Gstaad Palace, also known as The Grand Dame of Switzerland and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World collection, will reopen its doors for the 2025 summer season in two days. Below, we explore what this extraordinary property has in store for its guests for the forthcoming season.
If you’d rather avoid the hustle and bustle associated with the Mediterranean coastlines this summer, the Swiss Alps offer a stunning and refreshing alternative thanks to their renowned mountain air, cooler temperatures and the not-so-small matter of an abundance of breathtaking natural landscapes.
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Saanenland region, the legendary Gstaad Palace – a member of The Leading Hotels of the World collection – is set to reopen its doors for the summer season on Sunday, June 22 2025. This year, guests can look forward to an array of new guest experiences and Alpine adventures for all to enjoy.
For the Nature Lovers: A Night Off-Grid at the Walig Hut
An overnight stay in the hotel’s fairy-tale Walig Hut, a picture-perfect wooden cabin located at 1,700 metres surrounded by panoramic views of the Saanenland, provides the perfect opportunity to disconnect and be present in nature. This authentic alpine hut has been part of the hotel since 1783 and originally housed the farmers when their cows went out to pasture in the summer months. It is one of the few remaining in the region.
The dedicated hut warden will look after everything, including an authentic fondue supper, stirred over the open fire and a hearty breakfast the next morning. The hut has enough space to accommodate two adults and two children. An overnight stay starts from CHF 1,800 (£1,605) for two adults sharing and CHF 200 (£178) per child and includes a three-course dinner and a continental breakfast.
For the Adventure Seekers: Scenic Alpine hikes
A trip to Gstaad isn’t complete without a hike with its 300 km of signposted trails and paths through moorlands, Alpine valleys, and high mountain peaks. The expansive network of hiking routes, ranging from easy to challenging, is connected by lifts and cable cars, ensuring there is a route for everyone to enjoy.
Take a scenic gondola ride from Gsteig up to the awe-inspiring Col du Sanetsch, where you can take a leisurely hike around the glistening Lake Sanetsch, perfect for wild swimming. Cheese lovers can round off the experience with traditional Swiss fondue and local wine at Ta Cave, accompanied by breathtaking views.
For the Petrol Heads: Automotive Experiences
Now in its tenth year, the Gstaad Palace Challenge is a staple of the summer season in Gstaad, taking place from August 29 to 31, 2025. This exclusive vintage car rally will be returning for a glamorous weekend of classic car action.
The two-day programme involves set routes across the scenic surrounds of the Bernese Oberland, cocktail receptions and gourmet dinners where participants can exchange stories. Entries to the challenge are open to just 30 collectable classic sports cars built between 1950 and 1990.
For the Foodies: Gourmet Gstaad
This summer, Gstaad Palace invites guests to indulge in a diverse array of culinary experiences, from Italian cuisine in the Palace Gardens to the Open-Air Palace Brunch:
Le Grand Restaurant Reopens with a Sophisticated New Look: A blend of tradition and modernity, the renewed space celebrates the hotel’s rich heritage while embracing an elegant, international flair.
The redesigned interiors, created by Swiss design studio Fischbach & Aberegg, feature pale green hand-painted walls, antique mirrors, mohair chairs, and Murano chandeliers, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Le Grand Restaurant will also introduce an all-new food and beverage concept for the 2025/2026 winter season.
La Tavola Italiana: Discover the charm of Italian cuisine in a secluded corner of the Palace Garden, where a beautifully set table beneath the trees offers an intimate dining experience. Enjoy a family-style sharing menu while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding gardens and Oldenhorn Mountain.
Open Air Palace Brunch: Every Sunday from July 20 to August 17, guests can enjoy a lavish Sunday brunch served al fresco on La Grand Terrasse, complete with stunning mountain views.
Aperitivo Italiano Con Gildo: Gstaad Palace’s legendary Gildo Bocchini, the hotel’s former Maître d’Hôtel, returns on July 10, where guests can join him for a special aperitif at the Lobby Bar terrace.
For the Families: Fun for the Young Ones
Gstaad Palace welcomes younger visitors with open arms at their Sammy’s Kids Club. Children aged five to twelve can enjoy a fun-packed programme of activities, including pony rides, pizza-making with the Chefs, bouncy castle sessions, kids’ yoga and Mandalas, open-air fairy tales in the enchanting hotel gardens, and a herbal tea medallion workshop.
Another of the summer season highlights will be the tenth Mini Grand Prix, taking place on Sunday, August 3. The Kid’s Grand Prix invites children to compete on the racecourse in pedal-powered cars for their chance to win 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals.
Gstaad Palace will open for the summer season from June 22 2025, to September 4 2025. Room rates start from 893 CHF (approx. £811) in a classic room, including breakfast and a culinary credit.
All images used in this new feature are courtesy of Gstaad Palace.
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