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

In Saanen, the top boutique stay is Hotel Alpenblick, renowned for its alpine views and traditional Swiss timber architecture. Each room features handcrafted wood interiors and underfloor heating, offering warmth during winter stays. The hotel provides complimentary bicycles to explore nearby hiking trails and hosts seasonal events like Alpine cheese tastings. Located just steps from the Saanen Church and Market Square, it blends rustic charm with modern comfort, making it ideal for travelers seeking authentic Bernese Oberland experiences.

The town center of Saanen offers the most convenient base for visitors. It’s within walking distance of key attractions like St. John’s Church and the Old Market Square, and well-connected by public transit to Interlaken and Brig. This area hosts family-run guesthouses and small luxury hotels that reflect genuine Swiss alpine culture. Morning views of the Rhône Valley mist and evening access to local festivals such as the Alpabzug herding parade enhance the immersive experience, perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

Don’t miss the annual Alpabzug (Alpine Cattle Drive) festival, where hundreds of cows descend from high pastures into town, led by herders in traditional costumes and accompanied by ringing bells. Visitors can enjoy free viewing and sample fresh mountain milk and handmade cheeses at the village market. Local workshops also offer hands-on activities like carving wooden figurines or learning Swiss watchmaking techniques, providing deep insight into regional craftsmanship and heritage.

Saanen shines in winter with excellent skiing and sleigh rides at the Saanen Ski Resort. With slopes for all skill levels, the resort offers rental gear and private lessons. Every month, a new ice sculpture exhibition appears in the town square, inviting guests to participate in creative installations. At night, visit the mountain viewing platform to enjoy hot mulled wine and almond cake while gazing at starlit skies above the Jungfrau Massif.

Absolutely. Saanen features child-friendly attractions including family-safe hiking trails, a mini farm experience, and a snow sled playground. Many hotels provide crib services and kids’ menus, while some even host snow treasure hunts and gingerbread house workshops. The town distributes a family-friendly trail map highlighting safe routes and kid-approved stops, ensuring a stress-free and joyful vacation for all ages.

Saanen’s cuisine centers on high-altitude dairy products, especially Saanenberger Käse—a hard cheese made from local mountain cow’s milk, featuring nutty notes and a subtle tang. Pair it with rye bread and wild mushroom stew for a true taste of the Alps. Don’t miss Berggasthof Zürich, a century-old eatery serving Swiss chocolate pot roast and honey wine. Weekly farmers' markets offer organic honey and lavender jam, perfect for sampling and taking home as souvenirs.

Saanen is well-connected via Swiss rail networks, with easy transfers from Bern Train Station to Interlaken and Lausanne. The town offers free electric shuttle buses covering major sights and accommodations, bookable via smartphone app. Numerous bike rental stations allow easy exploration of the Rhône Valley Trail. For drivers, the multi-level smart parking garage in the city center supports contactless payment and real-time availability updates, ensuring hassle-free arrivals.

The clock tower in front of Saanen Town Hall is a must-photograph landmark, with its colorful roof and copper weather vane shining in sunlight. The Gothic spire and stained glass windows of St. John’s Church create dramatic visuals, especially at golden hour. In autumn, the maple-lined forest path becomes a golden wonderland with panoramic views of the Eiger Mountain. The waterfall overlook offers dynamic shots of the Rhône River in motion—bring a tripod for stunning long-exposure images.

While Saanen lacks natural hot springs, Alpina Spa & Wellness Center stands out as the premier retreat. Nestled atop a hill, it features an outdoor heated pool and volcanic rock hydrotherapy tubs, enhanced with alpine herbal oils. Daily appointments are limited to 10 guests, ensuring privacy. Additional offerings include forest meditation sessions and glacier breathing exercises, helping guests relax and reconnect with nature in a serene alpine setting.

The prime season runs from June to September, when the weather is mild and ideal for hiking and mountain biking. During this period, alpine wildflowers like edelweiss and gentians bloom across the slopes. The Alpabzug festival in mid-July draws crowds. Winter months (December to March) are perfect for skiing, with excellent snow quality and well-maintained pistes. Avoid peak holidays for quieter visits and better service.