Lauenensee – Copyright: Destination Gstaad / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
Although most of you probably think of the Swiss Alps as a strictly winter destination, the splendid village of Gstaad has much to offer in the summer months. This charming mountain destination has inspired many of the world’s most discerning travelers with its blend of modern and traditional Swiss culture. To learn more about this summer paradise in the Bernese Oberland, we caught up with frequent visitor, Joya Burda, who has given us a handful of irresistible reasons to visit Gstaad in the summer.
1. Events
Although relatively small, compared to many summer hotspots, Gstaad boasts three world class events in the summer. First held in Gstaad in 1898, the Swiss Open, which takes place from July 17th through the 25th this year, will see tennis stars compete to win this ATP tournament. Although it was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic, next month we will see the best of the best compete for close to €500,000 in prize money. With an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level, the event is the highest ATP venue in Europe. Typically Gstaad hosts the glamorous Hublot Polo Gold Cup, one of Europe’s most prominent Polo events. Though, unfortunately, the event will not return until August of 2022.
For those who prefer the culture of classical music to sport, rest assured Gstaad hosts the Menuhin Festival. The cultural event, which takes place from July 16th through September 4th, features more than 50 classical concerts.
2. Private Clubs
If you’re fortunate enough to be friends with a member of one of Gstaad’s most elite clubs, you’ll be in for a treat. Founded more than six decades ago, the Eagle Ski Club is a private members only club best known for its renowned restaurant set within a Chalet atop Wasserngrat. The club’s views are unrivaled and its membership process makes it one of the most exclusive clubs of its kind. The Eagle Ski club is open for 3 months in the summer, and is rumored to host walking competitions. This club is old school, so if you’re lucky enough to visit, do yourself a favor and don’t take a call on the terrace, your phone may just find itself falling off the mountain.
Founded by Ernesto Bertarelli is Club de Luge, a new modern and fresh ski club located atop Eggli at an elevation of 1550 meters. The members only club enjoys a unique interior design mastered by Archer Humphryes. A drink at the bar set within the center of the chalet is a particularly enchanting experience as the views are what we’d call airliner worthy.
3. Cuisine
Located on Main Street in downtown Gstaad is a true gem, if you like traditional Swiss Cuisine, when discussing a recent visit, Joya Burda says “The Olden has finally opened up again, so we had a yummy schnitzel. That’s like the best schnitzel,” The Olden’s eclectic atmosphere is complemented by hearty cuisine, in addition to the fantastic schnitzel, the filet of sole is rather brilliant.
A spectacular outdoor dining destination is the Sonnenhof with modern French and Italian cuisine. The Sonnenhof’s terrace enjoys views of Gstaad. Joya adds “[the] Spitzhorn, that’s beautiful in the summer, because they have a really beautiful terrace.” Continuing “Arc en ciel, which is just a go to all the time, [and] the HUUS; those are like the main, I would say summer [restaurants because] they have the nicest terraces.”
4. Art
For the art connoisseur, Gstaad has much to offer. Haueser & Wirth respected for their galleries around the globe features a unique collection of modern art. When discussing art in the village, Joya states “The big art gallery, Hauser & Wirth [have] rented Gunter Sachs’ Chalet in Oberbort, and they have a by appointment art gallery there, which [is] quite unique.” But Hauser & Wirth is not the only cultural destination in Gstaad. “At the private airport in Saanen, there is [Tarmak22], which is also an art gallery.” Tarmak22 will be featuring an exhibition titled Découpage, A Labour Of Love from July 1st through October 1st. This show is open to public.
5. Sporting Activities
When asked about sporting activities in Gstaad, Joya enthusiastically responds “I’m a big tennis fanatic, so there is a really cool public outdoor tennis court in Saanen [that I like to visit]. No one really knows about it and the courts are super easy to rent out.” The courts, which are located near the train station, are ideal for summer use, as all the courts in Gstaad are located mainly indoors. The tennis courts can be booked by phone.
“There is a lot of hiking, and a lot of mountain biking, and a lot of mountain trails, so I really [recommend] Arnensee and Lauenensee, they are the top two [to visit].” Joya adds, “[they are great for walks, hikes, barbecues, and camping. Arnensee and Lauenensee are around [mountain] lakes and are just beautiful [trails] with different routes you can take. It’s just gorgeous to go there, they are great for their three or four hour trails.” The trails are specified for either walking or biking. Some trails in Gstaad and Saanen are now lined with unique vending machines with farm fresh treats such as cheese and cold cuts. Perfect for the hungry hiker.
Pilates and yoga workshops are held in the summer throughout Gstaad, but horseback riding with a mountain backdrop is an ideal way to spend an afternoon. Reitzentrum Gstaad, the local equestrian center is nestled between Gstaad and Saanen. Riding lessons are available in German, French, and English. If horseback riding is not your thing, the Golfclub Gstaad-Saanenland has an 18 hole golf course at 1,400 meters above sea level.
For thrill seekers, Joya adds “you can jump off a mountain and fly. [Personally] I’ve never done it, but in chateau-d’Oex they have quite a lot of parachuting and hot air balloon [rides].” The hot air balloon rides which are perfect for a picnic or proposal are a relaxing alternative to the thrills of sky diving and paragliding from mountain tops. Lastly, “the Sports Center in Gstaad [has] outdoor beach volleyball, which is quite fun.”
6. The Parties & World Class Accomadation
Gstaad usually has some fairly remarkable summer parties, which often take place at either the Alpina or the Gstaad Palace, both are Gstaad’s premier hotels. When discussing the best parties, Joya explains “you’re either a Palace person or an Alpina person.” When asked which she personally prefers Joya admits she is a Palace person when the Gringo is open otherwise she prefers the Alpina, because “they have the best drinks menu.” The Alpina is more modern and less traditional than the Palace. For the best of both worlds visit the Alpina for drinks followed by a trip to the Gringo at the Gstaad Palace.
Although this year, there are no big parties due to the Pandemic. On special occasions the Alpina converts their cinema into an exclusive nightclub for a strict guest list only party, often with special DJs from all over Europe.
The Gstaad Palace boasts traditional old school glamour, whereas the Alpina Gstaad’s new and modern atmosphere often captures the attention of a younger crowd. However, both hotels have splendid outdoor pools open in the summer months.
Other options for places to stay include the Le Grande Bellevue with its ultra luxurious spa. If you’re traveling with a large group, we highly suggest renting a chalet in Oberbort just beneath the Palace hotel.
All images provided courtesy of Destination Gstaad
