The Family-Friendly Side of Gstaad, Switzerland

Love the idea of a glamorous vacation in Switzerland, but not sure if the destination is the right fit for your family? A serious contender is Gstaad, known primarily as a ski paradise for the jet set crowd, but which also offers a surprisingly varied menu of kid-friendly activities.

Although the area literally offers more outdoor playgrounds than we can list here, the entire region is Mother Nature’s playground, with well-marked, easy to challenging hikes, depending on the ages and fitness levels of your brood; campfire sites equipped with all you need for a barbeque or s’mores evening; and mountain lakes for swimming and fishing. Want to immerse the kids further into Swiss culture? How about sleeping on hay bales in a mountain hut or learning to make cheese?

Or test your mettle at the Zweisimmen high-rope park, where you can see the sights from the top of some tall Obersimmental trees. Kids under 12 are welcome with certain height restrictions and when accompanied by an adult, although there is a special section for younger children.

Old city center of Gstaad town, famous ski resort in canton Bern, Switzerland. Photo: Eva Bocek | Dreamstime.com

It might surprise you to know Gstaad also offers climbing and mountaineering for novices and children, although, of course, some of the courses are designed for advanced experts. An especially panoramic hike with easy terrain for families is the one from Horneggli to Rinderberg, for example, which works for everyone from children to grandparents. Hop on a chairlift from Schonried to the village of Horneggli, and follow the well-marked path that wends uphill on gentle terrain. The payoff is the view of the Alps main ridge, followed by an easy descent to the the Rinderberg mountain restaurant, complete with its own playground. Go the rest of the way down by gondola or scooter to the village of Zweisimmen.

Kids with a need for speed can tackle The Alpine Coaster on the Glacier 3000, billed as the world’s highest toboggan run. One of the region’s top attractions, the run zips close to a sheer drop, adding to the thrills. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

You can also go paragliding in tandem with experts at a number of locations, some accessible by cable car.

Horseback riding, including lessons and trail rides, are available at the Gstaad Equestrian Centre, where you can also take horse-drawn carriage and sleigh rides.

Looking for something completely laid-back? How about a hot air balloon ride over the mountains and valleys of the region, available at a number of outfitters in the region.