Bern Canton, Schönried
Distance: 2.12 km.
Walking time: 30 min.
Elevation gain: 45 m.
Access: Car, train or bus.
Parking: at Bahnhofstrasse - 46.503806, 7.291026
Train: stop at Schönried.
Bus: stop at Schönried or Schönried Schulhaus.
Mirage Gstaad is a temporary art installation by an American artist Doug Aitken. The installation is a third showcase around the world - previous locations were the desert in Palm Springs and a former bank in Detroit. It is exhibited at the meadows between Gstaad and Schönried until January 2021.
A 'Mirage' is commonly understood as 'an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions' and 'something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so' as per Oxford Encyclopedia.
I am a huge fan of arts. As soon as I found out about this showcasing, I knew we will have to visit the Mirage at least twice (summer & winter) before it is finished. This 'house' definitely takes a person through a unique experience of space, light, landscape & colours.
The Mirage is easily accessible from a number of hiking routes - Schönried, Gstaad and Saanen. The shortest way is from Schönried. The hiking trails are very busy with tourists, hikers, children and dogs. In summer, the meadows are surrounded by cow pastures.
It is not easy to picnic en route between Schönried and the Mirage, but there are picnic tables close to the parking, train and bus stations (46.504734, 7.293354). If all tables are busy, it is easy to get comfortable at the meadows surrounding the picnic area.
There are many restaurants in either Schönried, Saanen and Gstaad. It is best to check in advance if they are open as many close during off-peak season.
- Our favourite dining place used to be at Hotel Kernen restaurant, where we really enjoyed their food and interior decor. Other restaurants in Schönried are in Ermitage,Da Corrado or La Nicchia.
- Some say, that the best place for a coffee in Saanenland is in Saanen based Délice Café & Chocolatier. The village also has other places to dine: Hotel Landhaus, 16eme, Bäckerei & Tea Room Müller.
- Gstaad has the biggest selection of restaurants and cafes.
There are two routes to visit Mirage starting from Schönried and we recommend doing a loop hike in the opposite direction to what we had done. The trail starts to follow a road and later a gravel path amongst the meadows and cow pastures. The facing open view overlooks into the distant mountains. Mirage is visible in the distance, where one can enjoy it's reflections of light in all directions. The way back soon follows a single lane tarmac road and later goes through the village's main street. Here one can enjoy the views at the chalets and their pretty details.
General information about Mirage Gstaad can be found on Gstaad Tourist website here or InsideHood website here. More information about hiking routes in the area can be found on SchweizMobil website here or on Gstaad Tourist website here. General information about Schönried, Gstaad and Saanen can be accessed on Gstaad Tourist website here. Local information and events are posted on Gstaad Tourist website here.
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