Gstaad in the Off Season

On the bus ride to Gstaad from Les Diablerets, I met an Indian couple who were traveling in Switzerland. They told me about the popularity of Gstaad in India thanks to blockbuster Bollywood movies which feature this renowned ski resort. I was just passing through Gstaad and had no idea about its attractions other than its ski slopes but it wasn’t winter yet so the town was quiet, so quiet even the Louis Vuitton shop was closed.

Grey skies and light rain threatened to drive me indoors and miss out on this winter playground of the rich and famous. But I had an umbrella so I walked up and down the Promenade to see a little bit of the town that will come alive when the skiing season begins. Swiss chalets with window boxes brimming with colorful flowers line the street all the way to the river where frigid waters burble across town to steal its tranquility and wake up sleeping beauty. As I continued strolling, I found sculptures blending with its backdrop like the two musicians in the photo above. I liked these artistic touches and thought how classy Gstaad is.

There wasn’t much shopping to be done when most of the boutiques were shut. I was actually famished after an early morning trip to Les Diablerets which was unfortunately closed. It was nice to find Charly’s where I had some fish and chips for lunch. On the way back to the train station, I picked up a couple of treats at Early Beck Boulanger Confiseur on the Promenade.

One of several chic boutiques that line the Promenade of Gstaad is Louis Vuitton. Where else can you shop for a designer tote inside a chalet?

St. Nicklaus Kapelle on the Promenade was constructed in the 15th century and restored in 1926. It is now under the protection of the federal government. St. Nicklaus is a Reformed church.

More visual music in the streets of Gstaad. The Flute Player and the Eavesdropper.

Toby Heller’s Kiss is a permanent fixture on the art-filled Promenade.

How to get to Gstaad by train:
Gstaad is approximately 2h 40min by train from Geneva and 1h 30min from Montreux. The local bus passes through beautiful country all the way to Les Diablerets. The train and bus stations in Gstaad are a block away from the Promenade.

Where to eat:
Charly’s Coffee Shop and Tea Room
Promenade 76
They serve hot and cold dishes and a good selection of pastries and confectionery.
charlys-gstaad.ch

Early Beck Boulanger Confiseur
Promenade 70
The bakery in the center of town.
earlybeck.ch

*****

Images by TravelswithCharie

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