Alpine living

Experience alpine traditions first hand!

Despite of its wealth of tourist facilities, the holiday region Gstaad has retained its alpine authenticity. There are 340 farms, 80 working alpine pastures and just under 11 000 cows. Alpine traditions are lived and breathed and local produce as well as craftsmanship are very popular. Animal husbandry, milk and meat production characterise alpine agriculture. The local farmers are delighted with the interest shown in their work, which makes a significant contribution to the preservation of unspoilt nature.

A large plate is covered with cheese rolls. — A plate full of rolled Hobelcheese

Alpine and regional products

Our region is known for its premium-quality regional specialities. We don't mean just cheese and meat products, but also traditional crafts such as toboggan-building or the art of paper cutting. You will find regional products in many businesses, and hear interesting details about their origin or production.

Traditional crafts

Traditional craftsmanship in the holiday region Gstaad is very complex and has mostly grown historically. The most obvious of these is our regulated building method. But skills are also passed on from generation to generation in other areas, thus promoting regional traditions.

The front of an old chalet is visible. There are coloured inscriptions and ornaments in different colours. On the balcony railing are white, purple and pink flowers. — painted front of a chalet

Several Simmental cows walk through the Gstaad promenade. They are all adorned with a high flower decoration on their heads - yellow sunflowers and pink gladioli. The sun is shining. — Alpine procession in the village

Local festivals

In the holiday region Gstaad, farmers celebrate various traditional village and alpine festivals in summer and autumn. These are regarded as the epitome of authentic alpine life and offer guests a special experience to gain an insight into traditional alpine life. «These are highlights that make the mountain summer experience in the destination unforgettable».

Cheese, glorious cheese

The journey from milk to cheese begins with the cows in the green meadows and ends in the mysterious cellars of the dairies or farmers. Immerse yourself together in the world of cheese and be enchanted by the stories behind every bite, passed down from generation to generation. Cheese enriches the lives of the valley's inhabitants and hopefully also the lives of every guest.

A large, half-full cheese vat is still hanging in the foreground. In the background, the dairymaid is pressing the cheese mass in the cloth into a cheese mould. — Cheese presses

The museum is an old Saanenhaus. The ground floor is white brick, the next two floors are built with old wood. The windows are small and have — Museum from the outside evening

Museums & exhibitions

There are many stories from the past to discover in the holiday region Gstaad. How did people live in earlier times and what tools did they use? Or who was Sir Yehudi Menuhin and how did he influence the holiday region Gstaad and the whole world with his music? When were the first paper cuttings made? All the answers and more can be found in the region's museums.

A man and a woman in traditional costume standing together, with wine glasses in their hands. In the background are cows with flower wreaths on their heads. — Daniel und Ursula, Alp Turnels, Turbach

Ursula Michel, Farmer, Gstaad and Alp Turnels

Alpine life is physically very tough. But working in the peace of the alp and in harmony with nature gives me a lot of strength back. Producing such a unique product - our alp cheese, which later matures into Hobel cheese - is pure satisfaction for me.

Advance sales season tickets

Weekly-tip: Your vacation inspiration!

Free transport!