Bern Canton, Gstaad
Distance: 12.20 km.
Walking time: 2h 50 min.
Elevation gain: 250 m.
Access: Car, train or bus.
Parking: Wispile cable car parking 46.463879, 7.285406 (closest), Gstaad train station 46.475715, 7.282686 or Matten Parking 46.467943, 7.282222
Bus: stop at Gstaad train station if you wish to walk through the village centre; or stop at Wispile talstation outside of Gstaad village.
Way back: bus from Gsteig b. Gstaad, Post towards Gstaad. It is possible to buy transport ticket on the bus (this may differ during/after Covid-19).
I found this walk as one of the most enjoyable hikes within Saanenland and I think it is slightly underrated by tourist websites. I have done this route multiple times - hiking in winter and summer, as well as cycling. I don't think there is a perfect time to do this path, it is gorgeous at anytime and each season has a unique beauty. In spring, there are many crocuses, daffodils and narcissus; the summer is green and mountains look clear; in autumn the nature is colourful; in winter everything is white. When I visited Gsteig for the first time and I walked closer to the mountains, the instant feeling that came over me was that I am at The Wall in the Game of Thrones.
There are plenty of restaurants in Gstaad. There is restaurant Safran in Gsteig village, however it may be closed off-season. There are also 2 self-service fridges on the path with snacks and local cheeses. Sometimes they also offer drinks. It is easy to find a spot on the meadows for a picnic. More benches can be found closer to Gstaad. We met a few hikers on thewinter and summer routes. The main road is also busy with cars and cyclists.
Most of the walk feels quiet, peaceful and rather flat, despite the elevation gain. At the outskirts of Gstaad village, the hike starts with following river Saane in between trees. At this point, most of the views at the mountains are on the side towards Eggli. Once getting out of the trees, the views open up towards Saane Valley at the front and Wispile mountain on the left. The path cover changes between soft timber shavings, tarmac, gravel and dirt. Mostly, the route goes through the meadows and occasionally through some trees. The path also passes by a small bee farm.
This walk can be done in either direction, but the views are much better following the path from Gstaad towards Gsteig.
This hike can be combined with the hike from Schönried to Gstaad, however it would add an additional ~50 min. Majority of this walk is descending in elevation and it is also a very beautiful hike, which I would recommend doing. More information about the hike between Schönried and Gstaad can be found on our other blog post.
For more information about this hike during winter, visit Gstaad Tourist website here.
For more information about this hike during summer, visit SchweizMobil 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 Gsteig bei Gstaad can be accessed on MyGsteig website here.
The elevation gain above is for the route from Gsteig to Gstaad. Please bare in mind that the elevation profile will be mirrored for hiking from Gstaad towards Gsteig.
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