Cows grazing in a mountain pasture in summer. ©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Melanie Uhkoetter / ©Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Cows in a mountain pasture in summer

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It may be summer, but that won’t stop cheese lovers from tucking into a fondue – and there’s no better place to savour it than surrounded by Gstaad’s lush green pastures or while riding in a fondue cart. Those curious about the secret behind the delicious Hobelkäse AOP cheese can climb 25 metres down into the cheese grotto and learn how it is stored. Traditional Alpine culture is still fiercely protected in Gstaad, and the locals are proud of their regional products and craftsmanship. Farmers in the region look after the pristine countryside, which is an important part of the powerful aura of this place, so that our guests can recharge their batteries.

An oversized wooden fondue caquelon with a view of the mountain panorama invites you to eat.

Fondue Caquelon XXL amidst mountain scenery

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / ©Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Saanenland - Fondueland

In beautiful Gstaad, also known as Fondueland, there is nothing better than enjoying a delicious fondue surrounded by the picturesque mountain scenery. The cheese made here gets its distinctive flavour from the fresh Alpine air, lush grass and herbs. For an unforgettable experience in good company amid breathtaking panoramic views, we have four giant caquelons and two huts available that can accommodate up to eight people. The retro-look fondue rucksack has all the ingredients you need for this irresistible outdoor experience, and can be pre-ordered from local dairies.

The “Chäsflüsterer” (cheese whisperer) in the cheese grotto

And where does the precious gold of the Alps conceal itself during its ripening process? That would be underground, well-hidden between cool rock faces at 7 degrees Celsius. Gstaad’s cheese grotto stores over 3,000 wheels of maturing cheese and is located in what used to be the municipal water catchment. Visitors are taken down steep wooden stairs, 25 metres underground, to learn interesting facts about Berner Hobelkäse AOP and its origin. If an expert-guided tour with nibbles and drinks is your thing, you can book them all year round at the Molkerei Gstaad dairy. 

Cheese grotto at Molkerei Gstaad dairy with shelves full of cheese in the foreground and tables ready for tastings in the middle.

Cheese grotto with shelves full of cheese

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / ©Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
Two children on the slide, with the Wispile mountain restaurant in the background.

Slide at the playground on Wispile

©  (c) Melanie Uhkoetter / ©Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Alpine authenticity, Alpine tradition, Alpine culture

During the 45-minute cheese trail hike, all walks of life can learn interesting facts about traditional cheese production. The tour starts at the Berghaus Wispile mountain restaurant, which has a large adventure playground and petting zoo, and finishes at the middle station. From here, grab a scooter and whizz down into the valley.

“Olga’s Kuhstall” (cowshed): new experience on Rinderberg mountain – even in bad weather

Saani’s best friend, Olga, is a sweet, kind cow who lives on Rinderberg mountain. Saani, on the other hand, is a cheeky goat from Saaniland who accompanies children during their stay in the region. In Olga’s cowshed, the adventure world at the mountain station on Rinderberg mountain, kids can learn all about cows and cattle. They can milk cows themselves, learn more about how chickens lay eggs with the help of the egg run, and play on the chimes to recreate the sounds of the Alps. 

Woman welcomes small child with open arms outside Olga’s cowshed on the Rinderberg.

Woman with child outside Olga’s cowshed on the Rinderberg

©  (c) Melanie Uhkoetter / ©Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
Cattle drive down from the mountain pastures, also known as the ‘Züglete’, with cows bedecked with flowers against a striking mountain backdrop.

Cattle drive (‘Züglete’), cows only, no people, mountain panorama

©  (c) Nicolas Zürcher / Content Chalet

Gstaad Züglete

The Gstaad Züglete (a cattle drive from the Alpine pastures down into the valley) is an absolute highlight of the region’s annual calendar. This event gives visitors the opportunity to admire the cows and munis (bulls) adorned with their magnificent cowbells and headdresses. Various clubs and activities are on hand to enrich the event – from cowbell clubs and yodelling clubs to cheese sellers and cheese tasting, there is plenty to discover and enjoy. This is an unforgettable experience that gives attendees an insight into the culture and traditions of mountain farmers in the holiday region Gstaad.

Molkerei dairies in the holiday region Gtaad

A small region with an impressive variety of fine cheeses, where the unspoilt countryside, fresh grass and herbs as fodder, and happy cows make all the difference. Cheeses from near and far can be found in the Saanenland dairies, meaning cheese lovers will feel right at home here.

Molkerei Gstaad - Learn more

Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus / Molkerei Gstaad

©  Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus / Molkerei Gstaad
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Molkerei Gstaad
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