With lush green mountains, traditional chalets, and window boxes brimming with vivid red geraniums, Gstaad looks like a scene that’s been Photoshopped for a postcard. But as I learned during a visit this summer, this Alpine resort town in southwestern Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region is very real and just as fairytale-perfect in person as it appears in photos.

For decades, Gstaad has been the preferred retreat of celebrities, royals, diplomats, and billionaires. They flock to this discreet mountain village to get away from it all, to enjoy a little relaxation without needing to worry about paparazzi or autograph-seekers. The only way anyone knows they’ve visited is if they post about it themselves, local guide Claudia von Siebenthal Fust tells me.

“It’s a very popular place because it is a beautiful place and we still have a quality of life here that you cannot find everywhere in Switzerland,” says von Siebenthal Fust, whose family has lived here for generations. “Just talking about the nature… you can still find a quiet place for yourself.”

For many travelers — whether VIPs or otherwise — Gstaad strikes the perfect balance between luxurious and traditional, rustic nature hideaway and amenity-filled escape. You might pop into Dolce & Gabbana in the morning, then spend the afternoon with a local dairy farmer. You could hike to the top of a mountain — grabbing a snack from a trailside, self-serve cheese refrigerator along the way — then clean up for drinks and dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

“It’s a small area, but the density of good hotels and amazing restaurants is so high,” says Von Siebenthal Fust. “On the other hand, you have the farmers who keep our traditions. And this special combination is a little microcosm that’s hard to find elsewhere.”

Curious about the enduring allure of this picturesque village in the Swiss Alps? Here’s what to know as you start planning your trip.

What To See and Do:

Whether you visit in summer or winter, Gstaad’s natural beauty is the star of the show. The dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps beckon travelers to get outside and explore on hiking and mountain biking trails, ski runs, and scenic chairlift rides.

During the warmer months, lace up your hiking boots and head out on the more than 180 miles of maintained trails. Gstaad has routes for all ability levels, from the family-friendly Alpenzauberweg nature trail to the more challenging Wasserngrat Loop and nearly everything in between. Don’t feel like walking? Book a horse-drawn carriage ride instead and simply sit back and admire the views.

For a truly “only in Switzerland” experience, rent a fondue backpack from a local dairy and hike to one of the giant, human-sized outdoor fondue pots (called caquelons) that are strategically placed throughout the region to offer panoramic views of the mountains. These backpacks are filled with everything you need to have an umami-packed picnic, including cheese fondue mix, bread, spices, a cooking vessel, plates, forks, and fuel. The caquelons, which can accommodate up to eight people at a time, have a circular seating bench with a table in the middle. They’re first come, first served, so if you show up and it’s already in use, why not make some new friends?

Winter is Gstaad’s cozy season, perfect for snuggling up in front of a roaring fire or soaking in a Jacuzzi. But the chilly weather doesn’t stop people from heading outdoors — in fact, winter sports are what helped put Gstaad on the map. The region has nearly 50 ski chairlifts (known locally as cable cars), plus more than 100 miles of terrain to explore on skis or a snowboard. Winter hiking is also big here and, since the trails are groomed, you don’t even need to wear snowshoes.

For an adventurous day on the slopes, head to Glacier 3000, a challenging ski area perched some 9,800 feet above sea level. Non-skiers can enjoy activities like dog sledding and attractions like a gravity-defying suspension bridge. Meet back up for an aprés-ski hot cocoa at Refuge l’Espace, a high-altitude lounge and snack bar.

No visit to Gstaad is complete without a bit of shopping on the main pedestrian promenade, which is home to designer shops like Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Louis Vuitton. Fashion aside, you can also get a sense of Gstaad’s rich arts and culture scene by checking out galleries like Studio Naegeli and Almine Rech. 

As you walk the promenade, keep an eye out for “Rosie,” a cow statue created by Liza Todd-Tivey, daughter of Elizabeth Taylor. Also look for “Sitting Duck,” a statue gifted to Gstaad by Julie Andrews. Both women adored Gstaad and spent as much time here as they could — Andrews was even named an honorary citizen.

For a one-of-a-kind day trip, book a ride on the GoldenPass Belle Époque, a train decked out with elegant coaches that harken back to the golden era of train travel. The route runs between Montreux and Zweisimmen, with a stop in Gstaad in the middle. As the train glides along the tracks, you won’t be able to tear yourself away from the windows — the views of the peaks, valleys, and chalets are truly mesmerizing.

Where to Eat:

No surprise here: Cheese — in the form of fondue, raclette, and ultra-thin slices — is one of the most popular foods in Gstaad. But you’ll find sophisticated fare and an array of international flavors, too.

Start your culinary journey at Posthotel Rössli, the oldest hotel in Gstaad, built in 1845. Perched at the end of Gstaad’s main promenade, it’s the perfect spot for people-watching while sipping an aprés-ski (or aprés-hike) drink. Grab a seat on the terrace or head inside for a table in the enchanting Stübli restaurant, a popular local hangout where you can savor Swiss comfort foods like roasted veal sausage with onion sauce and rösti potatoes. 

Venture out to Lauenensee — also known as Lake Lauenen — for a refreshing walk around a crystal-clear alpine lake. Afterward, refuel at Restaurant Alpenland, a fine dining spot nestled inside the boutique Hotel Alpenland. Grab an apéro on the shady terrace while admiring the surrounding peaks, then head indoors for seasonal dishes like homemade yak ravioli and local beef tartare.

Round out your itinerary with meals at Restaurant Miradi (seasonal fine dining, located inside The Mansard boutique hotel), Esprit Bernerhof (modern French-inspired fare, helmed by Switzerland’s famed Ravet family of L'Ermitage in Vufflens-le-Château), and Gildo's Ristorante (upscale Italian, inside the historic Gstaad Palace hotel).

And if you just can’t get enough Swiss cheese, book a tasting tour of Molkerei Gstaad’s cheese grotto, also known as the “cheese cathedral.” Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by more than 3,000 wheels of aging alpkäse illuminated by candlelight — a surprisingly romantic setting. You’ll learn about the region’s cheese-making heritage while sampling regional varieties and sipping wine.

Where to Stay:

From chic vacation rentals to quaint bed-and-breakfasts, Gstaad has accommodations for every type of traveler. The city has many five-star hotels to choose from, but I highly recommend Alpina Gstaad. Surrounded by sprawling gardens, this boutique retreat was built in the traditional Swiss chalet style. Inside, the design is warm and rustic, with wood-clad walls and ceilings, antique furnishings, fireplaces, and hand-crafted décor made by local artisans. Each of its 56 spacious rooms and suites has its own private terrace or balcony, and the property has a captivating private art collection. After a day of outdoor adventures, visit the Six Senses Spa for a personalized massage or facial, a dip in the jacuzzi or the indoor or (heated) outdoor pool, or a lap of the invigorating hydrotherapy circuit that includes hot and cold plunge pools, ice showers, and a hammam. 

The Alpina is also home to Sommet by Martin Göschel, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a seasonal tasting menu, and Megu, a Michelin-recommended eatery where head chef and sushi master Tsutomu Kugota prepares exquisite Japanese fare.

For lodging with a bit more history, book a room at the Gstaad Palace. Open since 1913, this stately landmark has been welcoming guests for more than a century, including A-listers like Louis Armstrong, Princess Diana, and Grace Kelly (just to name a few). The hotel has a distinctive castle-like aesthetic, complete with crenulated towers on each corner of the facade. And, since it’s perched on a hilltop and illuminated after dark, Gstaad Palace is visible from nearly everywhere in town, day and night. Inside, find 90 rooms and suites of varying shapes, sizes, and designs. There’s also a 1970s-themed nightclub, an Olympic-sized heated outdoor pool, a 19,000-square-foot spa, and multiple dining venues — including La Fromagerie, a fondue restaurant located in an old bunker that protected gold bars during World War II. 

If wellness and relaxation are among your top priorities, retreat to Le Grand Bellevue, which dates back to 1912. Another 5-star boutique property, Le Grand Bellevue stands out for its massive 32,000-square-foot spa (aptly named Le Grand Spa). The highlight is the “thermal oasis,” which consists of 17 different wellness zones ranging from a hay sauna decked out with dried grasses from nearby mountain meadows to a Himalayan salt inhalation grotto heated to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The hotel hotel itself has English country house vibes, with manicured gardens, daily afternoon tea service, and a vintage Bentley S3 that belonged to British actor Sir Roger Moore.

How to Get to Gstaad:

The easiest way to reach Gstaad is to fly into Zurich or Geneva, then travel the rest of the way by train. Switzerland’s train system is practically flawless, with punctual arrivals and departures, clean and quiet cars, and easy-to-understand schedules. For unlimited travel around the country by train, bus, and boat, book a Swiss Travel Pass ahead of time. 

Once you arrive in Gstaad, it’s easy to get around on foot, by bike, or via hotel shuttles — a car isn’t necessary. All overnight visitors get a personal “Gstaad Card” that makes public transit free.

If you prefer to drive, most hotels have ample parking and/or valet service. Gstaad also has a small airport that can accommodate private jets, and your hotel can help coordinate transfers.

The Best Time to Go:

Gstaad is in the mountains, which means the weather varies wildly from season to season. As such, the best times to visit are in summer or winter, when you can enjoy corresponding outdoor activities (and pack accordingly). Gstaad initially became known as a winter destination, but summer has become increasingly popular in recent years — and it’s easy to see why. The weather is mild, the air is fresh, and the mountains are speckled with wildflowers. 

If your schedule allows, try to align your visit with Züglete, a beloved annual tradition that takes place near the end of August or beginning of September. As summer gives way to fall, dairy farmers start moving their herds from high-alpine grazing areas to lower-elevation fields. Along the way, they walk right through the middle of town in what basically amounts to a cow parade. Farmers and their families adorn their beloved bovines with elaborate flower crowns and huge cowbells, and the entire community comes out to celebrate. During Züglete, you can also watch musicians play traditional alphorns and listen to beautiful a capella singing groups — all while munching on local treats like saanenbratzeli, a thin, crispy rolled cookie. You can also peruse local arts and crafts, including delicate paper-cutting designs.

From mid-July to early September, the region also hosts the Gstaad Menuhin Festival, which brings together classical musicians from around the world for more than 60 concerts. Founded by celebrated violinist Yehudi Menuhin, this yearly musical celebration has been going strong since 1957 — it’s a true Gstaad tradition. In September, Gstaad also hosts a long-running country music festival, which attracts big-name artists like Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, and Carly Pearce.

What To Know Before You Go:

- Many hotels, restaurants, and shops shut down for several weeks during the spring and fall, so if you try to visit during shoulder season, you may have more limited options.
- Even during the summer, nights can be chilly in Gstaad, so be sure to pack layers and bring a jacket if you’ll be out after sunset.
- If you visit in the summer, leave your windows open and listen carefully: You’ll be able to hear the gentle clang of cowbells as cows graze on the mountainsides.
- You’ll hear a mix of different languages in Gstaad, with the most common being Swiss-German, German, and French. However, pretty much everyone here also speaks near-flawless English. 
- Remember that Switzerland is not part of the European Union and doesn’t use the euro.  Visit a bank or currency exchange to get some Swiss francs (though credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, too).