Saanen(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Saanen, the top family-friendly hotel is Hotel Alpenhof, a cozy, family-run inn nestled in the heart of the village. It offers spacious rooms with mountain views, children’s play areas, and free ski equipment rental during winter. Located just a 5-minute walk from Saanen Church and the local craft market, it’s ideal for exploring the alpine charm. The hotel also arranges guided hikes to Lake Brieg and cultural tours to the historic Saanen Old Path, perfect for introducing kids to Swiss mountain traditions. With warm wood interiors and on-site dining serving regional dishes like Bergkäse Rösti, it delivers comfort and authenticity in one package.

The Saanen town center is the prime location for accommodations. It’s within walking distance of Saanen Train Station, the Church of St. Matthias, and local shops and restaurants. Stay near Sonnegg Square or along Bahnhofstrasse for easy access to attractions and scenic views of the Bernese Alps. Hotels like Hotel Sonne offer quiet, peaceful surroundings with panoramic windows overlooking the Rothorn Mountain. This district is perfect year-round—ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter—making it the epicenter of authentic Alpine life.

For breathtaking mountain sunrises, book a stay at Alpina Hotel Zermatt-Saanen, located high above the valley with unobstructed eastern views. Wake up early to witness the first golden rays illuminating the snow-capped peaks of Jungfrau and Rothorn. The hotel provides private guided sunrise hikes or cable car trips to Saanenmöser, where you can capture the moment as sunlight breaks through the clouds. Rooms feature fireplaces and hot tubs, ensuring a luxurious start to your day. This is the ultimate spot for nature lovers seeking serenity and stunning visuals.

Saanen offers unforgettable cultural experiences such as the annual Alpabzug (Cattle Drive Festival) held in summer, where herders parade their cows through the village in traditional costumes, playing folk flutes. Participate in a cheese-making workshop at a local farm to learn how to craft Saanen Cheese, made from milk of alpine cows grazing on wild herbs. Enjoy a traditional Bergkäse Suppe (Alpine Cheese Soup) paired with dark rye bread in a historic farmhouse restaurant. These immersive activities highlight Saanen’s deep-rooted pastoral heritage and community spirit.

Winter in Saanen is perfect for skiing enthusiasts. Head to Saanenmöser Ski Area, which features groomed slopes for all levels and modern lifts. Many hotels, like Hotel Bernese Alps, offer free ski rentals and professional lessons. For adventure seekers, try snowshoeing through the forest trails leading to the Aare Glacier Path, or enjoy a thrilling sleigh ride down mountain slopes. In the evenings, warm up with a cup of Rumgrot (Swiss Rum Punch) at a rustic mountain lodge. The town transforms into a magical winter wonderland with festive lights and cozy fireside gatherings.

Yes! The Saanenboden Stream Valley, a lesser-known tributary of Lauterbrunnen, offers dreamy morning fog reflections on still water, framed by snowy peaks and old wooden huts. Another gem is the ruins of Schwarzenberg Pasture, where moss-covered stones and ivy-clad walls create a hauntingly beautiful scene. Visit early morning (before 8 AM) to avoid crowds and capture soft natural light. Some hotels, like Hotel Alpenblick, provide exclusive photography tours with expert guides who know the best angles and timing for capturing Saanen’s alpine magic.

Must-try dishes in Saanen include Saanen Käsefondue—a rich, creamy cheese fondue made with locally produced alpine cheese; Bergkäse Rösti, a crispy potato pancake topped with melted cheese; and Hirschkulm, a slow-cooked venison stew with red wine and rosemary. Enjoy these meals at Restaurant Alpenstube or Gasthaus Zürcher Hof, both housed in century-old timber buildings. The emphasis is on "farm-to-table" freshness, using ingredients from nearby pastures. Each dish tells a story of mountain life and culinary tradition.

Top photo locations in Saanen include the colorful mural outside Saanen Train Station, depicting alpine legends; the rose garden in front of St. Matthias Church, especially vibrant in spring and summer; and the ancient oak tree on Sonnegg Square, whose canopy forms a natural archway. Don’t miss the glass-roof terrace at Hotel Alpenhof, offering 360-degree panoramic shots of the valley and distant glaciers. Capture golden hour light for dramatic silhouettes and misty mornings for ethereal scenes. These spots blend natural beauty with cultural character.

Yes, Saanen has excellent transportation links. The Saanen Train Station connects directly to Zurich, Bern, and Interlaken via SBB Railways, with a journey time of about 1 hour. Free electric shuttle buses run throughout the village, linking major hotels and attractions. We recommend the Swiss Travel Pass, which grants unlimited travel on trains, buses, and cable cars, plus discounts at museums and scenic sites. For trips to Aare Glacier or Jungfrau, transfer at Brig Station via the Bernese Oberland Railway—offering stunning alpine views en route.

The ideal time to visit Saanen is between May and October, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are fully accessible. Summer (July–August) hosts lively festivals like the Alpabzug and open-air concerts, while autumn (September–October) brings stunning foliage and crisp mountain air—perfect for photography. Winter (December–March) offers excellent skiing but may bring snow closures and limited access. For a balanced experience combining nature, culture, and comfort, visit in June to September, when the alpine paths are open, events are vibrant, and crowds are manageable.