Over the summer, the region comes alive. You notice it in the bustle on the Promenade, the mix of languages, and even in the number plates, with cars from all over including the UK, Poland, Monaco, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and of course from Swiss cantons like Zurich and Geneva. ...
Over the summer, the region comes alive. You notice it in the bustle on the Promenade, the mix of languages, and even in the number plates, with cars from all over including the UK, Poland, Monaco, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and of course from Swiss cantons like Zurich and Geneva. With all that variety, I wandered out to ask a simple question: What brings you to the Saanenland this summer?
People had all sorts of things to say. Some came for the mountains, some for the quiet, and others because Gstaad has been part of their family calendar for years. I met families on holiday together, solo travellers enjoying the pace, couples escaping the city and groups of friends catching up. Here’s what they told me, in their own words. by Anna Charles
WHY GSTAAD?
Who: Rob & Theresa, New York, USA
Where we met: Outside Early Beck, Gstaad
Answer:
We live in New York, so coming here each summer is like hitting reset. We hike every morning. Nothing extreme, we just like to get out in the fresh air. It gives us a break from the city. This afternoon we’re going to play backgammon at The Palace then tomorrow we’ll probably go for a drive to Gruyères. A friend told us there’s a café there modelled after the Alien films so that sounds worth a shot.
REGULAR VISITORS OR FIRST-TIMERS?
Who: Geraldine, Terry, Jack & Olivia, UK
Where we met: On the bench outside Valentino, Gstaad
Answer:
We’ve been coming more years than I could count. When the children were younger, we always booked them into a kids’ camp. It gave them structure and gave us a break. Now they’re older, we don’t do the camps anymore, but we still come. A family favourite is the in-out swimming pool at the sports centre and every year we take a picnic to Lauenensee.
WHY THE ROUGEMONT MARKET?
Who: Marc & Sophie, Geneva
Where we met: At the Rougemont market, by the ski club stall
Answer:
It wasn’t intentional, we didn’t know it was on! We live in Geneva and are only down for a last-minute weekend, staying with friends who have a chalet in Château-d’Oex. We checked the weather app and it said sun so decided to come. This market is a bonus. And of course the mountains are just so beautiful. We’ll probably be back for the polo in August and of course in December, too, if there’s snow. It’s such a beautiful drive we like to come a few times a year.
FIRST TIME TO THE REGION?
Who: Elena, Milan
Where we met: On the path walking up to Schönried
Answer: No, I came last year, so this is my second time. I don’t know the area very well. It’s not that far from Milan, but the landscape is so different. Today I’m on foot, but usually I prefer cycling. Tomorrow I’m going to explore the Eggli, tonight I’m at the Rössli for dinner, and I may cycle to Les Diablerets tomorrow. I’m staying in Gsteig, so that doesn’t feel too far, though it is all uphill. Yes, my holidays here are very active!
