Overview
Gstaad is a prestigious Alpine resort in the Bernese Highlands at 1,050 m altitude, famous for celebrity visitors and luxury chalets. The village itself is relatively compact, but the ski area spanning Gstaad to Zweisimmen offers 220 km of trails served by 53 lifts, with skiing up to 2,200 m and links to the higher terrain at Les Diablerets.
Architecture · Day Trips · Festivals · Nature · Skiing
Before you go
Accommodation
Gstaad is a luxury destination. Youth hostel dorms from Fr. 38 exist, but most hotels are high-end. Budget travelers should book well in advance.
Connectivity
4G from Salt, 5G from Sunrise and Swisscom as of December 2022. WiFi available at most hotels.
Money
Switzerland uses Swiss Francs (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants but carry surcharges at some establishments. Budget travelers should budget Fr. 150-300 per day.
Transport
Golden Pass trains from Montreux (Fr. 48 return in 2008) offer spectacular scenery. Ski buses are free or included in lift passes during winter. Summer Easy Access Pass costs Fr. 12/day.
Weather
Alpine climate with cold, snowy winters (ski season December–April) and mild summers (June–September). Mountain weather changes rapidly; dress in layers.