About GSTAAD

Home to the rich and famous – why is Gstaad on my list, are there any budget places to visit? Outside of the Gucci veneer of the town is a far better experience than one could expect.

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Located about 2.5hr from Zurich, and 1.5hr from the capital Bern and 2hrs from Geneva the area has something for everyone. Gstaad sits very close to what they call the RostiGraben (the potato line) – the line which divides the French and German-speaking part of Switzerland – Gstaad is on the German side.

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History

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Gstaad made its name for itself during the 50s and 60s when Hollywood A list actors discovered the town and brought a bit of Tinsel town with them. Famous people like Richard Burton, Brigitte Bardo, Roger Moore were some of the early Hollywood stars who walked the streets. Today likes of the Kardashians, Madonna and a number of billionaires spend their time swanning down the high street looking for a new Bugatti (I’m not kidding) or a Rolex to buy.

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Out and About

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There are major events taking place in Gstaad throughout the year, from music concerts, Polo and even tennis tournaments! There is something for everyone.

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There are a number of places to eat and drink, but my recommendation for Gstaad is Charlies – which is a world-famous coffee and tea lounge and considering the location is very affordable.

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From a humble beginning of a simple farming village, Gstaad today brings in a number of high rollers (especially over the Christmas week) all seeking to see who has the nicest fur coat, or most expensive car. However, just 10 minutes outside of the Palace and champagne-filled streets is another life, and this is why I included it on this list.

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Outside of Gstaad

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Sannemoser is a small sleepy village 10 mins drive from the centre of Gstaad which offers some of Switzerland’s finest walks in Summer, bike rides and even mountain wakeboarding! In the winter season, there are a number of challenging slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.

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Mountain Wake Boarding!!!

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Chateau d'Oex is in the other direction from Gstaad again is such a contrast. The French-speaking village offers some great priced Swiss-French food and is very famous for its annual balloon event which takes place here. There is even a museum about ballooning and the first around the world balloon capsules sits in the centre of the town.

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Further afield is Glacier 3000 – (about 15min drive from Gstaad) and is owned by former F1 owner and Billionaire Bernie Ecclestone. This is one of the best places to come and visit in Switzerland (for not the obvious reasons). It’s an all-year-round resort catering for skiing for nearly 9 months of the year and a chance to see the devastating effect of climate change on Switzerland.

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A superfast cable car whisks you up the mountains from 1000 meters to 3000 meters in a matter of minutes and you are standing on one of Switzerland's biggest glaciers. From here there are a number of things to do. There is a peak to peak suspension bridge which is not for faint-hearted, sledging all year round, skiing and in summer hiking over the Glacier.

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This was one of the most emotional things for me to do, to see how much the Glaciers have receded during the last 50 years as there is an accurate record of climate change.

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Finally fans of the movie Alien and Cheese must-visit Gruyere. There is an amazing castle to visit along with the museum of Artist H.R. Giger. In the same village is also the famous cheese of Gruyere.