The summer season at Gstaad Palace will get underway on 22 June 2025. A captivating blend of alpine ease, nostalgic cuisine and novel moments of indulgence awaits guests. Be it the 10th edition of the Palace rally across winding mountain passes or tranquil moments in the original Walig alpine hut, lasting memories are sure to be made. History is also being written behind the scenes: an investment of around CHF 6.5 million in 2025 will ensure that the venerable establishment continues to marry contemporary flair with historical charm in the future.
Never stop moving forward – that is the Gstaad Palace’s motto, and it has been for 112 years. Summer 2025 will herald the ‘Palace (r)evolution’, with a significant influx of investment being used to thoughtfully build upon the hotel’s rich heritage. Guests can look forward to a variety of enhancements, including updates to certain rooms, brand-new furniture and two fully refurbished saunas. The most eye-catching modernisation can likely be seen at the hotel’s entrance. The cobblestones have been replaced for the first time in 35 years, giving the entrance an elegant and stylish aesthetic. Some of the staff accommodation has also undergone refurbishment, enhancing comfort and well-being in the workplace.
A new look for Le Grand Restaurant
The Gstaad Palace is opening its fully renovated Grand Restaurant just in time for the summer season. Here, timeless elegance blends seamlessly with a modern ambience and an international flair. Le Grand Restaurant is also poised to unveil a fresh F&B concept for the 2025/2026 winter season. ‘As a hotel steeped in tradition, we strive to uphold our time-honoured values while moving with the times. In order to successfully manage this balancing act, we’re putting approximately CHF 6.5 million towards enhancing our offerings this year,’ explains Andrea Scherz, General Manager and owner of Gstaad Palace. ‘This will enable us to keep offering our guests exceptional experiences and contemporary comfort for years to come,’ Scherz adds.
Memories that linger well beyond the summer
Summer at the Gstaad Palace is all about indulgence, relaxed luxury and authentic interactions – be it in the great outdoors or during engaging discussions with friendly members of the Palace family. An overnight stay in the Walig alpine hut promises a truly unforgettable experience. Perched above Feutersoey and overlooking the Saanenland, this unique retreat was built in 1783. It has been carefully renovated and rented by the Palace for the past 13 years. A night in this alpine hut promises unparalleled tranquillity amid unspoilt nature, with the added charm of fondue over an open fire and a proper alpine breakfast.
The Open Air Palace Brunch is just as indulgent, with every Sunday bringing a delightful toast and an array of dishes – among them local specialities – on La Grande Terrasse. What’s more, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Wispile, Oldenhorn and surrounding peaks. The culinary delights keep coming in the Palace Garden as the sun sets, as ‘La Tavola Italiana’ is back for another round this summer with Italian specialities designed for sharing.
Anniversary edition: 10 years of the Gstaad Palace Challenge
Typically held at the end of August, the Gstaad Palace Challenge is celebrating its 10th edition this year. From 28 to 31 August 2025, fans of classic sports cars will have the opportunity to race head-to-head once again. Launched by none other than hotelier Andrea Scherz, the rally has firmly cemented its status as an iconic event in Gstaad and much further afield. To mark the anniversary, the Challenge will break with tradition by starting in Beaune, France, rather than Switzerland, and it will last one day longer than usual. Rally and classic car expert Kim Bannister has been designing the route alongside his team at the English company Regularity since 2018. Racers make their way along picturesque country roads, stopping off at the Chopard jewellery manufactory in Fleurier, before traversing awe-inspiring Alpine landscapes and finally crossing the finish line in the Oberbort area of Gstaad. The culinary offerings do not disappoint, either – be it exquisite coffee breaks, delicious lunches or fine digestifs paired with quality cigars after dinner. ‘It’s no coincidence that this event is dubbed the rally for ambitious “bon vivants”, a label that also applies to myself,’ Andrea Scherz adds with a wink.
An overview of special summer events in 2025:
The luxurious five-star superior Gstaad Palace hotel, which opened its doors for the first time in 1913, is owned by the third generation of the Scherz family and is therefore one of Europe’s last family-run hotels where VIPs experience a first-class culture of hospitality. The 90 rooms and suites at the seasonal hotel with its exceptional panorama over the Bernese Oberland skilfully combine contemporary glamour with alpine cosiness. Gstaad’s landmark serves Swiss, Italian and international specialities and gourmet cuisine awarded with 16 Gault Millau points in its five restaurants. The hotel’s own GreenGo nightclub is famous for its legendary parties and illustrious clientele. Guests’ senses are pampered in the 1,800 square metre Palace Spa. «PISCINE», the outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool, and four tennis courts are available in summer. With the Walig Hut, an alpine hut dating back to 1783 at 1700 metres above sea level, Gstaad Palace has a unique refuge where guests can experience the real luxury of the Saanenland, the peace, tranquility, and authenticity up close. The Scherz family will be welcoming guests in the summer between 22 June and 4 September 2025 and in the winter between 15 December 2025 and 8 March 2026.
