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Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Gstaad is a captivating destination renowned for its breathtaking landscape and traditional charming village. Situated in the Saanen Valley, this picturesque village offers a serene escape surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery.
Visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities, including skiing on pristine slopes in winter or hiking through scenic trails from spring until autumn. Gstaad Promenade is lined with high-end shops such as Louis Vuitton, Loro Piana, Prada, and Moncler.
While Gstaad has a lot to offer, in this article, we’ll highlight other towns nearby that are worth a visit. If you’re already in the area, you might want to look at a few nice towns around Gstaad.
In this article, we will discuss 10 beautiful towns you can visit near Gstaad, Switzerland.
1. Gruyères
Gruyères is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful towns, located in the canton of Fribourg. In addition to being known for cheese with the same name, it also has a castle and a well-preserved medieval center. It’s a romantic town to visit near Gstaad.
There’s Gruyères Castle, which is now also a museum. You can also find the HR Giger Museum at St-Germain Castle. You should also check out the houses at Rue du Bourg 7, 39, and 47 and the barn at Grange du Laviau. Beyond the town, you can also drop by the Gruyères Cheese Factory, Moléson Mountain, or the reservoir Lake of Gruyère.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Gruyères |
| * Entire medieval town center of Gruyères * The town fortifications * Gruyères Castle * Saint-Germain Castle * Gruyères Cheese Factory * Lake of Gruyère |
If you would like to read more about Gruyères, you can check out our article Gruyères, Switzerland: A Romantic Little Town.
How do you get from Gstaad to Gruyères?
Take the GoldenPass train from Gstaad to Montbovon. In Montbovon, transfer to the connecting train to Gruyères. The journey from Gstaad to Gruyères takes between 58 minutes and 1 hour and 22 minutes in total.
2. Spiez
For those who love nature and the outdoors, Spiez is the perfect destination. This peaceful town is situated on southern the banks of Lake Thun, in a small protected bay, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains of Niesen and Niederhorn. With its beautiful landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, it is the perfect place to unwind and simply spend some peaceful time by the lake.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the Spiez Promenade and soak in the breathtaking views of Lake Thun. Embark on a scenic boat cruise to fully immerse yourself in the serenity of the lake. For history enthusiasts, a visit to Spiez Castle is a must, where you can uncover the secrets of its medieval past.
Furthermore, you can also explore the Alpine viticulture in Spiez by visiting the local vineyards, indulging in wine tastings, and even purchasing some bottles to take home as souvenirs. For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike to Faulensee provides an opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the region.
In addition to the above, Spiez offers vibrant events, swimming opportunities, child-friendly adventures, and the chance to explore the magnificent Niesen Mountain. There are also more fantastic attractions near Spiez for those who want to further expand their exploration of the area.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Spiez |
| * Cruise on Lake Thun * Spiez Castle * Alpine Viticulture (Vineyards, Museum) * Spiez Promenade |
If you would like to read more about Spiez, you can check out our article 10 Best Things to Do in Spiez, Switzerland.
How do you get from Gstaad to Spiez?
To get from Gstaad to Spiez, you can take the GoldenPass Express which leaves at 11:02 AM from Platform 1. Alternatively, you can travel from Gstaad to Zweisimmen, and change to the connecting train from Zweisimmen to Spiez. The total travel time from Gstaad to Spiez is 1 hour 22 minutes.
3. Montreux
Montreux is a charming town on the northeastern shores of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Known for its mild climate, gorgeous views, and Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux has a lot to offer. With the GoldenPass train, you can easily get from Gstaad to Montreux and back.
A stretch of eight kilometers runs from Clarens, through Chillon Castle, and up to Villeneuve. Together with Vevey-Montreux, it has an estimated population of 85,000. Atop the Rochers-de-Naye mountain, you can enjoy amazing views of Montreux, the lake, as well as the Swiss Alps.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Montreux |
| * Chillon Castle * Queen Studio Experience * Montreux Promenade * Rochers-de-Naye |
If you would like to read more about Montreux, check out our articles:
How do you get from Gstaad to Montreux?
There is one direct GoldenPass train per hour that goes from Gstaad to Montreux. The total travel time from Gstaad to Montreux with the GoldenPass train is 1 hour and 35 minutes.
4. Vevey
Vevey is a picturesque town situated on the northern shores of Lake Geneva, only five minutes away from its famous neighbor Montreux. It has a spectacular Alpine panorama, a mild climate, vineyards, numerous excursion destinations in the region, and a fleet of paddlewheel steamers on the lake. Stunning hotels and a promenade lined with palm trees and flowers welcome visitors. There’s also a giant fork stuck in the lake for people who want something cool to see.
It has the world headquarters of Nestlé, an international food and beverage company founded in 1867. From 1952 to 1977, Charlie Chaplin lived in Vevey.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Vevey |
| * Alimentarium * Chaplin’s World * Mont-Pèlerin * Fork of Vevey * Musée Jenisch (Museum of Fine Arts and Prints) * Vevey Photography Museum * Swiss Museum of Games * Vevey History Museum * Eastern Orthodox Church * Swiss Reformed Church of Saint-Martin * City Hall * Place du Marché * Saint-Jean Tower and Fountain |
If you would like to learn more about Vevey, check out our articles:
How do you get from Gstaad to Vevey?
To get from Gstaad to Vevey, you can take the GoldenPass train that leaves Gstaad for Montreux. There is typically one GoldenPass train per hour. Vevey is a short 5-minute train or 30-minute bus ride away from Montreux.
5. Aigle
The Swiss town of Aigle is located in the canton of Vaud right within the Rhone Valley. This beautiful town has a castle, vineyards, and beautiful scenery. Aigle is a great place to come if you’re looking for a beautiful, yet relaxing town near Gstaad.
Explore the beauty of Aigle Castle, a Swiss gem. Château d’Aigle features a Vine and Wine Museum surrounded by vineyards. In the old days, it was home to prominent people like the Barons of Aigle and the Lords of Compa. These days, you can visit the wine museum at your leisure.
The Church of Saint-Maurice, De la Dîme House, as well as the entire town of Aigle, are all listed under the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Aigle |
| * Château d’Aigle * Vineyards of Aigle * Church of Saint-Maurice * De la Dîme House |
How do you get from Gstaad to Aigle?
There are several ways to get from Gstaad to Aigle, but the easiest way would be to get the bus from Gstaad to Les Diablerets. In Les Diablerets, take the regional train to Aigle. The total travel time from Gstaad to Aigle via Les Diablerets is 1 hour and 52 minutes.
Alternatively, you could also take the GoldenPass train from Gstaad to Montreux. Aigle is a short train ride away from Montreux. This route will take between 1 hour and 37 minutes to 2 hours, depending on which train connection you decide to go with.
6. Interlaken
Interlaken, Switzerland is an incredibly popular tourist hub in the Bernese Oberland. In Interlaken, you will find walking trails along the River Aare, many souvenir shops, a Japanese garden, and the local mountain Harder Kulm for spectacular views. A red funicular takes you from Interlaken to Harder Kulm in 10 minutes, with one departure every half hour.
As one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist spots, Interlaken is also a hot spot for outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is also conveniently located between two beautiful lakes – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
For those who are into fun adventures, below are some of the most popular outdoor activities in Interlaken:
- Tandem Paragliding (GetYourGuide): Experience pure serenity as you float weightlessly alongside an experienced pilot and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Jungfrau region from the sky.
- Adventure Park (GetYourGuide): Conquer 9 thrilling rope courses and zip lines soaring up to 23 meters above the ground, with the assurance of a comprehensive safety briefing and top-notch safety gear.
- Kayak Tour of Lake Brienz (GetYourGuide): Paddle through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Brienz with the guidance of an experienced coach, as you soak in the stunning views, including the picturesque Rinngenberg Castle. You may also book this activity in winter (GetYourGuide).
- Canyoning (GetYourGuide): Dive into the ultimate adrenaline rush with a canyoning expedition in Chli Schilere, featuring challenging rappelling, high jumps, fast slides, and an unforgettable adventure in one of the region’s top canyons.
- Scenic Jetboat Ride (GetYourGuide): Experience an exhilarating 45 to 50-minute jetboat ride on Lake Brienz near Interlaken, culminating at Giessbach Falls.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Interlaken |
| * Harder Kulm * Höhenweg * Interlaken-Harder Alpine Game Park * Lake Thun * Lake Brienz |
If you would like to learn more about Interlaken, check out our article Interlaken: 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit.
How do you get from Gstaad to Interlaken?
The most convenient way to get from Gstaad to Interlaken is to take the GoldenPass Express train that will bring you directly there. However, this train typically runs only twice a day. In that case, you may also take the train from Gstaad to Interlaken via Zweisimmen and Spiez.
Depending on which train you take, the travel time between both places is approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes to 2 hours and 3 minutes.
7. Romont
This hilltop town of Romont, first mentioned in 1177 as Rotundo Monte, has a lot of historic sites. It is located in the canton of Fribourg The pretty town of Romont is two hours away from Gstaad by train.
The town itself is also included in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. It’s also in this area that you’ll find Romont Castle, which Peter II of Savoy probably used during the 13th century. The castle itself also has an elegant courtyard.
The Stained Glass Museum of Switzerland is right at Romont Castle. It has medieval glass art and reverse glass art. Romont has the biggest collection of reverse glass paintings in the world. In addition to fortifications, there’s a collegiate church.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Romont |
| * Abbaye de la Fille-Dieu – Cistercian Monastery * Romont Castle * Swiss Stained Glass Museum – in Romont Castle * Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption * Town fortifications |
If you would like to learn more about some of Switzerland’s best medieval places like Romont, check out our article 10 Beautiful Medieval Towns in Switzerland.
How do you get from Gstaad to Romont FR?
From Gstaad, take the train to Montbovon. In Montbovon, change to the connecting train to Bulle. In Bulle, you can take the regional train to Romont FR. It will take you around 2 hours to get from Gstaad to Romont by train.
8. Martigny
Situated at the base of the magnificent Swiss Alps in Canton Valais, near the borders of Italy and France, lies the charming town of Martigny. This strategic location grants easy access to Aosta, Italy, by way of the Great St. Bernard Pass, as well as to Chamonix, France, via the col de la Forclaz.
Once a prominent part of the Roman Empire, Martigny boasts remnants of its rich history, including a meticulously restored Roman Amphitheater. Beyond this historical gem, visitors can explore the town’s small captivating historic center, marvel at the grandeur of La Bâtiaz Castle, and immerse themselves in the cultural offerings of the renowned Fondation Pierre Gianadda.
For those with a fondness for our four-legged friends, a visit to the Barryland Museum (Musée et Chiens du Saint-Bernard) is a must, providing a delightful experience dedicated to the world of dogs.
With its scenic surroundings, historical landmarks, and diverse attractions, Martigny offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers in Gstaad who want to discover other things.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Martigny |
| * Martigny-Ville * Martigny-Bourg * Roman Amphitheater * Barryland * Fondation Gianadda |
How do you get from Gstaad to Martigny?
From Gstaad, take the train to Montreux. In Montreux, change to the connecting train to Martigny. It will take you around 2 hours and 10 minutes to 2 hours and 34 minutes to get from Gstaad to Martigny by train.
9. Morges
There’s a town called Morges on Lake Geneva, opposite Mont Blanc. In the Middle Ages, it served as a seasonal Savoy court residence and bailiff’s seat.
Markets are twice a week on the pedestrianized Grand-Rue in the heart of the old town. It also has an impressive castle, Morges Castle, with multiple museums. They also have a big Tulip Festival in April and May.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Morges |
| * Morges Castle and Military Museum of Vaud * Tulip Festival in April and May * Grand-Rue, and the buildings at Grand-Rue 54 and Grand-Rue 94 * Temple * The City Hall |
How do you get from Gstaad to Morges?
From Gstaad, take the train to Montreux. In Montreux, change to the connecting train to Morges. It will take you around 2 hours and 4 minutes to 2 hours and 23 minutes to get from Gstaad to Morges by train.
10. Brig
Brig is a charming town located in the Swiss Alps known for its picturesque landscapes, historic buildings, and access to nearby ski resorts. The historic town of Brig lies in the Upper Valais region of Switzerland. Brig, also officially known as Blig-Glis, is located in the Rhone Valley, 691 meters above sea level.
The most famous attraction in Brig is the Stockalper Palace. The Brigerbad Thermal Baths, the largest open-air thermal baths in the Alps, are perfect for those who love to soak and relax.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Brig |
| * Brig’s Old Town * Stockalper Palace * Brigerbad Thermal Baths * World Nature Forum, Naters |
If you would like to learn more about Brig, check out our article Brig, Switzerland: Where It Is and What You Need to Know.
How do you get from Gstaad to Brig?
To get from Gstaad to Brig, you have to take the train to Zweisimmen. In Zweisimmen, change to the connecting train to Spiez. In Spiez, change to the connecting train to Brig. You can get from Zweisimmen to Brig between 2 hours and 9 minutes to 2 hours and 16 minutes, depending on which train connection you take.
Final Thoughts: Best Towns Near Gstaad
When considering beautiful towns to visit from Gstaad, it’s important to note that most of them are located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away. This is primarily due to Gstaad’s somewhat remote location, which makes it less centrally positioned compared to larger towns in Switzerland.
These towns boast their unique charms, ranging from Spiez’s idyllic lakeside setting to Montreux’s renowned jazz festival. Vevey, with its captivating lakeside promenade, also offers a delightful ambiance, while Gruyères showcases its medieval architecture and the famous cheese-making tradition. Martigny, with its Roman heritage and cultural attractions, is a compelling destination, and Interlaken, nestled between two stunning lakes, serves as a gateway to the majestic Swiss Alps.
The list provided above is not exhaustive, as it excludes notable cities such as Lausanne and Bern. However, it offers a diverse selection of picturesque towns worth exploring. Choosing a favorite among them can be a challenging task, given the abundance of beautiful options.
Near Gstaad, three convenient and beautiful towns to visit are Spiez, Montreux, and Gruyères: Spiez charms with its lakeside location and medieval castle. Montreux captivates with stunning views of Lake Geneva and nearby Chillon Castle, and Gruyères entices with its medieval streets, Gruyères Castle, and world-famous cheese.
So although Gstaad may not be as centrally located as other larger towns in Switzerland, it still provides an excellent starting point to explore a selection of captivating towns within a reasonable travel distance. Each town offers a unique experience to explore the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Switzerland.
Related Posts
- Gruyères, Switzerland: A Romantic Little Town
- 10 Best Things to Do in Spiez, Switzerland
- How to Spend 1 Day in Montreux, Switzerland
- How to Spend 1 Day in Vevey, Switzerland
- Interlaken: 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit
- Brig, Switzerland: Where It Is and What You Need to Know
- Morges Tulip Festival: Where to See Tulips in Switzerland
Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.