Trails of Gruyères and Gstaad
- Leisurely walking in an authentic, picture-perfect corner of Switzerland
- Experience medieval Gruyères, traditional Rougemont and stylish Gstaad
- Varied walks; Alpine lakes, peaceful meadows, riverside and panoramic paths
- Indulge in local Gruyère and Etivaz cheese and learn how it’s made
- Stay in comfortable 3* hotels and enjoy friendly Swiss hospitality
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in GruyèresGruyères is an easily accessible town in the French-speaking Pays d’Enhaut region of Switzerland. It can be easily reached from Geneva airport by train in about 2 hours.
A well-preserved medieval town, made famous due its cheese production of the same name, Gruyères is a true delight. Popular with day-trippers, spending a little more time here and exploring the area on foot is a great way to get to know a place that most people visit only fleetingly.
Wander the cobbled streets, taking in the views of the surrounding Alpine foothills, and visit the castle or church, both architectural gems. Gruyères also has a small but eclectic collection of museums, a H.R Giger museum (a Swiss artist whose work was heavily used in the Alien films) and a Tibet museum. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner, unsurprisingly, most dishes are based on cheese! Delicious!
Well situated in the medieval section of Gruyères, this rustic and comfortable hotel is traditionally furnished yet has all the modern facilities needed for a pleasant stay.
Well situated in the medieval section of Gruyères, this basic but impeccably clean and comfortable hotel is traditionally furnished and has a wonderful on-site restaurant.
Today’s loop walk takes you from Gruyères to Moléson-sur-Gruyères Alpine Cheese Dairy. Starting and finishing at La Maison du Gruyères, you will have ample opportunity to learn about the art of traditional cheese making.
Follow paths through Gruyère’s lush green pastures, passing herds of Swiss cows and traditional alpine chalets with shingle roofs. Arriving at Moléson-sur-Gruyères, if you are early enough, watch cheese being made as it was in the 17th century (demonstrations at 10am), over a wood fire in a typical Alpine hut. If you don’t make it in time for the demonstration, you can still visit the hut and have lunch there if you have worked up an appetite! Head back to Gruyères on foot, or catch a bus if you prefer.
Ascent/descent:Â 560m/560m
Well situated in the medieval section of Gruyères, this rustic and comfortable hotel is traditionally furnished yet has all the modern facilities needed for a pleasant stay.
Well situated in the medieval section of Gruyères, this basic but impeccably clean and comfortable hotel is traditionally furnished and has a wonderful on-site restaurant.
After a relaxing breakfast, take a peaceful flat path alongside the Sarine (Sanne in German) river, to the neighbouring town of Broc- home to the famous Cailler Chocolate Factory. Chocolate is an important part of Switzerland’s culinary heritage, and a visit to the museum is ideal for those interested to learn more about how it is produced. Linger in the tasting room, enjoy a rich hot chocolate in the café and stock up on some presents from the factory shop.
If you prefer to save your appetite for later, or the factory is too busy (it’s a popular place!), walk to the beautiful Gorges de la Jonge, which is located just behind the factory.
Take a train to Rossinière or Château-dŒx (depending on how far you would like to walk), from where you will follow an easy riverside path to Rougemont, your base for the next two nights. A traditional Swiss village, this quiet town is really chocolate-box perfect and is a great contrast to both Gruyères and Gstaad which are bigger and busier.
Walk 1: Gruyères to Broc: 6km, Ascent/Descent: 40m/160mÂ
Walk 2: Rossinière to Rougemont: 13km, Ascent/Descent: 215m/130Â
This family-run hotel offers traditional Alpine-style rooms with views to the flower-filled streets of Rougemont, or of the mountains. The relaxed friendly atmosphere, along with the brilliant home-made food really makes this hotel stand out.
Conveniently located next to Rougemont train station, the friendly and helpful team are always on hand to help with any questions you might have about the local area.
A friendly welcome awaits at this cosy and intimate 4* hotel. Designed in comfy Alpine style, relax in your spacious room, the lounge, library or even the cinema room!
Today’s walk crosses the ‘Roestigraben’ (roesti-ditch), the name given to the cultural and linguistic border that separates French and German-speaking Switzerland. Passing from the canton of Vaud to that of Bern, follow country roads out of Rougemont past wooden chalets and farmland, to reach the town of Saanen. Dropdown through the village, another impressive example of well-preserved traditional architecture, to reach the Saane (Sarine) river once again. Follow the river the rest of the way until you reach Gstaad, your stop for the next three nights.
Gstaad is perhaps best known as a ski resort for the rich and famous, but there is much more to it than that! The Gstaad region is home to the most Swiss cows than any other region in Switzerland, a fact which hints at its traditional roots, something that the inhabitants are rightly proud of and works hard to preserve. It is also a vibrant summer destination with many exciting events taking place, such as volleyball tournaments and music festivals, as well as being a hiker’s paradise!
Ascent/Descent:Â 265m/215m
Dating back to the 19th Century, the Posthotel Roessli is the oldest hotel in Gstaad and they have certainly perfected the art of hospitality over this time! Situated in the pedestrianised centre, the hotel is a firm favourite with visitors.
Superbly located in the centre of Gstaad, you’re never far from the action. Fabienne and the team and waiting to offer you a warm welcome to this charming 3* hotel which has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, as well as clean and comfortable rooms.
This charming 4* Chalet-style hotel located in the centre of Gstaad. Decorated in typical wooden-alpine style, rooms are comfortable and spacious.
Fill up at the breakfast buffet for a day on the trails high up around Gstaad. Take a bus to Col du Pillon at 1,546m. Ascend to Lac Retaud at 1,685m (and back into French-speaking Switzerland!). Continue to ascend to Col de Voré (1,918m), the entrance to the Tschärzis valley and the highest point of today’s walk. Descend gently to Arnensee, a picturesque lake, complete with a shore-side restaurant for a refreshment. Or take a picnic to enjoy on the banks. The wildflowers here are particularly beautiful (in full bloom in July). Continue to the village of Feuterseoy where you can catch a bus back to Gstaad.
Ascent/Descent:Â 420m/830m
Dating back to the 19th Century, the Posthotel Roessli is the oldest hotel in Gstaad and they have certainly perfected the art of hospitality over this time! Situated in the pedestrianised centre, the hotel is a firm favourite with visitors.
Superbly located in the centre of Gstaad, you’re never far from the action. Fabienne and the team and waiting to offer you a warm welcome to this charming 3* hotel which has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, as well as clean and comfortable rooms.
Located just a 10 minute walk from the pedestrianised centre of Gstaad, this is the perfect place from which to explore the town while being away from the hustle and bustle.
Take the cable car to Wispile at 1907m to start today’s walk. From here, follow the ridgeline and take in fabulous views over the entire Saanenland region. Descend steeply to the Chirnepass (1659m). The path undulates, before a steady descent to serene Lauenensee, also a nature reserve. Enjoy a break on one of the many benches-perfect for a picnic– before starting the descent to Lauenen village where you can take the bus back to Gstaad.
Should you decide to take a break from the trails. There are plenty of other options to keep you busy in Gstaad. Take the bus and cable car to Glacier 3000, where on a clear day you will have views to 24 summits over 4000m high such as Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn. Enjoy a taste of the high-life by going for a dip in the luxurious Gstaad-Palace hotel’s outdoor pool. The 50m pool is open to the public and is a great place to unwind.
 Ascent/Descent:  115m/650m
Dating back to the 19th Century, the Posthotel Roessli is the oldest hotel in Gstaad and they have certainly perfected the art of hospitality over this time! Situated in the pedestrianised centre, the hotel is a firm favourite with visitors.
Superbly located in the centre of Gstaad, you’re never far from the action. Fabienne and the team and waiting to offer you a warm welcome to this charming 3* hotel which has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, as well as clean and comfortable rooms.
Located just a 10 minute walk from the pedestrianised centre of Gstaad, this is the perfect place from which to explore the town while being away from the hustle and bustle.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your onward travel arrangements.Â
This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at a bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This tour is ideal for those looking for an easy-going walking tour in a beautiful, often overlooked, part of Switzerland. The abundance of locally-made cheese and chocolate means it’s also perfect for foodies. The walks are graded easy-moderate and paths are well maintained. The itinerary makes use of the fantastic local public transport to get to the start and from the end of many walks. Stay in friendly, comfortable 3* hotels, all of which extend a warm welcome to hikers.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This tour is graded as easy to moderate as there are some walks which can be considered easy with minimal ascent/descent (riverside walking to Broc and Rougemont) and other walks which involve quite a bit of ascent, which we would consider moderate. The paths are all well maintained and there are no technical sections involved. You should be comfortable using cable cars and be in good shape to get the most out of this tour. Â
Stay 6 nights in high-quality, friendly 3* hotels. Some examples of accommodations we typically use are listed below. These accommodations are subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.
Why not treat yourself to an upgraded hotel in Rougemont and/or Gstaad? Upgrades are to 4* hotels and an example of the upgraded accommodation can be found below.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers and a supplement is payable as some of the costs are not shared. Single rooms are available should some of your party wish to have their own room and again, a single supplement is payable.Â
Meals
6 continental breakfasts are included. This is usually in buffet form and there are many filling breakfast items available which are perfect for hikers; e.g. boiled eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread and muesli.Lunch is not included and can be picked up at local supermarkets, ‘Backerei/Boulangerie’ or restaurants along the way. Dinners are not included, leaving you free to choose from the various options each day. There are restaurant choices at each overnight location, and most hotels will also have an on-site restaurant.
Food in Switzerland is hearty and traditional, with cheese being one of the dominant ingredients, particularly in this area! Fondue and raclette are popular and a must try. Roesti is another classic which is a bed of grated then fried potato, with various toppings like cheese, bacon or fried eggs.
If you have a sweet tooth, prepare to be in chocolate heaven! The Swiss love their chocolate and proudly claim theirs to be the best in the world. Milk-chocolate is undoubtedly the favourite and there is a dazzling array available in just about every supermarket. A popular dessert in the canton of Bern is meringue served with Gruyère double cream and fruit. The ultimate treat! Â
Walking trails are generally very well signposted in Switzerland and together with our route notes, maps and the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS, you will have no problems finding the way.
- Bag transfer between accommodations
- Route notes, maps, info pack, GPX tracks and access to our GPS smartphone app
- 24/7 telephone support from our UK office.
- 6 nights in 3* hotels
- 6 Breakfasts
- Flights and travel to Gruyères and from Gstaad
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Public transport
- Entry to museums, Cheese Dairies, Cailler Chocolate Factory etc.
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Any items not specifically mentioned in the program
- Additional nights during the holiday.
This walk is available to start on any day of the week from June to the end of September. For the 2018 season only, it will be available from the end of July to the end of September.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers and a solo traveller supplement is payable. Single rooms are on request and again a supplement is payable.
Fly into Geneva, Zurich or Bern airports and then travel by train to Gruyères (2.5, 2.5 or 2 hours). The centre of Gruyères is about a ten minute uphill walk from the train station. So we recommend taking a local bus from the train station. This takes just a couple of minutes. Unfortunately there is no taxi rank at Gruyères train station.
Travel by train from Gstaad to Geneva (3 hours), Bern (2.5 hours) or Zurich (3.5 hours) airports. You can also reach any other Swiss destination by train, and other European destinations should you wish to continue your travels!Train and bus information can be found at the excellent journey planner: www.sbb.chÂ
Public Transport
Public transport is used on many of the walks in this itinerary. Swiss public transport really runs like clockwork. You shouldn’t be put off if a journey through Switzerland has a few connections, this is common due to the topography of the country, and it always runs very smoothly. Some of the rural services don’t run as often as some of the busier services, so you should always check bus/train/cable car times before setting off for a walk, so you can plan and time well to avoid any long waits. The Swiss railway website is excellent for planning and up to date information regarding travelling in Switzerland: www.sbb.ch (info available in English)
Gstaad Card
You can purchase a Gstaad card from the tourist office and some accommodations in Gruyères, Rougemont and Gstaad. This costs 19 CHF per person per day and covers free entry on most of the train, bus and cable car lines in the area. It also offers free entry to local pools, museums and village tours. It is very good value for money considering a one way journey on the Vidamenette (needed for day 4’s walk) costs 32CHF. You can find out more info about the Gstaad Card here.
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised so that we can secure the best accommodation options for you.
This tour is graded as easy to moderate as there are some walks which can be considered easy with minimal ascent/descent (riverside walking to Broc and Rougemont) and other walks which involve quite a bit of ascent, which we would consider moderate. The paths are all well maintained and there are no technical sections involved. You should be comfortable using cable cars and be in good shape to get the most out of this tour. Â
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
You can use public transport or a local taxi to continue to your next overnight stop. Your accommodations will be able to help with arrangements, or we are able to assist you from our UK office.Â
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