On the sun terrace of the Saanenland lies Schönried in the Bernese Oberland. The community is one of ten chalet villages that form the Gstaad Saanenland network. Well-marked hiking trails, 105 km of ski slopes, and 18 km of cross-country ski trails open up the mountain region and make Schönried a popular holiday destination in both summer and winter.
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Within minutes, you can reach Horneggli from Schönried with the mountain railway. At the mountain station, a rustic hut invites you to recharge your energy. Here, an easy mountain tour begins, leading to the 2,079-meter-high Rinderberg. In winter, Horneggli, together with Rinderberg and Saanerslochgrat, forms the largest contiguous ski area in the Gstaad region. Look forward to 105 kilometers of slopes in various difficulty levels, two snow parks, and a ski cross track.
Originally, there was a gondola lift in Schönried that took tourists to the Rellerli. Today, the panoramic mountain can be climbed on foot. One should take some time for this and start a trip in the morning. Dreamlike views over the Alps are guaranteed. The slopes of the Rellerli-Alp delight in the warm season with blooming alpine meadows and are best reached on hikes from Schönried. In winter, snowshoe tours are possible. In the past, there was also a small ski area here.
Located at an altitude of 1,230 meters, Schönried enjoys many hours of sunshine, perfect for hiking one of the surrounding high-altitude trails like the one to Horneggli or admiring the original chalet architecture in the village center. A village square is dedicated to Schönried's alpine skiing world champion and Olympic winner Mike von Grünigen. In the cold season, Schönried offers access to part of the Gstaad/Saanenland ski region with 105 kilometers of slopes of all difficulty levels via the Horneggli cable car. With 18 km of well-groomed cross-country ski trails, the Swiss chalet village is a popular winter sports destination.
From Bern or Montreux, you can reach Saanenmöser in about one and a half hours with the Montreux-Oberland Railway. In summer, the area is a popular hiking region. Hike through the forest from Saanenmöser to Schönried and downhill to Gstaad. In winter, the Saanerslochgrat/Hornberg ski area attracts with 120 kilometers of slopes. In Saanenmöser, several cross-country ski trails and winter hiking paths also start. In the neighboring holiday region around Gstaad, a varied range of leisure activities awaits you, including dog sledding, snow golf, and ice climbing.
At Glacier 3000, you can enjoy the snowy mountain world and ski all year round. The ski area includes legendary slopes like the Red Run and the Combe d'Audon, as well as the fun park for freestylers. The Peak Walk is also breathtaking. This suspension bridge is the only one in the world that connects two mountain peaks: the Viewpoint and the main peak Sex Rouge. Enjoy the panoramic view over the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, as well as the trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Car-free Gstaad is the most original of the Swiss luxury ski resorts. The Eggli-Saanen ski area, with Gstaad's local mountain Eggli, is directly connected to Gstaad. With its 58 kilometers of slopes and eight ski lifts, Eggli is a manageable ski paradise. Gstaad is famous, among other things, for its classical music festivals and the many enchanting hiking routes that lead to neighboring communities such as Schönried or Saanenmöser. Additionally, a trip to Greyerz Castle, which is just under an hour's drive away, is worthwhile.
The Arnensee is idyllically nestled in the Bernese Oberland near Gstaad and Schönried. It was formed by damming the Tschärzisbach. The shores of the lake are densely lined with trees, some of which even extend into the water. Hike on the forest nature trail, rent a pedal boat, or fish for lake trout and rainbow trout.
The Gsteig Church, located between Wilderswil and Gsteigwiler, is an impressive example of medieval architecture. The current building dates from the 12th century, while the oldest parts of the foundation probably date from the 8th century. The Gsteig Church is not only a historical building but also a central part of village life in Gsteig.
The 2,285 m high Rüeblihorn is located in the western Bernese Alps and rises above the municipality of Rougemont. The mountain's name is not at all due to the Swiss "Rüebli" ("carrot"). It is derived from a patois word for stream. From La Videmanette, a via ferrata leads to the summit.
The picturesque Lauenensee is located in Lauenen between Schönried, Gstaad, and Wildhorn in the Bernese Oberland. In 1983, it was sung about by the Swiss rock band Span and has since become a cult destination. From the Hotel Alpenland in Lauenen, a 9 km circular hiking trail leads over a hamlet to the lake.
Unpack your suitcases and, after a short rest, dive straight into your first adventure in Schönried amidst the alpine mountain world. The Horneggli is the local mountain of Schönried and can be reached by cable car directly in the village center. Easy hiking trails with magnificent panoramic views lead around the summit. They are perfect for a sporty exploration of the surroundings on the first day, and also as a winter hike in the cooler season. For those who like action, continue hiking in the summer to the nearby Hornbergsee. At this small alpine lake at around 1,800 meters altitude, wakeboarding is offered as a special feature. Try it out yourself or watch the water sports during a walk along the lake or a very relaxed picnic from the shore. The refreshing lake is also a popular stopover for mountain bikers on a sporty route from Schönried for a break.
On the second day, the sporting activities continue around Schönried. The holiday resort is located in the Gstaad ski area. It boasts 200 kilometers of slopes, most of which are suitable for beginners. This makes Schönried the perfect destination for a winter sports holiday for beginners on snowboards and skis or for family winter sports fun. Often, there is enough snow well into spring for fast descents, sledding with the children, and leisurely snow hikes in the clear and cold mountain air. In summer, you can set off from Schönried on varied pleasure hikes, family hikes, and sporty tours. A simple hiking trail leads down through the green alpine meadows to the neighboring Gstaad. The cozy town, with its numerous restaurants and cafes, is perfect for a stopover before you head back to Schönried, freshly invigorated, with a slight incline. Beforehand, a worthwhile detour to the medieval St. Nicholas Chapel in Gstaad is recommended.
The third day is dedicated to excursions with the whole family. In summer, Lake Lauenensee at over 1,300 meters altitude is one of the most beautiful destinations for a relaxing day by the water. Take a 45-minute walk around the lake, surrounded by forests and alpine meadows. Jump into the refreshing water or have a picnic with an impressive mountain view. In the cooler season or on bad weather days, Olga's Cow Barn at the Rinderberg mountain station is an entertaining destination for families. This indoor playground is all about alpine agriculture. Children learn how milking works and try their hand at playing alpine tunes on cowbells. Speaking of sounds: the Saani Sound Experience trail leads 4 km from Saanen to Gstaad, directly adjacent to Schönried. Experience both classical music and animal sounds, natural sounds, and regional folk music at 18 experience stations.