In der Ruhe der Natur – or not quite …

The tourist board’s old winter slogan – Id Ruhe vor Natur (meaning into the stillness of nature) – has stuck with me. It captures something essential about life here: the sense that nature isn’t just a backdrop, but a force that steadies us, calms us, draws us in.

And yet, summer in Gstaad begins with anything but stillness. For me, it kicked off with the rhythm of drumming feet and cheers from the beach volleyball court – the signal that the season had officially begun. From there, it’s full throttle: world-class tennis, music, Brocante, polo,  vintage rallies, art exhibitions, and aperitifs that stretch long past sunset. Some come here for that – the pace, the ­programme, the buzz. Others seek solitude in alpine silence. Most of us are drawn by a bit of both.

Our profile interview this month is with Margherita de Pahlen, a painter who lives quietly at Rougemont Castle and has a deep reverence for the stillness and splendour of the landscape around her. She speaks of silence as something protective. Of birdsong, and colour, and the mountains that glow red at dawn and dusk.

I know what she means. My own favourite hike winds up past the Sanetsch “waterfalls”. The climb is steep, but at the top – on the open pasture – there’s that same sense of awe she describes. It’s not loud, but it’s powerful. Nature doesn’t shout here. It never has to.

Wherever this summer takes you, into the crowd or off the path, I hope you’ll find a moment of stillness, too.

Warmly,
Jeanette Wichmann
Chief Editor

P.S.
Nature may be quiet, but some summer footpaths are not. With so many people (and paws) out exploring, let’s try to share the trails gracefully. Cyclists, a cheerful ring of the bell would be much appreciated – it gives us time to leash our dogs and avoid accidental flying lessons. Thanks in advance from all two- and four-legged hikers!