Alpine flora and fauna in Saanenland and Pays d’Enhaut

High above the valley floor, the Alps burst into colour. The region around Saanenland and the Pays d’Enhaut is not only a paradise for hikers, but a living, breathing open-air museum of Alpine biodiversity. From sweeping mountain paths to roadside flowerbeds, nature is inviting us to take a closer look.

One of the most accessible and rewarding ways to discover this flora-rich world is on the Blumenweg. This circular botanical path begins at the top of the Horneggli chairlift, located above Schönried. This familyfriendly hike winds through lush Alpine meadows, where over 150 species of wildflowers flourish in the summer, each identified by small wooden signs. What appears at first to be an untouched landscape is actually a delicate, centuries-old balance between traditional alpine farming and nature’s own rhythms.

For a slightly longer adventure, the hike from Wispile to the lake of Lauenen offers not only panoramic views and rolling pastures but also the chance to observe wildlife, such as marmots, chamois, or even golden eagles, if you’re lucky. Along the way, the changing vegetation zones, from grazing slopes to larch forests, reveal just how many micro-ecosystems thrive in these mountains.

Those looking for a deeper understanding and guidance can join a guided hike with a botanical expert, organised by the local tourism office.

These walks blend folklore, geology, and ecological insights, and it shows us that every flower has a story, and that the mountains are best understood one step at a time.

Yet, you don’t need to hike far to appreciate the region’s natural richness. In the heart of Saanen, just below the Gemeindehaus, a once-scorched roadside patch has been transformed into a colourful flowerbed. This simple gesture, echoing the meadows above, shows how even the most neglected spaces can blossom, with a little care and imagination.

For those who want to sharpen their eye and deepen their knowledge of Alpine flora, two highly recommended guides by Jean-Denis Godet are available at Müller Medien in Gstaad:
– Einheimische und eingewanderte Wiesenpflanzen offers a clear introduction to native and introduced meadow plants, ideal for anyone interested in understanding what grows beneath their feet.

–Alpenpflanzen nach Farben bestimmen helps readers identify Alpine plants by colour, an intuitive and enjoyable way to connect names to blooms while out on the trail.

These books make excellent companions for mountain walks or simply if you would like to admire the diversity that thrives all around us.

JEANETTE WICHMANN