Travel off the beaten track and discover Gstaad like a local with our tailor-made five-day itinerary.
If you are seeking to immerse yourself in Swiss cultural heritage then look no further than our bespoke five-day experience in Gstaad. Designed to give you insider access into the ‘real’ Switzerland, we have partnered with local experts to take you beyond the tourist trail to discover the true ‘heart’ of Switzerland. From a private carriage ride in one of the most beautiful parts of the valley to a sunset alphorn concert, this will be a trip to remember for a lifetime.
During your “Secret Gstaad” experience, we recommend staying in Ultima Gstaad Residence a series of stunning residences situated just ten minutes walk from the heart of Gstaad.
These independent apartments, situated next to the Ultima Gstaad hotel are modern in style, with high ceilings and wooden beams giving it a private chalet feel. All of the apartments have complete living spaces with a kitchen and dining room, bedrooms, bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes. The ground floor residences benefit from Jacuzzis and a garden. Each apartment has its own outside entrance and you can reach the spa directly via a lift.
Today, we suggest you take it slow: after a delicious breakfast, explore the world-famous village of Gstaad with its luxury boutiques, world-class restaurants and beautiful chalets. Just an easy walk or car ride away, you’ll also find the lesser-known but equally charming village of Saanen (pictured).
In the late afternoon, it’s time for one of the most remarkable experiences; a dog-sledding ride through the idyllic winter wonderland. You’ll meet the pups that will be leading the way, get them ready, and set off on a scenic adventure through the alpine landscape.
Today is all about discovering the local traditions of the region, learning new skills and hearing the stories from local artisans who have grown up here. Your guide, Max, will pick you up in the morning and take you in the direction of the picturesque region of Gruyères, particularly known for its medieval village which you’ll visit along the way.
You will also enjoy lunch in a typical Swiss restaurant before meeting a passionate cheese-maker who will teach you about the traditional methods of this local custom. And of course, no trip to Switzerland is complete without sampling some Swiss chocolate; so we have organised a private workshop with a talented chocolate-maker too.
Today you will immerse yourself in a winter wonderland amidst Switzerland’s highest summits at Glacier 3000. However, we will make sure you experience the more “secret” side of this iconic destination. Max will pick you up in the morning and take you up to the mountains, whereupon you’ll hop into an impressive cable car that will take you right to the top. From here, you can experience the longest peak-to-peak suspension bridge in the world, before making your way to a very special remote restaurant where you will sample local delicacies, accompanied by magnificent mountain views.
The fun doesn’t stop here...How does an afternoon sliding down one of the longest sled runs in Switzerland sound? Afterwards, enjoy dinner in a delicious Swiss restaurant that can only be reached by snowmobile.
You can’t leave Switzerland without tackling its world-famous slopes, and there are some of the finest on your doorstep. After a morning of skiing, reward yourself with a long lunch at one of Gstaad’s fantastic mountain restaurants.
In the evening, relaxation calls. You will be welcomed in an exclusive setting for a special aperitif by the fire, accompanied by the sounds of your very own live alphorn concert as you watch the sun set over the Alps. All this and more awaits you, before meeting one of our favourite local characters who holds the keys to a very special underground vault. We won’t say more for now, but we can safely say that you won’t have dined in many places like this before…
You’ve sledded down the beautiful runs, skied down the slopes and admired the breathtaking views...but you’ve yet to hike through the magical Alpine landscape. Today, a private guide will pick you up and take you on one of the most scenic winter hiking trails in the region (if not the country). Stopping for a mouth-watering picnic by the fire along the way, you’ll breathe in the crisp mountain air and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes.
After relaxing back at the chalet, there’s time for one more surprise: a private carriage ride in one of the most beautiful parts of the valley.
With 200 km of slopes between 1,000 and 3000 metres above sea level, Gstaad offers fun-filled skiing and scenic slopes in the Bernese Alps. Ideally suited to beginners and intermediates, Gstaad is a traditional resort with pleasantly uncrowded slopes. Although the terrain lacks challenge, the volume of skiing covered by the regional lift pass, including Glacier 3000 at Diablerets, provides good compensation.
Located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, this upscale German-speaking resort has long been a holiday destination for celebrities, international jetsetters and royalty alike. Luckily there is a fantastic array of bars and restaurants to match its exclusive clientele. We have recommended a few of our favourite places on the drinking and dining scene to ensure you make the most of your stay in this fabulous resort.
Within easy reach of Geneva and Zurich, Gstaad has a reputation for glitz and glamour attracting plenty of famous faces over the years. Although there is around 200 km of skiing in Gstaad to enjoy, this Swiss ski resort also has an extremely diverse array of activities, perfect for non-skiers and those looking for more sedate amusements in the mountains. With this in mind, here are five of the best alternative activities you can enjoy in this glorious resort.
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