Why it's time to take a leisurely trip in Gstaad

Leisurely, modest, leisurely, languid. There are many ways to describe the summer lifestyle in Gstaad, a characteristic village tucked away in the Bernese Alps. Visitors will want to take their time climbing. The area was once described as “the last haven in a world of madness” by actress and honorary resident Julie Andrews, who has owned a home here for more than 50 years. In fact, this seems like a place made for those who want to fine-tune the art of slow travel, a softer, more thoughtful form of travel that has grown in popularity in recent years. Slow travel requires visitors to take the time to understand the essence of a destination, choosing experiences that connect with the local community and activities that immerse themselves in its nature.

The village of Gstaad, in the heart of Switzerland's beautiful Saanen region, is the perfect place for such a holiday. Here, the summer haze slowly drifts over the five-fingered valley. According to local legend, it was formed by the handprint of a god with Gstaad in his palm. Snow-capped peaks soar against a deep blue sky, and waterfalls cascade down sheer granite cliffs into meadows dotted with flower-adorned chalets and old farmhouses.

Gstaad has long been famous as a top wellness destination and was an early favorite of British alpinists drawn to the mountain air and outdoor lifestyle. Today, the village remains the perfect destination for those looking for a slow and peaceful mid-year holiday.

Start with a gentle hike to soak up the area's stunning natural surroundings. Follow the Swiss cows up the sunny slopes. It's a network of 195 miles of easily accessible trails that wind through lush meadows and shady forests. You can hear the cowbell soundtrack everywhere you go.

For a smoother journey, consider exploring the 95 miles of biking trails that circle the region on two wheels. Renting an electric bike allows you to relax while enjoying the surrounding scenery even when going uphill, and the motor takes the strain off of you. For the most scenic route, follow the path from Gstaad to the traditional village of Lauenen and walk around the eponymous lake. It is a wonderful picturesque place surrounded by forests. Stop and take a boat ride or take a dip in the cool, calm water. In fact, being around 'blue space' is known to have similar health benefits as 'green space', reducing stress and negative emotions.

An equally rejuvenating route takes you via Lake Arnen in the shadow of Les Diablerets. After spending some time fishing or stand-up paddleboarding, head to restaurant Rössli in nearby Vojtersøy for a leisurely meal in a flower-covered garden. Housed in a centuries-old chalet, this family-run inn puts a gourmet twist on hearty classics such as Wiener schnitzel and whole royal pigeon. Don't miss the trout meuniere, a recipe passed down from generation to generation, with boiled potatoes and spinach.

Continue your stay in the slow lanes of Gstaad's Alpine Spa. Le Grand Bellevue, a family-run luxury hotel located just off a cobbled, car-free promenade, opened in 1912 as a health spa. Guests still seek solace in our expansive wellness center, the largest in the area. Whether you're staying in one of the hotel's large, luxurious rooms or just visiting for the day, you'll have the chance to soak in a bubbling hot tub, cleanse in a salt cave, and cool off after inhaling local botanicals in an herbal or hay sauna. We have a lot. Into the ice fountain.

But while summer heralds slow, sunny days for many, all systems are in place for farmers across the region. The region is home to 340 farms and approximately 11,000 cows, and from late spring onwards the prized herds climb up to the upland pastures to graze on grasses and alpine herbs. Traditionally, farmers sleep here on summer farms on the slopes and make cheese from grass-rich, unpasteurized milk every morning over wood fires. For the best taste of this charcoal specialty, head to one of his huge fondue kakrons (pots) scattered around the area. There, you can taste piping hot cheese thanks to the local dairy manufacturer's “Fondue Backpack”. Or stroll his 1-hour cheese trail from Berghaus Wispire to the Alp and Bodme, where you can tour a cheese dairy, sample its produce, and pet the animals in the barn next door. can.

To sample this local produce in hearty regional cuisine, visit one of Gstaad's many relaxing mountain restaurants. Recommended locations include Refuge l'Espace, a rustic hut on Glacier 3000; Visitors can sit on the large, sun-drenched deck beneath the looming rocks of the Kill du Diable and watch for bearded vultures. Fill your mouth with air-dried local meats and ultra-thin curls of the region's traditional cheese, Werner Hobelkäse AOC, followed by a glass of fresh, floral Petit Alvin. In fact, the region's aromatic wines are one of Switzerland's best-kept secrets.

If you visit near the end of summer, you might be able to witness the Gstaad Zugrete, the annual bull run in August. Cows and bulls descend to spend the winter in the valley, their headdresses and giant cowbells shining.

3 leisurely hikes in Gstaad

1. Wispire to Lake Lauenen
Ride the cable car to Vispire, a mountain just south of the village of Gstaad, and follow this challenging 3-hour trail along ridges, through high meadows and down through shady forests, ending at the sparkling Lake Lauenen. arrive at the shore.

2. Hornekli Panorama Trail
This high-altitude hike offers stunning views of the jagged Bernese Alps. Starting from Zweisimmen, take the cable car up Linderberg and follow the signs to Hornberg along the Gundrunen ridge. Horneckli takes his chairlift back to Schönried, from where he takes the bus back to Gstaad within 15 minutes.

3. From Lauenen to Fondue Cacron
Armed with a fondue backpack kit from one of the many local dairies, we journey from sleepy Lauenen through the forest to an oversized kakron (fondue pot) (essentially a pot-shaped table and bench). Follow the path and light the kit. Enjoy bubbly cheese while admiring the Geltenschutz and Tungelschutz waterfalls.