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Discover one of the famous places that attracts regular visitors as well as celebrities and movie stars from all over the world. You'll succumb to its charm too
When the Almighty reached forth to create Saanenland, He rested His hand against the ground. The imprint of His palm marks the sites of the villages of Saanen and Gstaad. The curve of His little finger brought forth Kalberhöni, the ring finger carved the valley of Gsteig, the middle finger framed Lauenen and the forefinger Turbachtal. The thumb, it is said, polished the smooth floor of Schönried and Saanenmöser. So says an ancient legend. The first inhabitants of the region were the Ligurnians, the Gauls and the Burgundians. The tribes of the Allemans started moving in during the 8th century AD, their language soon to became common in the region. In 1448, Count Franz von Greyerz offered his subjects the purchase of water-rights and other privileges for the estimated modern sum of about 10 million Swiss francs. From this moment onwards, the people of Saanen became a partially independent community with rights of free trade. In 1555, the last Count of Greyerz became bankrupt and the people of Saanen fell under control of the Bernese. The people of Saanen resisted bitterly, but could not prevent either the advent of religious reformation from Berne, or the extinction of their political community in 1604.
The Flourishing Commerce of the Alps
For many centuries, agriculture was the only industry of note in the Saanenland. The cow herds of the area were well known as far back as the 15th century. Some of the herds remain today, with 7000 cows grazing the meadows and about 90 cheese-makers producing the rare and delicate Saanen Hobelkäse (which has recently been protected by the AOC-Label). Many experts disdain modern methods and still produce their cheese following the old ways, before an open fire. During the summer months, it is possible to watch the cheese-masters at work and learn about their art.
The 17th and 18th centuries saw the advent of a new architectural style placing particular importance on aesthetics. Carved and painted decorations are still much beloved by the building-masters of Saanenland. Another landmark of the region is the large chalets. Seeking to continue the tradition into the 21st century, the local laws decree that any new housing must conform to the old chalet style. The old crafts also survive; the alpenhorn-makers of Gstaad, for example, continue to practice their traditional methods.
400 Years of Tourism
The first inn in Saanenland was opened centuries ago, in 1577, in Saanen itself. Among the first tourists were those seeking the restoration of their health in the mountains. The ice was truly broken by the English, who discovered Switzerland as a country of tourism and popularised the sport of skiing. At present, 90 percent of the population is directly or indirectly employed in the tourism industry. 69 mountain railways, 250 kilometres of ski slopes, 2.700 beds in 47 hotels, 10.500 beds in over 3.000 chalets and holiday apartments, 25 mountain restaurants, various bars and restaurants, galleries, shops, concerts, sports tournaments – in this environment, both time and space can really be appreciated. The peculiar beauty of mountain life here is anything but a facade.
www.gstaad.ch
Gstaad Saanenland is located in the Southwest of Switzerland, right on the border of the French-speaking area. The region can be easily reached by train or by car from the Thunersee (Lake of Thun) area or from the Lake Geneva area and also from the region of Gruyere. Direct connections to the European fast trains and to all the International airports of Switzerland guarantee you a time-saving and comfortable journey no matter where you are traveling from.
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