Gstaad holiday region – an insider tip for bike fans and hikers

I’m really looking forward to finally getting back on my mountain bike. This time in unfamiliar places: I’m trading the mountains of the Grisons for the Bernese Oberland. I’m excited to see what cycling fun Gstaad has in store for me. 

The state-of-the-art, bike-certified Gstaad Saanenland Youth Hostel is ideal for overnight stays. No matter where you are in the hostel, you’ll always find some sun: either on the two terraces or in the green, well-kept garden. The view of the imposing mountain backdrop is included. 😉 There’s also a well-equipped bike room where you can polish and patch up your bike. Like! 

There’s no such thing as keeping your feet still

I don’t have much time to chill, I’m just itching to test out the bike routes in the beautiful sunshine. The first thing I want to do is go to the Eggli. There, the newly shaped trail (please note: only for advanced cyclists) is waiting for me right under the mountain railway. It’s super fun riding down the deserted trail with a breathtaking view and at tremendous speeds!

The quality of the bike trails is great. This is partly due to the fact that the destination is still relatively unknown to two-wheeler fans. A true insider tip! On the other hand, there are extra trail builders working to keep the trails in good shape. You’ll also find plenty of bike shops and Alpinzentrum Gstaad right next to the youth hostel. The staff has great tips and tricks for your adventure on two wheels and other adrenaline-charged experiences. You can hire first-class equipment for all kinds of sports directly on site, saving you the hassle of dragging it around – and allowing you to decide what you fancy on impulse! 

Golden hour on the summit

Later in the afternoon, I swap my bike for hiking boots. I’m chasing the perfect sunset. The Hornfluh seems excellent for this. There are different routes. The paths around the mountain peak are easy to walk and are also suitable for families. As an adventure lover, however, I decided to climb the topmost tip. The view is almost too much, as beautiful as it is.

Attention water lovers: On Lake Hornberg (1,800 metres above sea level), you have the opportunity to test your skills on the wakeboard lift under the guidance of pros. You can reserve your session online in advance. Or you can do what I do and listen to the DJ’s beats and treat yourself to a nice drink at the bar. Stuffed thanks to the delicious Yoummi menu at the hostel, I fall into the comfortable youth hostel bed tired but happy. 

Off to the water

I wake up the next morning well rested and full of energy. After a tasty breakfast, I pack my things and set off to discover the (world) famous Lake Lauenen – on my beloved mountain bike. The route on foot is also great. 

First, I catch the cable car from Gstaad up to the Wispile. From there, it takes just under 45 minutes up the ridge and through colourful meadows to Lake Lauenen. The view is fantastic! A picnic by the water to regain your strength is a must, of course. After absorbing the impressions and recharging my batteries, I head back towards Gstaad. 

Be mindful of others

There are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that your bike trip is also perfect. Trail tolerance is a top priority in Gstaad, and trails are often shared with hikers. Keep a moderate pace and be friendly – smiles are free. 😊 From time to time, you may have to get off your bike to open gates – looking ahead is very important so that you can brake in time. And most importantly: Protect your head and bones with a helmet and pads! 

By the way, you can transport your bike on most mountain railways and on public transport. However, to be on the safe side, I recommend that you consult the mountain railways or the SBB app beforehand. 

I had a lot of fun experiencing this part of Switzerland still quite unfamiliar to me, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!