A Guide To Switzerland's Saanenland In Summer

Driving into Saanenland on a two-lane mountain road feels like entering into another world. Rolling green hills dotted with sun-aged chalets and the dramatic, luminous Alps towering above make it feel as if time has slowed just for this moment. Over the past six summers, I have explored the charming villages that make up Saanenland in the Swiss Bernese Alps. Each year, I uncover more reasons why the Swiss quietly cherish summer as the Alps’ best-kept secret. With fewer crowds, warm days balanced by crisp, cool nights, and an abundance of activities, summer here offers a tranquility that feels both restorative and indulgent. While winter may dominate the imagination when it comes to alpine escapes, I’m convinced that summer reveals the Alps at their most magical.

Here are a few of my favorite activities and places I’ve discovered during my time in Saanenland — each one a reason I’m drawn back year after year.

The Gstaad Palace swimming pool, Piscine, is my favorite place to spend the day in Gstaad. Nestled right behind the tennis courts, Piscine is an oasis in the summer months with an Olympic sized swimming pool, diving boards, a children's pool with slide, and a bar with striped umbrellas, reminiscent of the Côte d’Azur. The pool has panoramic views of the Wildhorn, Oldenhorn, and Wispile. Non-hotel guests can access the pool for a small fee making the pool a favorite amongst locals too. On Saturdays and Sundays, the resident DJ from the Palace’s nightclub, GreenGo, sets the tone at the pool bar, bringing energy and atmosphere to the summer weekends.

The Horneggli Panorama Trail, one of the most breathtaking hikes in the region, offers unparalleled aerial views of the entire valley. Begin your journey with a train ride to Zweisimmen, followed by a gondola ride to the summit of the Rinderberg. A short walk leads to an overlook, where stunning mountain vistas set the tone for your hike. Following the ridge, the trail reveals panoramic views of the skiable peaks from Saanenmoser and St. Stephan. Ideal for groups or families, the hike is a gentle descent, with the option to make it a full-day trek ending in Gstaad village. Along the way, there are idyllic picnic spots—some even equipped with grills and firewood. After a day of hiking you are going to need a good spa day. Le Grand Spa is a haven of alpine tranquility, spanning 3,000 square meters of pure indulgence. With 17 distinct wellness zones, the spa has everything from herbal and Finnish saunas to a salt inhalation grotto and an invigorating ice fountain. Treatments are rooted in the Swiss landscape—think Alpine Salt Scrubs and Goat’s Milk & Honey Baths. The spa also offers yoga and pilates classes if you are looking for meditation or a deep stretch.

The Arnensee, just 20 minutes from Gstaad, and only a few minutes from our new property, Le Chalet Glacier - Opening July 1, lies at the foot of the Wildhorn Massif in the heart of the Saanenland Nature Park. Framed by thick forests and sweeping mountain vistas, the lake offers a serene natural setting. It's clear, still waters are ideal for a peaceful day of fishing, hiking, or renting a rowboat. Overlooking the lake is Huus am Arnensee, a traditional Swiss restaurant where you can enjoy lunch overlooking the lake or stock up on bait if you plan to catch your own. Don’t forget to bring cash for the small entrance fee to enter the road leading to the lake.

Each July, the Swiss Open Gstaad transforms the village into a vibrant hub, drawing anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 tennis fans. The tournament is held at the Roy Emerson Arena, an open-air arena in the heart of Gstaad, with alpine views as a backdrop to the matches. Opening day is marked by an airshow from the Swiss Air Force, with jets weaving dramatically over the Alps. I would start the day with breakfast at Charly’s, just steps from the arena, followed by an afternoon watching the finals. As the matches conclude, unwind at the Gstaad Palace swimming pool for their Sunday DJ series, a prelude to dinner in the village.

There are two ways to reach Seebergsee, a pristine alpine lake high in the Diemtigtal Nature Park. You can spend the morning hiking up from Zweisimmen—a rewarding climb with expansive views—or, for a gentler approach, take the winding mountain road to Meienberg, where well-marked trails lead you up through wildflower-dotted pastures. At the small parking area, you’ll find an honesty fridge stocked with local cheese and chilled drinks—simple, perfect provisions for the trail, with a tin for cash payment.

The path from here climbs steadily, cresting at a sharp rocky ridge before revealing the glassy waters of Seebergsee, cradled in a high alpine basin. Descend into the meadow that wraps around the lake—ideal for a swim, a quiet picnic, or simply a pause to take it all in. Continue along the lakeside trail and, just beyond the ridge on the far side, you'll find Berggasthaus Stierenberg, a rustic mountain inn known for its homemade fruit tarts and hearty lunches—a welcome reward for those who linger a little longer.

The Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad, held each August at the Gstaad-Saanen airport, transforms the area into a pristine polo field for three days of thrilling matches between four elite teams. Begin the day by a short train ride from Gstaad to Saanen on the GoldenPass Belle Époque. The fields are a short walk from the Saanen train station. Then enjoy drinks in cosy tents while watching the action and partake in the halftime tradition of “divot stomping,” smoothing the field after the horses’ strides during the match.

The Lauenensee is a picturesque lake set in the Lauenen Valley, just beyond Gstaad. Surrounded by lush alpine meadows, dense forests, and the striking peaks of the nearby glacier, it offers a more remote and tranquil setting. In summer, cascading waterfalls from the melting glacier add to the natural beauty. A scenic 3.1 km loop trail circles the lake, making for an easy, leisurely hour-long walk. Along the way, you'll find picnic tables tucked into quiet corners, or you can stop for lunch at the lake’s restaurant, Restaurant Lauenensee.

The Gstaad Palace Challenge is a dream event for car enthusiasts and lovers of vintage design. A procession of classic and vintage cars compete in a series of road rallies through the mountain roads of the Bernese Oberland, ending at the Gstaad Palace. Watch the rally conclude at the Gstaad Palace, where the lineup of participants creates a spectacular finish.

Breakfast

Early Beck: A local bakery with multiple locations throughout the valley. Best known for their fresh bread (including sourdough), pastries, and coffee. The Saanen location is my favorite, occupying the corner of a charming building in the center of the village with outdoor bistro tables, this is ideal for a quiet morning treat. In the summer I order the plum tart while stone fruit is in season.

Lunch

Wasserngrat: Beloved in both winter and summer. Hike up or take the gondola for lunch on the sunny terrace overlooking Gstaad. The Berghaus Wasserngrat is the sister restaurant to 16 in Saanen and one of our favourites on the mountain. What to order: sausage with rösti and for dessert the meringue with a rich Swiss double cream, an alpine classic.

Hüsy: Whenever there is a summer thunderstorm passing through the valley, I immediately book a table for lunch at Hüsy. Hüsy is an authentic Swiss restaurant, art gallery, and guesthouse run by chef and owner Hans-Jürgen and his wife, Marianne Glatz. The restaurant has a cosy first floor where lunch service is held and a more formal dining room with low wooden ceilings upstairs for dinner service. The gallery is filled with local art that celebrates the Simmental and Saanenland tradition of paper cuttings. The intricate practice of carving alpine life into paper has been a tradition in the area for over 150 years and a deeply appreciated example of the local artistry of the region. My lunch order is the schnitzel, and for dinner, I never pass up the salad bar and the côte de boeuf.

P.S. It's just around the corner from our fourth property, Le Petit Club Chalet, which is set to open by the end of the year.

Aperitivo

Le Grand Bellevue: Apertivo at Le Grand Bellevue’s garden lounge is one of my favorite ways to start a summer evening. The garden lounge is only open in the summer and is tucked into the hotel’s garden, offering a serene and private setting for summer aperitivo. Grab a drink here before heading into the village for dinner.

Dinner

16, Saanen: During the summer months the old-chalet style restaurant set in the center of Saanen has an outdoor terrace that makes you feel as though you are dining in an intimate secret garden. Their impressive vegetable garden is across from the terrace and always worth taking a walk by, an example of how Swiss locals cultivate their own home gardens during the summer months and live sustainably with the seasons. Our Le Chalet Saanen is a four-minute walk from the restaurant.

Olden: Has a rich history on Gstaad’s promenade. Hotel Olden, originally an inn from 1690, gained fame during the world wars as a cultural hub, with live music and yodeling by the Müllener family. In 1960, Fausto Donizetti and Hedi Müllener introduced "La Cave," adding a legendary fine dining experience to its charm that continues on today.

In the French-speaking part of the valley, which is home to our Le Chalet Lion Rouge, you’ll find my favourite restaurant: Le Cerf offers authentic dining, which some people say is the best fondue & raclette in the world (I concur!).

Each summer, there is an annual Brocante & Market that fills the streets of Saanen. Strolling through the historic streets, you’ll discover stalls with rare antiques, local art, design collectables, and local delicacies that capture the spirit of the Bernese Oberland. The market's relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by live music and traditional food stands, makes it an event I look forward to every summer.

Antonella: the best for timeless, intricately hand-embroidered linen dresses. They are known for their cashmere (crafted by the same makers as Loro Piana), a testament to their uncompromising quality. When summer arrives, I live in their airy, elegant linen dresses.

Atelier Steiner: Located in a chalet overlooking the picturesque Gstaad Valley, Atelier Steiner is a family-run wood workshop led by Kornelia and Hans-Ruedi Steiner. The Steiners specialize in creating bespoke, hand-carved Swiss chairs, wooden clocks, decorative boards, and other unique home décor items. As you arrive, you'll be warmly welcomed by the atelier's friendly guardian, a big Bernese Mountain Dog.

Gstaad Chocolate Shop: Hidden off the main street in Gstaad is a small chocolate shop that feels more like an Atelier than a shop, which is run by our friend, Jana. Impeccably made pralines, silky truffles, and chocolate bars infused with local Alpine herbs. Go for the dark chocolate hazelnut bark or the signature Gstaad milk truffles, or take home as a gift.

You can book all of our 84 Club Chalets here.

84 Rooms recommends: 10 Of The Best Hotel Restaurants In The Alps, and An Insider’s Guide To Gstaad.