As I am writing this the noise from the icefield and tennis area should be entering my office.

At this time of year, the beach volleyball tournament should be in full swing. People in flip-flops and with flags to cheer on their team should be milling about in the Promenade.

By the time you pick this issue up, the tennis should be in preparation or already underway. Strings should have been plucked and bowed at the first concerts of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival.

Gstaad is a whole new experience this summer; a quieter version. The region's other assets are moving into starker focus, its mountains, hiking trails, lakes, and forests. The beautiful outdoors had been no secret before. However, with a lack of other offers people naturally spend more time in nature.

This poses new problems, to which we need to adapt. We have come to realise that the natural world also has a limited capacity, like a concert venue or a sports arena. But there is no ticketing system. So, why not leave the beaten tracks, discover new places or get your nature fix before the rush hour.

This will, incidentally, ensure that enough time remains for a nice meal out and some shopping.

Best regards,

Markus Iseli,
Publishing Director