One and a half hours from Lausanne, and suddenly you're canoeing on a crystal clear lake, tasting fresh mountain cheese, hiking through wildflower meadows, and sipping cocktails on a rooftop with views for days. Here's your two-day guide to doing summer right in Gstaad.
Here’s how to do it right:
Day 1 in Gstaad: Lake, views, and some canoeing
1. Start with lake views + lunch at Arnensee
Turquoise waters, mountain peaks, and major picnic potential. Book a table at Huus am Arnensee (or pack your own spread if lounging lakeside is more your vibe). PS: you need to pay 7.- to get access by car to this magic or you can do a little hike up to deserve your lunch and pause!
2. Paddle into the afternoon
Post-lunch, hop in a canoe with Alpinzentrum for a serene float with Glacier 3000 as your backdrop. Want to keep it chill? Rent a pedalo or SUP and glide at your own pace.
3. Check in to chic at The Mansard
Head into Gstaad and drop your bags at the stylish new Miiro The Mansard—a boutique stay blending chalet charm with a modern edge.
4. Poolside happy hour at Gstaad Palace
Slip into your swimsuit and swing by the Gstaad Palace pool for golden hour with a side of DJ beats. Easily the coolest way to wind down after a day outdoors.
5. End with rooftop cocktails + a cozy dinner
Back at The Mansard: quick refresh (Le Labo fans, rejoice), then drinks at Gstaad’s only rooftop bar—the views are next level. Wrap up the night with a laid-back dinner in the lobby lounge and a moonrise encore on the roof.
Day 2 in Gstaad: Cheese, views, lakes, and a hike to remember
After a dreamy first day, here’s how to make the most of your second one in the Alps:
1. Start with breakfast + a cable car ride up to an Alpine cheese farm
Set the alarm for 7:00 then fuel up, and catch the first téléphérique from Wispile. Your reward- Dominik Matti’s alpine farm - a hidden gem. We learned how mountain cheese is made—and even salted a few molds ourselves. Utterly wholesome.
2. Continue your way up for lunch with a view
A short hike (or take the telepherique) brings you to the Wispile mountain restaurant. Scenic terrace, hammocks, hearty food (try the Grosse Mutter Salade), and a playground + petting zoo that kids (and kids at heart) will love.
4. Hike it off: Wispile to Lauenensee
From here, it’s about a 10 km hike with a slight 200m ascent to Lauenensee. Yes, it was toasty; but the mountain breeze, shady stretches, and well-placed benches made all the difference and it was much cooler than being in town. Think an abundance of wildflower meadows, sweeping mountain views, and total peace with just the crickets and birds for music and the occasional Grüessech - hello the Bernese way.
5. End with a sweet treat by the lake
You made it! Cool off by Lauenensee, grab a well-deserved dessert, and browse the local alpine products in the kiosk before hopping on the PostBus back to Gstaad (don't forget to check their schedule).
The vibe: mountain magic, mellow luxury, and just enough adventure.
TLG verdict: totally worth the drive.
Want more ideas, including some kid-friendly experiences? Check out our other article here.
This article was written in collaboration with Gstaad Tourism. A huge thank you to the organizations and businesses who support our project and encourage us to share the best places to eat, visit, and play in and around Lausanne. For more ideas and adventures in Gstaad, check out the experiences offered through Gstaad Tourism here.
