700 y ea rs of v i ll age h istory a n d 100 y ea rs of tou r ism
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: CONRAD SEEWER AND PETER BEETSCHEN
Gsteig is completely dedicated to its double anniversary
Gsteig is completely dedicated to its large double anniversary in 2012. 700 years of village history and 100 years of tourism will be celebrated. To mark this special occasion, sporting, cultural and traditional activities and events will be held throughout the year for locals and visitors alike. The main celebration with lots of entertainment and music takes place on the weekend of 9 and 10 June 2012. Gsteig was first mentioned in the urbarium of the county
various hotels in London. Encouraged by the raving re-
of Greyerz in 1312, which at the time was still known by
views of his home region, the first British citizens em-
the Latin name Chastalet. This historic document stipu-
barked on the 24-hour journey from London to Gsteig.
lates the rents owed for goods loaned to the people of
With a horse and carriage as well as an English band of
Saanen. The local authority is now using this first official
musicians in tow, they spent their holidays in the snow-
record as a good opportunity to celebrate its 700 th an-
covered village.
niversary. Bob run and a fun swim 24 hours on tour
Until the railway was constructed through Gstaad in
Emanuel Marti, a native of Gsteig, established local
1906, Gsteig was the tourist centre of the Saanenland.
tourism 100 years ago. He had previously worked at
In winter, the locals made a natural ice rink available to Gsteig
45