Fresh mountain air. Snow-covered Alps. Luxurious meals after a long day of skiing.
These are only a few of the things the resort town of Gstaad is known for. But this cozy mountain getaway isn’t only for those seeking a luxurious winter-ski adventure. Home to more than 7,000 cows and 9,000 people, Gstaad has a lot more going for it than meets the eye, and it’s easily accessible by train all year round.
The Sound of Music actress Julie Andrews once referred to Gstaad as “the last paradise in a crazy world.” She would know – after spending decades enjoying a chalet in the region, she was awarded honorary citizenship of Saanen, the municipality to which Gstaad belongs.
Here is all you need to know to start planning your getaway to Gstaad, Switzerland.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Image Location: Gstaad, Switzerland
Where is Gstaad?
Gstaad is located in southwestern Switzerland, in the middle of the Saanen region at an altitude of 3,445ft. It’s considered part of the canton of Bern, which is only one of 26 cantons that creates the Swiss Federation. Though close to the French-speaking part of the country, Gstaad is in the German-speaking part of the canton, so feel free to brush up on your Deutsch!
Why is Gstaad so famous?
Gstaad is known as a major ski-resort town and it’s a particularly popular destination for those who love luxury and jet-setting internationally. Gstaad may be seen as an expensive winter-wonderland hotspot for the elite, but it also has a lot to offer throughout the year and at a more reasonable cost during the off season. From sporting events, cuisine, art, and spas to hiking, a rollercoaster, and a cheese cave—Gstaad is a beautiful place to visit no matter your budget or interests year-round.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Алексей Облов. Image Location: Gstaad, Switzerland
Is St. Moritz or Gstaad better?
Both St. Moritz and Gstaad are known for their world-class skiing, incredible scenery, and fantastic resorts. Both towns are comparable as far as overall cost of travel, so which should you choose?
Depending on how your travel to Switzerland fits into your plans, whether you’re already traveling through Europe or coming from the States, one or the other may be a better fit for you.
Gstaad is an easier option for those traveling from Geneva, whereas St. Moritz is better suited for those coming from Zurich. That said, both towns are easily accessible by train from Bern, Zurich, and Geneva.
St. Moritz is known for having better skiing for those who are more advanced, but both towns are great options if you’re a beginner or intermediate skier. Not into skiing? Gstaad is a better option if you’re looking for more activities that aren’t oriented around the sport, though if you’re visiting in the summer, St. Moritz offers opportunities to enjoy the water.
How do I get to Gstaad from the US?
The most cost-effective way to get to Gstaad from the United States is to fly into one of Switzerland’s major cities and then enjoy a romantic train ride with beautiful mountain views. Geneva, Zurich, and Bern all have trains that will take you to Gstaad, though Geneva is the closest airport.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Lobro78. Image Location: Gstaad, Switzerland
How long is the train ride from Geneva to Gstaad?
You can finish a book (or two) of poems or a novella in the time it takes you to get from Geneva to Gstaad. The journey only takes about 3 hours and 24 minutes on average by train.
How do I get from Geneva to Gstaad by train?
Download the Trainline app to easily navigate your Gstaad train journey. Save yourself time and money by letting us help you find the best tickets for your journey. Looking for what to do in Geneva? Consider a day trip to one of Switzerland's many gems or book a relaxing stay in the city center.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Jakob Helbig. Image Location: Gstaad, Switzerland