1 Via Alpina
1 Via Alpina

Hiking

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Via Alpina

Stage 17, Gstaad–L'Etivaz

Route report
64 photos

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Via Alpina

Panoramic high-level path past Berghaus Eggli and the Wilde Bode limestone karren area to the language border at Col de Jable. Many traditional alp huts with large shingle roofs and cheesemaking in copper cauldrons high above Etivaz.
After the ascent to hinders Eggli, we leave Saanen-Gstaad behind and follow the delightful path across the Muttehubel to Wilde Bode. The trails become ever narrower on the constant climb through meadows and pastures. Behind us stands the Gummfluh, 2,458 metres high and the emblem of the Saanenland region. Before us lies the Col de Jable, the cantonal and language border.

Once across the cantonal border, hikers enjoy a far-reaching view from Les Diablerets to the last peak of the Via Alpina, the Rochers de Naye outside Montreux. The two regions used to be connected, as can still be seen from Saanen’s municipal coat of arms: a crane, the heraldic animal of the Count of Gruyère. It was only in 1554 that Saanen was surrendered to Bern by the bankrupt county.

Following the Torneresse stream through the valley, we leave the meadows behind and enter the shady forest. The subsequent descent ends in L’Etivaz, the cheese capital of the Pays d’Enhaut. In 2000, the hard cheese known as L’Etivaz, produced in about 130 mountain huts, was the first Swiss cheese to be awarded the Protected Designation of Origin (AOC) label.
Panoramic high-level path past Berghaus Eggli and the Wilde Bode limestone karren area to the language border at Col de Jable. Many traditional alp huts with large shingle roofs and cheesemaking in copper cauldrons high above Etivaz.
After the ascent to hinders Eggli, we leave Saanen-Gstaad behind and follow the delightful path across the Muttehubel to Wilde Bode. The trails become ever narrower on the constant climb through meadows and pastures. Behind us stands the Gummfluh, 2,458 metres high and the emblem of the Saanenland region. Before us lies the Col de Jable, the cantonal and language border.

Once across the cantonal border, hikers enjoy a far-reaching view from Les Diablerets to the last peak of the Via Alpina, the Rochers de Naye outside Montreux. The two regions used to be connected, as can still be seen from Saanen’s municipal coat of arms: a crane, the heraldic animal of the Count of Gruyère. It was only in 1554 that Saanen was surrendered to Bern by the bankrupt county.

Following the Torneresse stream through the valley, we leave the meadows behind and enter the shady forest. The subsequent descent ends in L’Etivaz, the cheese capital of the Pays d’Enhaut. In 2000, the hard cheese known as L’Etivaz, produced in about 130 mountain huts, was the first Swiss cheese to be awarded the Protected Designation of Origin (AOC) label.
16 km
1250 m | 1200 m
6 h 25 min
medium (mountain hiking trail) | difficult

Arrival | return travel

Arrival / return travel Gstaad
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Guides
There is a guide available for this route.
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Arrival | return travel

Arrival / return travel L'Etivaz, Maison de L'Etivaz
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Via Alpina hiking pass
With the Via Alpina hiking passbook, you collect 38 stamps with memories to cherish. The stamp stations are located at each stage start and finish. More information about the hiking passbook.
Overview map of all stamp stations

Contact

Gestione della segnaletica
Signposting is managed by the cantonal hiking trail organisation on behalf of the communities.
Schweizer Wanderwege
Monbijoustrasse 61
3000 Bern 23

Services

Accommodation

Sporthotel Victoria
Sporthotel Victoria
Gstaad
B&B SportGenussNatur
B&B SportGenussNatur
Gstaad
BnB Steimandli
BnB Steimandli
Gstaad
Posthotel Rössli
Posthotel Rössli
Gstaad
Hotel Arc-en-ciel
Hotel Arc-en-ciel
Gstaad
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Bookable offers

1 Via Alpina: Vaud
1 Via Alpina: Vaud
1 Via Alpina: Vaduz - Montreux
1 Via Alpina: Vaduz - Montreux
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Places

Gstaad
Gstaad
L'Etivaz
L'Etivaz
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Places of interest

Pumppark Saanen
Pumppark Saanen
Petting zoo and playground at Foundation Alpenruhe in Saanen, Switzerland
Petting zoo and playground at Foundation Alpenruhe in Saanen, Switzerland
Natural Reserve of la Pierreuse
Natural Reserve of la Pierreuse
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Signalization

Signalization
For hiking, follow the logo indicated on the yellow signposts. Take a printout of our web map on your hike for safety's sake.
Signalization