This Swiss village is like something out of a fairytale
<p><em><strong>Travel writer Ben Squires spends time in the fairytale-like village of Gstaad.</strong></em></p>
<p>Switzerland is a country with no shortage of jaw-dropping views, to the point where it’s impossible to imagine someone visiting without filling three or four SD cards with holiday snaps. That being said, as my train started to approach the station, with the Alps surrounding a rolling, chalet-lade hillside, I knew I was in for something special.</p>
<p>My destination was Gstaad, a small upscale resort village in the German-speaking region of the canton of Bern. It’s a major destination for skiers during winter but, as I would soon find out, also has plenty to offer those visiting in summer.</p>
<p>Gstaad is a chance to experience the very best of the Swiss countryside, and whether you’re hiking, biking, golfing or visiting the spectacular Glacier 3000, you’ll find no shortage of things to do. With a motto “Come Up, Slow Down”, all it takes is a few breaths of mountain air to forget about the stress of day-to-day life.</p>
<p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40745/gstaad-palace-in-text_500x333.jpg" alt="Gstaad -Palace -In -text"/></p>
<p><em>Gstaad Palace. Image credit: Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus</em></p>
<p>We stayed at Gstaad Palace, a historic 5-star hotel that’s hosted many famous guests including Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Roger Moore and Michael Jackson, the last of whom famously offered to purchase the hotel (he was politely declined). Even in comparison to other 5-star hotels the palace really feels a cut above, with attentive staff, luxurious lodgings and the surrounding mountain view creating a superior experience.</p>
<p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40749/walig-hut_500x333.jpg" alt="Walig -hut"/></p>
<p><em>Walig Hut. Image credit: Sheila Moser </em></p>
<p>If you’re after something a little more rustic, enquire at the front desk about the Walig Hut. This authentic Swiss cabin was first built in 1786, and has only been slightly renovated since. We dined here our first evening, and it has a very charming, dairy farmer-esque vibe. A night in a mountain cabin might seem inferior to a 5-star hotel, but the Walig Hut is cosy, comfortable and gives you a chance to really appreciate the scale and beauty of the Alps. </p>
<p>Our next day began with a blissful horse carriage ride through the neighbouring village of Saanen, before we were whisked away by chairlift to enjoy a lunch at Wasserngrat, which at an altitude of 1,920 metres is the highest mountain restaurant in the region. Spectacular panoramic views were accompanied by a performance from a trio featured in the Montreux Jazz Festival.</p>
<p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40750/wasserngrat_500x333.jpg" alt="Wasserngrat"/></p>
<p><em>Wasserngrat. Image credit: Ben Squires</em></p>
<p>Gstaad Palace’s head chef Franz Fäh put together a five-course menu which showcased some of the best local cuisine and was accompanied by a range of delicious regional wine. Switzerland might not have the same reputation as other countries for its wine but that’s not because it’s not as good. The Swiss just like to keep it for themselves, rather than exporting it (which after you’ve had a glass or two seems completely understandable). </p>
<p>If you’re visiting early in July make sure you catch a game of the Gstaad Major beach volleyball tournament. A beach volleyball tournament in the middle of the mountains might seem like an odd prospect but it’s a major event on the competitive calendar and a favourite among spectators and competitors alike. Gstaad is also home to the Swiss Open tennis tournament in late July, where the sand is replaced by a clay court to create an event that undeniably has one of the most spectacular backdrops on the ATP World Tour.</p>
<p>We were sad to say goodbye on our last day, but not before the highlight of our visit - breakfast in the mountains with Hélène and Ruedi Wehren, two Swiss dairy farmers. Hélène put on an incredible spread, while Ruedi explained his cheese-making process, which combines traditional principles with a few more modern methods to create a product that really is top of the line. We were lucky enough to sample some (that he’d obviously prepared earlier) and there really isn’t anything like it. You’ll be left considering how you’ll be able to cope with the Swiss cheese on offer at your local supermarket.</p>
<p><img width="400" height="600" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40751/dairy-farmer.jpg" alt="Dairy -Farmer"/></p>
<p><em>Ruedi hard at work. Image credit: Sheila Moser </em></p>
<p>Gstaad will always be a destination that’s most popular in winter. The population typically triples in December months with visitors looking to experience the idyllic Christmas scenery. But even if you happen to find yourself visiting in summer you’ll find plenty to like about this Swiss village, which really is like something out of a fairytale.</p>
<p><em>Hero Image credit: Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus</em></p>
<p><em>*The writer travelled courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.</em></p>
<p><em>Visit <strong><a href="http://www.myswitzerland.com/" target="_blank">www.myswitzerland.com</a></strong> for more information about Switzerland.</em></p>
<p><em>And visit <strong><a href="http://www.myswtizerland.com/rail" target="_blank">www.myswtizerland.com/rail</a></strong> for the Swiss Travel Pass which allows holders unlimited access to all Swiss public transportation including buses, boats and trains, up to 50% off mountain railways and cableways and free access to more than 500 museums around the country.</em></p>
