: 3 hours Level of difficulty: moderate Pages 8–11
5
Scenic walk to Gstaad
Panoramic trip with the MOB railway to Saanenmöser. Walk for the whole family from Saanenmöser to Schönried and Gstaad. Suitable for prams, children’s playground in Schönried. Time: 2 hours Level of difficulty: easy, family-friendly Pages 16–19
2
3 High-altitude hike to the crystal-clear Lauenensee lake
A panoramic hike over the lush cow pastures on the Wispile to Lauenensee lake. The nature reserve is strewn with rare plants and traversed by many waterfalls. Some ascents in between give the varied hike an alpine touch. Time: 2 hours 45 minutes Level of difficulty: challenging Pages 12–15
6
Idyllic stream from Lauenen
Trekking through ice and snow
Time: 2 hours Level of difficulty: moderate, family-friendly Pages 20–23
Time: 4 hours Level of difficulty: challenging
Exciting trip by PostBus to Lauenen, hike on a beautiful path along the rippling stream to Gstaad. Benches invite you to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Hiking & Trail Running Guide
The alpine hike begins at the Glacier 3000 cable car top station. After crossing the Tsanfleuron glacier, the azure blue Sanetsch reservoir awaits you. Edelweiss flowers line the path.
Pages 24–27
7
9
8
Brookside trail to the historical village of Gsteig
Short trip by PostBus to Grund or Feutersoey. The path follows the Saane’s many meanders and ends at the famous Restaurant Bären in a centuries-old chalet with rich decorations. Time: 1 hour 50 minutes Level of difficulty: easy, family-friendly Pages 28–29
“Lunch by helicopter„ at 3000 meters
Trail run
Get in and fly by helicopter over vertical rock walls to the Matterhorn! Enjoy a champagne aperitif and lunch at almost 3000 metres above sea level at the Refuge l’Espace, on the edge of the vertical rock walls of the Diablerets massif.
The trail running routes lead from Gstaad up to the Eggli and back down to the valley again or via the local mountain Wispile to the idyllic Lauenensee lake. Time: 2 hours Level of difficulty: easy Pages 34–35
Time: Helicopter flight 1 hour Level of difficulty: easy Pages 30–33
8 6 3
1546 m
1
2
7
5
9 4
Overview
3
1
“You haven’t really been somewhere unless you’ve been there on foot„ Goethe
Mountain hut magic up the Walig
HIKING INFO 1ST DAY Transfer: By PostBus from Gstaad to Gsteig Start: Gsteig, PostBus stop Route: Egg – Schopfi – Vorderer Walig Time: 1 hour 45 minutes / Length: 2,9 km / 550 m /
13 m
You reach the picturesque mountain village of Gsteig by PostBus. If you have time and fancy it, you can enjoy a light refreshment in one of the local restaurants. You start the ascent to Vordere Walig heading north west. The trail leads over green flats first and then through a sparse spruce forest. You will soon come across alpine, flowery meadows. The cheerful ringing of the cowbells accompanies you to the romantic mountain hut. Having arrived at the hut, a delicious dinner awaits you, finely prepared by the Gstaad Palace kitchen team. A romantic night awaits you in the simple but atmospheric rooms. The Walig Hut is also open for lunch upon reservation with our Group & Events Department at events@palace.ch or +41 33 748 50 00.
4
Mountain hut magic up the Walig
Cosiness Breathtaking view
HIKING INFO 2ND DAY Transfer: After the hike you take a taxi from Arnensee lake back to Gstaad Start: Walig-Hütte Route: Vorderer Walig – Topfelsberg – Blattipass – Blatti – Restaurant Arnensee Time: 1 hour 30 minutes / Length: 4,6 km / 208 m / 380 m
Experience an oasis of tranquillity at 1700 metres above sea level above Gsteig. Our Walig Hütte offers a breathtaking view over Gstaad and the Saanenland region. The authentic Swiss alpine hut was built in 1783 and has only been slightly renovated since then.
Fortified after a delicious breakfast, you start your short hike on a slightly uphill hiking trail. The Oldenhorn and gleaming white glaciers accompany you on the scenic trail. The idyllic Arnensee lake lies at your feet on the Blatti Pass. Through wetlands with rare plants and a sparse fir forest you finally reach the Arnensee restaurant’s sunny terrace. You can either enjoy a delicious bite to eat, or hang a magical walk around Arnensee lake onto your hiking experience.
Detailed information on the next two pages 5
Walig Hütte The authentic hut greets approaching hikers from afar.
4
3
5
View towards Gstaad
6
On the second day, the hike will then again take you over flower-strewn mountain pastures past grazing cows up the Blatti Pass. 7
Beautiful hiking trails are waiting for you.
6
Mountain hut magic up the Walig
8
The blooming meadows are particularly fantastic in early summer.
The ascent leads over green meadows and through a sparse spruce forest.
Gsteig The picturesque village and church of Gsteig are under cultural heritage protection. The Gothic church together with the richly decorated Saanen houses (Bären, old post office) characterise the village scape.
2
9. Symboles Norme VSS SN 640 827 B
1
Bus Restaurant Car park Grill, barbecue spot
9.00
Couvert
9.01
Gare
9.02
Gare routière
9.03
Quai de chargement pour autos
9.04
Bac
9.05
Embarcadère
9.06
Chemin de fer à crémaillère
9.07
Téléphérique
9.08
Télécabine
9.09
Télésiège
9.10
Téléski
9.11
Aérodrome pour avions de sport
9.12
Piscine
9.13
Ecole de voile
9.14
Location de bateaux
9.15
Ski nautique
9.16
Equitation
9.17
Terrain de football
9.18
Place de tennis
9.19
Terrain de golf
7
3 4
1800 9
10
1400
1200
1
Schopfi
1600 2
Gsteig
1
8
10
Huus on Arnensee
6
3
Walig-Hütte
5
Blattipass
6
Metres above sea level 2000
1st 1000
1 0 Kilometres
2nd 2
3
4
5
6
7
Upload the hiking map to your phone:
9
Idyllic Arnensee lake lies nestled in a world of alpine mountains.
10
The terrace at the Huus restaurant on Arnensee lake is perfect for just whiling away the time.
7
for whole family
2
“The journey is the reward.„ Confucius
On the balcony above Gstaad
HIKING INFO Transfer: By train to Zweisimmen, gondola lift up the Rinderberg Start: Rinderberg, top station Route: Parwenge – Hornberg – Gfell – Gstaad Palace picnic terrace – Gstaad Palace Time: 3 hours / Length: 9,8 km / 150 m / 1050 m Take the Montreux-Oberland-Bahn (MOB) railway to Zweisimmen and relax. The gondola lift right next to the train station takes you directly up the Rinderberg in comfort (2004 m). The panorama on the Gandlauenen ridge is overwhelming: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau greet you in the distance and you can just make out the Mont-Blanc massif towards the west. The well-developed path slopes gently down to the Hornberg Alp. Lunch tastes particularly good in the fresh air and in the warm sunshine on the mountain restaurant’s terrace. Here you have the opportunity to stop the hike early and walk to the Horneggli top station. From there, the chairlift takes tired hikers
8
On the balcony above Gstaad
Pure
back down to the valley to Schönried. However, if you feel like hiking on, you can reach the Gstaad Palace sunny picnic terrace via the Gfell Alp. The view over the Saanenland and the snow-capped mountains around Gstaad is particularly rewarding. After a short final descent, the hike ends outside the Gstaad Palace gates.
The high-altitude hike from the Rinderberg back to Gstaad promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The varietypacked path heads into the sun and offers a clear view of the mountains along the whole trail.
Detailed information on the next two pages 9
Children and cows, an encounter in harmony with nature.
3
4
Cosy rest on the Hornberg. 6
3
4
2
5
1
5
After the mountain restaurant on the Hornberg there is the option to take the Horneggli chairlift back down to the valley to Schönried.
6
7
The direct descent to Gstaad begins on the Gfell.
10
The panoramic trail leads steadily downhill back to Gstaad.
On the balcony above Gstaad
The panoramic Gandlauenen ridge begins just after the top station.
Zweisimmen is the starting point for the family hike.
2
1
9. Symboles Norme VSS SN 640 827 B
MOB Railway Restaurant Car park Grill, barbecue spot
9.00
Couvert
9.01
Gare
9.02
Gare routière
9.03
Quai de chargement pour autos
9.04
Bac
9.05
Embarcadère
9.06
Chemin de fer à crémaillère
9.07
Téléphérique
9.08
Télécabine
9.09
Télésiège
9.10
Téléski
9.11
Aérodrome pour avions de sport
9.12
Piscine
9.13
Ecole de voile
9.14
Location de bateaux
9.15
Ski nautique
9.16
Equitation
9.17
Terrain de football
9.18
Place de tennis
9.19
Terrain de golf
Walig, 1800
1
Gstaad Palace picnic area
6
1600 8
8
Gstaad Palace
1800
Gfell
2000
4
Hornberg
Metres above sea level 2200
2
Gandlauenen ridge
Rinderberg top station
7
1400 1200 1000
0 1 Kilometres
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Upload the hiking map to your phone:
8
The hike leads directly back to Gstaad Palace.
11
Barbecue
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.„ Mark Twain
3
igh-altitude hike to the H crystal-clear Lauenensee lake
HIKING INFO Transfer: By cable car from Gstaad up the Wispile Start: Höhi Wispile top station Route: Höhi Wispile – Chrinepass – Lauenensee Time: 2 hours 45 minutes / Length: 9,3 km / 220 m /
750 m
The cable car takes you in comfort to the Berghaus Wispile (1907 m) where the scenic hike starts. You follow the ridge all the time enjoying the panoramic view over the Saanenland. At Chrinetritt the path drops steeply to the Chrine Pass (1659 m). Once there, you’ll overcome the 100-metre elevation gain once again. At the top, you reach the Lauenensee nature reserve on a slightly downhill mountain path. You can discover rare plants and flowers in the different wetlands.
Detailed information on the next two pages 12
High-altitude hike to the crystal-clear Lauenensee lake
Waterfall
There is a petting zoo and a playground for children up the Wispile. The “Vorderi Wispile„ fondue pots can be reached in about 40 minutes from the Wispile top station. Lauenensee lake is located in the nature reserve at the southern end of the Lauenen Valley at 1380 metres above sea level. There is a beautiful and wide circular path around Lauenensee lake. It takes about 50 minutes to walk around it. There are barbecue areas at various spots.
13
In summer, the spicy Gstaad alpine cheese is produced on the mountain pastures.
3
4
The pronounced cut of the Chrinepass interrupts the gentle high-altitude hike.
6 7
8
5
All hiking trails are well signposted and marked.
6
7
The water from springs is safe to drink.
14
After a long hike, the lake invites you to go boating and swimming.
High-altitude hike to the crystal-clear Lauenensee lake
5
The Berghaus Wispile with petting zoo and children’s playground is the starting point for the Lauenensee hike.
The view into the Lauenen Valley with the mighty Wildhorn
2
1
9. Symboles Norme VSS SN 640 827 B
Bus Restaurant Car park Grill, barbecue spot
9.00
Couvert
9.01
Gare
9.02
Gare routière
9.03
Quai de chargement pour autos
9.04
Bac
9.05
Embarcadère
9.06
Chemin de fer à crémaillère
9.07
Téléphérique
9.08
Télécabine
9.09
Télésiège
9.10
Téléski
9.11
Aérodrome pour avions de sport
9.12
Piscine
9.13
Ecole de voile
9.14
Location de bateaux
9.15
Ski nautique
9.16
Equitation
9.17
Terrain de football
9.18
Place de tennis
9.19
Terrain de golf
1
4
Höhi Wispile top station
3
Walig, 1800 m 2 4
Lauenensee Lauenensee car park
Metres above sea level 2000
Chrinepass
1
Höhi Wispile
2
1800
7
1600 1400 1200
0 1 Kilometres
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Upload the hiking map to your phone:
8
If you still haven’t had enough, you can hike from Lauenensee lake through the Rohr nature reserve, past the famous reed stacks.
15
Gstaad Palace
4
“Lots of hiking makes you knowledgeable.„ Otto Kimmig
Scenic walk to Gstaad
HIKING INFO Transfer: By MOB train to Saanenmöser Start: Saanenmöser train station Route: Schönried – Schlittmoos – Gruben – Nüweret – Gstaad Palace Time: 2 hours / Length: 7,2 km / 120 m / 290 m / family-friendly Take the Montreux-Oberland-Bahn (MOB) railway from Gstaad to Saanenmöser. The pushchair-friendly walk begins on the high plateau heading towards Schönried. The children will look forward to the playground at the entrance to Schönried. The hike to Gstaad can be stopped in either Schönried or Gruben and finished by train. The path from Schönried to Gstaad passes many old, richly decorated farmhouses. The final section of the trail leads through the Oberbort, past the magnificent chalets.
Detailed information on the next two pages 16
Scenic walk to Gstaad
Fresh air
One of the famous fondue pots is on the Schlittmoos. The fondue backpack, which can be purchased from local dairies, is suitable as a picnic. This backpack contains everything you need for a successful, fun fondue.
17
Perhaps you will come across the world-famous snow-white Saanen goat on your way. Have you ever tried their spicy cheese?
3
4
In Gruben, the path turns towards the south, always towards the sun.
5
You can also put your feet up now and again in the flower-strewn meadows.
1
6
The Gstaad hike is particularly suitable in spring, as the snow melts quickly on the sunlit slopes.
18
Scenic walk to Gstaad
The path leads south west first.
Legend has it that God wanted to rest a little while creating the world. So the imprint of his hand shaped the Saanenland. The five fingers formed the valleys, Gstaad unfolded in the centre. 2
1
9. Symboles Norme VSS SN 640 827 B
Bus Restaurant Car park Grill, barbecue spot
9.00
Couvert
9.01
Gare
9.02
Gare routière
9.03
Quai de chargement pour autos
9.04
Bac
9.05
Embarcadère
9.06
Chemin de fer à crémaillère
9.07
Téléphérique
9.08
Télécabine
9.09
Télésiège
9.10
Téléski
9.11
Aérodrome pour avions de sport
9.12
Piscine
9.13
Ecole de voile
9.14
Location de bateaux
9.15
Ski nautique
9.16
Equitation
9.17
Terrain de football
9.18
Place de tennis
9.19
Terrain de golf
Metres above sea level 1400
2
1200
1000
0 1 Kilometre
2
3
4
6
5
6
7
Gstaad
7
Nüweret
4
3
Gruben Schoolhouse
2
4
Schlittmoos
6 5
Schönried train station
Saanenmöser train station
1
7
Upload the hiking map to your phone:
7
At the end of the variety-packed walk, various street cafés on the Gstaad promenade invite you for a drink.
19
Flower-strewn meadows
5
“Small steps are better than none.„ Willy Brandt
Idyllic stream from Lauenen
IKING INFO Transfer: By PostBus to Lauenen Start: Lauenen, PostBus stop Route: Lauenen church – Engi – Gmüntebrügg – Krambrücke – Gstaad train station Time: 2 hours / Length: 8 km / 120 m / 300 m / family-friendly You take a short trip by PostBus to idyllic mountain village of Lauenen. As the hike is not going to be very long today, the short walk through the village is worthwhile. Richly decorated, centuries-old façades still impress today. The church situated on a small hill radiates a simple beauty. The space is still lit by candlelight. The very easy path to Gstaad leads along the Louwibach stream. In early summer the stream always carries a lot of water as the snow melts on the glaciers. The rippling of the stream is interrupted again and again by the chirping of the numerous bird species. If you’re lucky, you will see chamois or deer grazing in the narrows. Detailed information on the next two pages
20
Idyllic stream from Lauenen
Burbling stream
Numerous field names indicate a former Celtic settlement. Burgundians immigrated here around the 5th century and the Alemanni, who immigrated from the Simmental, brought the German language to the Saanenland in the 8th century.
21
The church is lit by candlelight and the organ is manually operated.
3
1
2
3
4 4
The path leads along the Louwibach stream for the whole trail.
5
6
5
7
There are stops for the Gstaad-Lauenen PostBus along the hiking trail where you can get on and off conveniently.
6
At the Gmüntebrügg you can choose the route over the Gmünte. A wonderful view of Gstaad awaits you.
22
Idyllic stream from Lauenen
Lauenen’s church is situated in a very visible position on a small hill.
Many richly decorated historical buildings can be found in Lauenen.
2
1
Walig, 1800 m 9. Symboles Norme VSS SN 640 827 B
Bus Restaurant Car park Grill, barbecue spot
9.00
Couvert
9.01
Gare
9.02
Gare routière
9.03
Quai de chargement pour autos
9.04
Bac
9.05
Embarcadère
9.06
Chemin de fer à crémaillère
9.07
Téléphérique
9.08
Télécabine
9.09
Télésiège
9.10
Téléski
9.11
Aérodrome pour avions de sport
9.12
Piscine
9.13
Ecole de voile
9.14
Location de bateaux
9.15
Ski nautique
9.16
Equitation
9.17
Terrain de football
9.18
Place de tennis
9.19
Terrain de golf
Lauenen bus stop
1
0 1 Kilometres
2
3
4
5
6
7
7
Gstaad
Krambrücke
Engi
5
1200
1000
Gmüntebrügg
6
Metres above sea level 1400
8
Upload the hiking map to your phone:
7
Back in Gstaad
23
Glacier
6
“Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.„ Dalai Lama
rekking through T ice and snow
HIKING INFO Transfer: By PostBus up the Col du Pillon, gondola up to Glacier 3000, Sanetsch gondola Start: Scex Rouge top station Route: Refuge l’Espace – SAC-Hütte Prarochet – Saane source – Sanetsch Pass – Sanetsch gondola top station – Gsteig Time: 4 hours / Length: 12,8 km / 100 m / 950 m From the Col du Pillon, take the Glacier 3000 gondola to the Scex Rouge top station at almost 3000 metres above sea level. From here you have a wonderful view of the fascinating 4000 m peaks of the Valais Alps and the Tsanfleuron Glacier. On the well-marked trail across the glacier you hike in a south-easterly direction towards Tour St. Martin, the devil’s skittle. Then choose the hiking trail on the south side so you don’t encounter any crevasses. The signpost at Refuge l’Espace points you in the direction of Cabane de Prarochet. After the source of the Saane you reach the Sanetsch Pass and
24
Trekking through ice and snow
Serenity
then take the natural path on the right side of the Sanetsch reservoir to the cable car. It takes 20 minutes from the bottom station to the PostBus stop in Gsteig. Note: This hike starts at 3000 metres above sea level! Always take suitable sun protection, sunglasses and warm clothing with you. The sun’s rays are intense at this altitude and the weather can change suddenly. Temperatures can drop sharply within a very short time. Inexperienced mountain hikers should complete this hike under the guidance of a qualified hiking or mountain guide. Our Concierge is happy to assist you.
The world’s first suspension bridge connects two peaks at the Scex Rouge summit. On the 107 m long suspension bridge, hikers have a unique panorama of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The Devil’s Mountains, Les Diablerets, rise to the south. Legend has it that the devil turned the Tsanfleuron’s flowering pastures into eternal snow and ice because a hard-hearted shepherd refused to help him.
Detailed information on the next two pages 25
The Refuge l’Espace, a simple but elegant restaurant, is near the Quille du Diable. From the terrace you can look deep down into the landslide area in Derborence and top up your energy levels with a delicious meal.
3
4
5
6 7 8 4
The SAC-Hütte Prarochet is situated in a limestone rock-plate landscape.
Walig, 1800 m
5 6
The Sanetsch Pass leads from the Canton of Bern into the Canton of Valais. In the past, farmers from the Valais used to move with their cows to the alpine pastures of Valais’ Wispile above Gsteig in summer.
26
The Saane is still an unseemly little stream when it flows into Sanetschsee lake.
Trekking through ice and snow
7
The hiking trail leads past the right side of the Sanetsch reservoir.
Quille du Diable, the devil’s skittle, is the name of the striking boulder at the southernmost point on the hike. The devil is said to have played skittles here with his children. The stones that missed the rock landed in the valley of Derborence: two large landslides did in fact happen here in 1714 and 1749.
The Oldenhorn rises out of the Tsanfleuron Glacier on the left, where the cantons of Bern, Vaud and Valais meet at the summit. 2
1
9. Symboles Norme VSS SN 640 827 B
3
2
Bus Restaurant Car park
9.00
Couvert
9.01
Gare
9.02
Gare routière
9.03
Quai de chargement pour autos
9.04
Bac
9.05
Embarcadère
9.06
Chemin de fer à crémaillère
9.07
Téléphérique
9.08
Télécabine
9.09
Télésiège
9.10
Téléski
9.11
Aérodrome pour avions de sport
9.12
Piscine
9.13
Ecole de voile
9.14
Location de bateaux
9.15
Ski nautique
9.16
Equitation
9.17
Terrain de football
9.18
Place de tennis
9.19
Terrain de golf
1
2400
5
Sanetschpass
2600
Source of the Saane
2800
Sanetsch gondola top station
4
SAC-Hütte Prarochet
Metres above sea level 3000
3
Refuge l’Espace
Glacier 3000 top station
1
2200 2000 1800
0 1 2 Kilometres
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Upload the hiking map to your phone:
8
The Sanetsch reservoir above Gsteig is easy to reach by gondola.
27
7
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.„ Confucius
rookside trail to the B historical village of Gsteig
HIKING INFO Transfer: By PostBus to Grund, Chlösterli bus stop Start: Grund, Chlösterli Route: Grund bridge – Feutersoey – Saali – Gsteig Time: 1 hour 50 minutes / Length: 7 km / 200 m /
100 m / family-friendly
This easy hike begins with a PostBus trip towards Gsteig as far as the Chlösterli stop. From there you first walk a few hundred metres out of the valley and over a bridge to the other bank of the Saane. At the Grund bridge, you change to the other side of the stream again and then follow the meandering Saane to Gsteig. Many smaller and larger brooks on your way feed the mighty stream. Upload the hiking map to your phone:
Detailed information on the next two pages 28
Brookside trail to the historical village of Gsteig
Historical chalet
9. Symboles Norme VSS SN 640 827 B
Bus Restaurant Car park Grill, barbecue spot
9.00
Couvert
9.01
Gare
9.02
Gare routière
9.03
Quai de chargement pour autos
9.04
Bac
9.05
Embarcadère
9.06
Chemin de fer à crémaillère
9.07
Téléphérique
9.08
Télécabine
9.09
Télésiège
9.10
Téléski
9.11
Aérodrome pour avions de sport
9.12
Piscine
9.13
Ecole de voile
9.14
Location de bateaux
9.16
Equitation
9.17
Terrain de football
9.18
Place de tennis
9.15
Ski nautique
9.19
Terrain de golf
Walig, 1800 m
Gsteig is the highest situated village on the 126 km long Saane.
4
3
3
1000
800
0 1 Kilometres
4
5
29
6
Gsteig
2
4
Saali
1200
3
Feutersoey
2
2
Grund bridge
1
1
Grund, Chlösterli bus stop
Metres above sea level 1400
Matterhorn
8
“A moment can shape you more than a whole year.„
“ Lunch by helicopter„ at 3000 meters
INFO Start: Gstaad Airport, Saanen (helicopter pad) Flight: Sightseeing flight over the Valais, Matterhorn, landing on Glacier 3000 Food: Lunch at the Refuge l’Espace Flight duration: 1 hour Total duration: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes Would you like to fly like an eagle and let yourself glide weightlessly over abysses and mountain peaks? Then you will never forget this peak of pleasure. Experienced pilots from the Air-Glaciers welcome you at Gstaad Airport in Saanen and escort you to the waiting helicopter. The powerful engines allow the aircraft to climb quickly, with the view becoming more magnificent by the minute. The first part of the mai ridge of the Alps is passing below you and the Valais’ ice giants can be seen in the distance. On the spectacular flight to probably the most famous mountain in Switzerland, the Matterhorn, you fly over snow-capped peaks glacial towers as high as houses and vertical rock faces. As you fly past, the Matterhorn’s summit cross is within your grasp.
30
“Lunch by helicopter„ at 3000 meters
You
In the immediate vicinity of the Matterhorn, the pilot will set you down for the first time on a glacier, where you will have plenty of time to take in the impressive pyramid during the champagne aperitif. The experienced pilot will then fly you back to the Diablerets massif, where he will let you get out at almost 3,000 metres above sea level. The Refuge l’Espace awaits you with a delicious lunch.
At 4478 metres, the Matterhorn is on of the highest mountains in the Alps. A roped party of 7 led by the Englishman Edward Whymper achieved the first ascent on 14 July 1865.
Detailed information on the next two pages 31
Everybody knows it, but few have circumnavigated it: the Matterhorn.
3
6
4
The helicopter looks small compared to unique pyramid’s seemingly endless rock faces.
Walig, 1800 m
5
After circumnavigating the Matterhorn, an aperitif with champagne awaits you.
6
The local specialities taste particularly good at 3000 metres above sea level.
32
“Lunch by helicopter„ at 3000 meters
5
The unforgettable flight over the Alps starts in Saanen.
The view of the snow-covered peaks and endless glaciers is breath-taking.
2
1
9. Symboles Norme VSS SN 640 827 B
Bus Restaurant Car park
9.00
Couvert
9.01
Gare
9.02
Gare routière
9.03
Quai de chargement pour autos
9.04
Bac
9.05
Embarcadère
9.06
Chemin de fer à crémaillère
9.07
Téléphérique
9.08
Télécabine
9.09
Télésiège
9.10
Téléski
9.11
Aérodrome pour avions de sport
9.12
Piscine
9.13
Ecole de voile
9.14
Location de bateaux
9.15
Ski nautique
9.16
Equitation
9.17
Terrain de football
9.18
Place de tennis
9.19
Terrain de golf
Watch the video using the following QR code:
7
During the “grand finale„ you will see a bird’s eye view of the Gstaad Palace as you fly into land.
33
An unforgettable experience
9
“You have to try the impossible to achieve the possible.„ Herrmann Hesse
24
TRAIL RUNNING GSTAAD
1/2 X X
GSTAAD - RÜBELDORF - EGGLI - GSTAAD
Upload the hiking map to your phone:
34
Trail run
staad – Eggli or Wispile – G Lauenensee lake trail runs
TRAIL INFO: GSTAAD – EGGLI Transfer: By hotel bus to the starting point Start: Gstaad sports centre Route: Gstaad – Rübeldorf – Eggli – Gstaad Time: 2 hours / Length: 7,3 km / 530 m / 530 m You start at the sports centre in Gstaad. Follow the TRAIL RUNNING GSTAAD signs. First you turn right behind the sport centre across a bridge and continue towards Saanen. Shortly after the riding centre turn left up towards Eggli. You reach the Eggli top station after following the Saanen-Eggli chairlift for approx. 4.5 km. You will find the way back down to Gstaad between the Eggli top station and the mountain restaurant.
Foto: GLACIER 3000 RUN
TRAIL INFO: WISPILE – LAUNENENSEE Transfer: By hotel bus to the starting point, return by PostBus from Lauenensee lake or from Lauenen to Gstaad Start: Wispile Gstaad bottom station Route: Gstaad – Höhi Wispile – Chrinepasse – Lauenensee Time: 3 hours 15 minutes / Length: 13,5 km / 980 m / 640 m The signposted trail running route starts at the Wispile bottom station. The path leads along the gondola lift to the top station and mountain restaurant. If the first few metres of elevation gain are too strenuous for you, you can take the gondola from Gstaad to Wispile. Now follow the mountain ridge and enjoy the panoramic view over the Saanenland. At Chrinetritt the path drops steeply to the Chrine Pass. Once there, you’ll overcome the 100-metre elevation gain once again. Then you reach the Lauenensee nature reserve on a slightly downhill mountain path.
23
TRAIL RUNNING GSTAAD
1/2 X X
GSTAAD - WISPILE - LAUENENSEE
Running event: glacier3000run.ch Upload the hiking map to your phone:
35
Insider tip MOUNTAIN AND BBQ PICNIC Discover our region while hiking. We provide you with two picnic backpacks. Mountain picnic Still water, dried and fresh fruits, muesli bars, mountain cheese, plaited loaf, regional “Chümiwürstli„ pork sausage, half a rosemary roast chicken, Parmentier salad and hard-boiled eggs, small carrot cakes, biscuits Picnic for barbecuing Still water, dried and fresh fruits, muesli bars, mountain cheese, Cristal de bœuf, raw ham, plaited loaf, cervelat sausages, pork or veal sausages for barbecuing, hard-boiled eggs, potato and tabbouleh salad, marble cake and healthy snacks
Information Timetables for the Montreux-Oberland-Bahn (MOB) railway and PostBuses: www.sbb.ch Opening hours and ticket prices for the cable cars from Gstaad and the surrounding area: www.gstaad.ch/bergbahnen.html For other hikes we recommend the Schweiz Mobil app. www.schweizmobil.ch Wegkategorien
Family-friendly: The hike can also be enjoyed with the family. The hiking times refer to the time required for adults. Hiking trail: No special requirements. Shoes with good non-slip soles. Mountain hiking trail: The requirements are good physical fitness, sure-footedness, a head for heights and sturdy shoes. Alpine hiking trail: Excellent physical fitness, sure-footedness, a head for heights as well as alpine experience and appropriate equipment are necessary.
Times
The hiking times refer to the time required for adults based on standard calculation principles.
Mountain hiking Hiking in the mountains is not a walk. Plan your excursion well in advance, allow plenty of time, equip yourself well (sturdy shoes, sun protection, warm clothing), take enough provisions with you (food and drink) and consult the weather forecast.
Copyright Texts Photos
Gstaad Palace, 3780 Gstaad Richard Müller Gstaad Palace, Gstaad Saanenland Tourism, municipality of Gsteig, municipality of Lauenen, Müller Marketing & Druck, Glacier 3000, Vincent Bailly All information has been compiled with the greatest care, is provided without guarantee and does not claim to be complete. The use of the hiking suggestions is at your own risk. Any kind of liability is rejected and you undertake the tours at your own risk.
Disclaimer
36
Imprint
GSTAAD PALACE Palacestrasse 28 • 3780 Gstaad • Switzerland • Phone: +41 33 748 50 00 • info@palace.ch • palace.ch