The 10 coolest winter activities in Gstaad
Gstaad is a place where alpine elegance meets Swiss hospitality. Nestled in a picturesque mountain landscape, this charming chalet village offers a blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and luxury. Here are ten of the most impressive winter experiences that make Gstaad an unforgettable destination.
❄️ 1. Iglu-Dorf Gstaad
At an altitude of almost 2,000 meters, the Iglu-Dorf Gstaad offers a very special winter experience. Surrounded by glistening snow, magical sunsets, and breathtaking views, you can enjoy a unique atmosphere. In addition to atmospheric overnight stays, the village offers a wellness area with a sauna, whirlpool, and a heated wooden cabin with a fireplace. Whether it's a cozy fondue in the kota, an overnight stay in the warm Tiny Lodge, or exciting puzzles in the Mystery Igloo – winter becomes an unforgettable adventure here.
🥾 2. Winter hike in Hornberg
The tour starts in Saanenmöser with the gondola to the middle station and continues with the chairlift to Hornberg. The trail passes the Hornberg and Hornflueh mountain restaurants and heads towards Gfell, where you can enjoy impressive 360° views. Via Berschell, the trail continues to Haldis Bärgli and along the Horneggli Run South toboggan run to the Wittere winter hiking trail. From there, you can either return to Schönried or take the Panorama Trail to Saanenmöser.
🏘️ 3. Explore Saanen
Saanen is the historic center of the Saanenland region and is one of the most beautiful chalet villages in the Bernese Oberland. The protected village center with its traditional wooden houses, traces of craftsmanship, and rich history gives the place a charm all of its own. A stroll through the narrow streets reveals cultural highlights, cozy shops, and an authentic atmosphere that make the village a special destination for a day trip.
❄️ 4. Winter hike from Saanenmöser to Schönried
Saanenmöser is located on a sunny mountain pass between Saanenland and Simmental and offers sweeping views of Rüblihorn, Gummfluh, and as far as Les Diablerets. From here, an easy winter trail with beautiful views leads to Schönried. Starting at the train station, the trail crosses the Moos plain and climbs up to the Wittere plateau, passing snow-covered forests and offering panoramic views of the Simmental valley. The trail then runs along the lower slope of the Horneggli to Schönried, where you can experience the lively atmosphere of the ski slopes. You can return to Saanenmöser easily on foot or by train.
🎿 5. Cross-country skiing and sledding in Sparenmoos
Sparenmoos is a real highlight for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. The trails are among the most beautiful in the Bernese Oberland and offer magnificent views over the Simmental and Saanenland valleys. Families will also find plenty to enjoy here: the gentle toboggan run leads away from the road through the snow-covered landscape to Heimchueweid, from where the bus takes you back to Sparenmoos or down into the valley.
🐴 6. Horse-drawn sleigh rides in Lauenen
In winter, Lauenen transforms into an enchanting snow wonderland, ideal for leisurely horse-drawn sleigh rides. On quiet paths through snow-covered forests and across snow-covered hills, you can experience the Saanenland from a particularly idyllic perspective. Our Freiberger horses pull you safely through the winter landscape and make every trip an unforgettable, romantic experience.
🏔️ 7. Peak Walk on the Glacier 3000
The Peak Walk by Tissot on Glacier 3000 is the only suspension bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks. It leads from the lower View Point to the main peak of Scex Rouge, five meters higher, and offers a unique glacier adventure. The 107-meter-long and 80-centimeter-wide bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps, including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
🏊 8. Gstaad indoor swimming pool
The Gstaad indoor swimming pool offers indoor and outdoor swimming fun all year round. The 25-meter swimming pool, the children's paddling pool with a turbo slide, and the outdoor pool invite you to swim and splash around in pleasant water temperatures ranging from 28 to 34 degrees Celsius. The wellness area with sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, experience showers, and various relaxation rooms allows you to enjoy relaxing moments with a view of the impressive mountain world.
🛷 9. Sledding on the Horneggli
The chairlift takes you up to Horneggli, where the sledding fun begins. The 3.6-kilometer route leads through snow-covered pine forests and swirling snow. A quick stop at the Horny Bar provides new energy before continuing. The route crosses the Hornberg Run, so you can switch to this track if you wish. After about 30 minutes, a short walk takes sledders back to the valley station.
🌌 10. Tinylodge Gstaad
Experience a special winter adventure and combine the igloo feeling with an overnight stay in the heated TinyLodge next to the Iglu-Dorf. The cozy wooden cabin offers soothing warmth, a large panoramic window with a view of the snow-covered mountains and the starry sky, and a comfortable mattress for restful nights.
Book an overnight stay or a fondue in the Gstaad Iglu-Dorf now!
Is spending the night in an igloo in the Bernese Oberland not yet on your bucket list? Then it's high time it was!