For many travelers, the most scenic location in Europe is the Swiss Alps, and the most beautiful spot within the Swiss Alps would be the small town of Gstaad and the even smaller villages nearby, with traditional Alpine-style chalets nestled within the mountains and valleys of the Bernese Alps.

Gstaad, whose population can jump from its 3,000 year-round residents to 20,000 vacationing skiers during busy holiday weekends, quiets down during summer, with visitors enjoying hiking, biking and hang-gliding activities in the pristine countryside. A walk through the town’s car-free promenade is a must for visitors, as well as browsing shops selling high-end jewelry, clothing, outdoor gear and Swiss food products and souvenirs.

Although known for sky-high real estate prices and a half-century of hosting visiting entertainment and sports A-listers since the 1950s and 60s with Richard Burton, Liz Taylor, Brigitte Bardot and Roger Moore, as well as today’s corporate billionaires, a summer vacation in Gstaad is also within reach of middle-class budgets.

© Ron Bernthal

From the well-known lakes such as Lake Lauenen or Lake Arnen to the less-popular lakes like Lac Retaud, nature in this part of the Alps is unforgettable. Lake Lauenen has a lot to offer and can be reached from the car park within five minutes. Those who want to hike around Lake Lauenen can do so in about 45 minutes.

Since 2020, a picture of Lac Retaud has gone viral on Instagram. Fortunately, the photographer did not tag the name, so the lake remains as unknown, beautiful and quiet as ever. You can reach this mountain lake from Gstaad with a car, driving via Col du Pillon, then using a small but passable road. The green of Lac Retaud is unique and makes it a jewel of the Swiss Alps, with a restaurant and bathing area. The lake is only two minutes from the car park and access is free.

Gstaad is the area’s most famous town and bears the name of an entire tourist region. In addition to its beautiful wood chalets, Gstaad is also known for its wellness hotels such as Alpina Gstaad or Palace Gstaad.

© Ron Bernthal

Gstaad and the surrounding area features more than 310 miles of GPS tours for mountain bikers, road bikers and e-bikers, with signposted routes, an e-bike charging system and specialized biking hotels.

The small village of Saanen, located next to Gstaad, is one of the prettiest villages in the region. In the old village center are chalet houses from the 15^th century. There are several bakeries selling delicious breads and sweets, and some great restaurants, as well.

Another village to visit is Gsteig bei Gstaad. Here, too, are lovely chalet buildings and a photogenic white church. Interesting excursions start from here, such as a cable car to Lac de Sénin reservoir.

The Glacier 3000 is probably the best-known mountain in the region. A 20-minute drive takes you from Gstaad to Col du Pillon, where visitors park their cars and take the cable car toward Glacier 3000. Here, visitors can take an adventurous toboggan run in summer or go biking and hiking.

Gstaad sits in the southwestern region of Switzerland on the border of the French-speaking part of the country. The area is easily accessed by rail or car from Lake Geneva and the Gruyere region, as well as by the European high-speed rail network from all international airports in Switzerland. There is also free public transport on designated routes between Saanenland and Simmental through Oct. 31.

© Ron Bernthal

The Gstaad Card is a personal, digital guest card for stays in the Gstaad region, and hotel guests benefit from numerous activity discounts, booked easily and conveniently in the online shop and elsewhere. Hotel guests receive a Gstaad Card valid for the entire stay. Even beyond the boundaries of Gstaad town, Destination Gstaad created some unique offers for visitors.

Here are two hotel properties offering 4- and 5-star accommodations:

The 4-star Posthotel Rössli is located on the promenade in Gstaad. A wood chalet-style property constructed in 1845, it is the oldest hotel in Gstaad. The hotel includes spacious rooms with a bathroom and balcony and amenities like a minibar with free mineral water, flat-screen TV, hairdryer and free WiFi. Mid-June, double-occupancy rates start at $371.

The 5-star Alpina Gstaad, opened in 2012, is an elegant property featuring marble, sandstone and aged wood. The Alpina Gstaad offers three restaurants and its own cinema. All 58 rooms and suites have balconies with mountain views and marble bathrooms, with some featuring an open fireplace and an iPad for guests to use. Michelin-starred executive chef Martin Göschel supervises Sommet, Megu and Swiss Stübli restaurants. Six Senses Spa, free for guests, provide holistic treatments and include an indoor pool and heated outdoor pool. Covered parking is complimentary. Gstaad center is a 5-minute walk away, with mid-June, double-occupancy rates starting at $929.