Walking in Gstaad, Switzerland

<p>The elegant 4-star Hotel Steigenberger enjoys a privileged location in the beautiful southern hills of the Bernese Oberland, overlooking the pretty Alpine villages of Gstaad and Saanen. Built in traditional chalet style, it cleverly combines cosy home comforts with Swiss elegance and efficiency – when we ordered morning coffee, and the cream arrived in an edible chocolate jug, we knew we were onto a winner!<br><br> Eating well is an important part of any holiday, and this hotel will not disappoint! Each day starts with a fantastic buffet breakfast, followed by complimentary tea and cakes in the afternoon. In the evening, you can dine at either of the hotel’s two restaurants: the beamed Halte Beiz offers full à la carte dining (at no supplement), while the panoramic Sonnenhalte on the 4th floor offers a 5-course gourmet menu which changes daily. Children enjoy unlimited soft drinks throughout the day.<br><br> During your stay here, you can be as active, or not, as you choose. As well as maps, we will provide you with a fully researched set of independent walking route notes, allowing you to explore the gentle hills, valleys and mountains at your own pace. We also include the 5-day “Easy Access” card allowing you unlimited travel on the local buses, trains and mountain lifts, and there are guided walks from the hotel.<br><br> You will stay in a superior room with panoramic south-facing views, balcony or private terrace. Added luxuries such as CNN television and radio, mini-bar, hairdryer and in-house bathrobes are also provided. Singles are not forgotten either as there is no supplement for sole occupancy of a double room on any date.</p><p><strong>Detailed Itinerary:</strong></p><p><strong>Saturday - Arrive in Gstaad</strong><br>Arrive in Gstaad with time for a swim, enjoy a sauna or relax with a book on your balcony before dinner. <br><br><strong>Sunday - Saanenland Orientation Walk</strong> 12km/7.5mi/3.5hr<br>Today's circular walk affords the most splendid views of Saanen, Gstaad and the Vaudoise Alps. You start directly from the hotel, from there your path winds first down through shady copses and flower-strewn meadows before reaching the elegant promenade at Gstaad. Lunch in one of the many chalet-style restaurants, and then follow the corn-flower blue river to the charming Alpine hamlet of Saanen - fine C15 church with impressive wall paintings in the choir. Then head back past isolated farmsteads in time for complimentary tea and cakes on the hotel's panoramic sun terrace. <br><br><strong>Monday - Lake Launensee </strong>13km/8mi/3.5hr<br>The crystal-clear waters of Lake Launensee lie at the head of the valley, overlooked by the mighty Spitzhorn and snowy crowns of its blue-tinged glaciers. The local Post Bus (no charge) takes you through the Launensee Nature Reserve - look out for marmots, chamois and rare birds of prey - and down to the tranquil shores of the shimmering lake below. Lunch at the lakeside restaurant - lovely views to the mountains ahead - then wind down through a lively kaleidoscope of flower-filled meadows, shrub and lush green Alpine pasture to the beautifully unspoilt resort of Launen. Your final stretch takes you through the peaceful Turbachtal glen and back to the hotel. <br><br><strong>Tuesday - Wispile Ridge Walk</strong> 11km/7mi/3hr or 14km/9mi/4hr<br>Today begins with a free gondola ride to gain the crest of the Wispile (1907m) then a choice of easy ridge walks, each affording magnificent long views north over the corrugated landscape. Your descent is full of contrasts taking in open meadows, attractive chalets and idyllic verdant valleys. <br><strong><br>Wednesday - Gsteig to Gstaad</strong> 11km/7mi/3hr<br>A short ride on the local Post Bus (included) takes you to the charming hamlet of Gsteig where today's walk begins. It's a simply glorious mix: crocuses flush the hillsides with colour, cattle graze in the valleys and the majestic peaks of the Mittaghorn (2334m) and Spitzhorn (2806m) tower above the timber-built chalets bright with geraniums and petunias. Lots of time later this afternoon to relax by the pool, go shopping in Gstaad or to sample the famous Hobelkase cheese - unique to this part of the country, it is usually served as ultra-thin shavings, often as an aperitif, and accompanied by a glass of fruity chilled white wine. <br><br><strong>Thursday - Circular Walk to Rougemont</strong> 12km/7.5mi/3.5hr<br>A truly delightful walk passing farmsteads, bubbling mountain brooks, gently rolling hills and dense forests. Although only a few kms from Gstaad, the picturesque village of Rougemont lies in Frenchspeaking Switzerland, so look out for the menu du jour at lunch! Your return is a lovely high level walk against a scenic mountain backdrop via Underbort and back to Gstaad. <br><br><strong>Friday - The Rellerli Ridge Walk </strong>12km/7.5mi/3.5hr<br>The panoramic Rellerli Ridge walk is simply a must. Accessed via the free gondola, it offers a day of unforgettable views: the classic trio of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks rise from the lush green meadows and stand like sentinels above you as you discover the very best of the Bernese Oberland. <br><br><strong>Saturday - Return home</strong><br><br><strong>Is this trip for you? </strong><br>This is an independent 1 boot, single centre walking holiday (See Headwater’s Boot Rating System). The walks are on well-made and well-maintained paths with good signposting. Chair lifts are used to gain altitude (and views), then it's mostly a descent.<br>This holiday appeals to anyone seeking the comfort of a 4 star hotel, with excellent cuisine and undemanding (but still stunning) walking. The holiday will suitable for vegetarians, couples and families as well as children who like walking. <br><br></p>