Gstaad Wispile • Panorama Hike to Lauenensee Lake

This classic trail from Wispile to Lauenensee hikes along a broad ridge with panorama views of the tall mountains that surround Gstaad. You start with a gondola ride to a fun playground and restaurant with a view. Then ramble over grazing meadows, passing lots of cows and a couple dairy huts.

The hike continues by descending through a forest and wildflower fields to the lake, where you can jump in to cool off. Finally you can grill up lunch at the picnic area or eat the restaurant overlooking the lake. This is a perfect day hike for anyone visiting the Gstaad area.

Location

Gstaad is located in western side of the Bernese Oberland, about a 1hr drive south of Bern. This trail is accessed with the Gstaad-Wispile gondola, which is located a five mins bus ride from the Gstaad village.

Here is the Gstaad summer map, where I’ve marked the important points for the Wispile trail.

Trail map

This trail starts at the top of the Gstaad-Wispile gondola and ends at the Lauenensee lake. You can take a bus back to Gstaad.

See trail map on SchweizMobil • Komoot • AllTrails • OutdoorActive

Trail conditions

The trail is mostly lumpy dirt footpath, some sections on a gravel service road. It’s has some steep sections with switchbacks, but not dangerous. It is not suitable for strollers. The first time we did this trail back in 2008, we took our stroller because we didn’t know any better. We made it but it was quite difficult and we had to carry the stroller over lots of obstacles. Not recommended.

Shorter alternative for kids

If your kids can’t do the distance, you could hike down from Wispile to the middle station, then rent Trotti mountain scooters to ride the rest of the way down the mountain. See Gstaad Wispile website for more info.

How to get there

This is a one way hike starting at the Gstaad Wispile gondola and ending at the Lauenensee bus stop, where you can ride the bus back to Gstaad.

By car

Drive to the Gstaad-Wispile gondola and park in the metered lot next to the gondola station:  Gsteigstrasse 928, 1723 Marly (GPS: 46°27’50.1″N 7°17’05.1″E). In 2021, parking costs CHF 5/day payable in coins. At the end of your hike, you can ride the bus back to Gstaad, Sportzentrum, then a 12 min walk to the Gstaad-Wispile gondola station.

By public transport

Take a train to Gstaad, Bahnhof then bus 180 to Gstaad, Wispile. In 2021, this bus runs hourly on the xx:37, but check current bus schedule on SBB.ch. You can also just walk from the train station to the gondola station, about a 20 min walk (see walking map).

Planning your day

Ticket prices & opening hours

Gstaad-Wispile gondola

For the Wispile-Lauenensee trail, you need a one-way ticket on the Gstaad-Wispile gondola. In 2021, this costs CHF 32/adult. A 50% discount for children aged 6-15, SBB Half-fare & GA cards. Children under 6, children with a SBB Junior Card and dogs ride free. See current ticket prices.

With the Gstaad Card (free for overnight guests), a return trip on the Gstaad Wispile costs CHF 19/adult and CHF 9/child aged 6-15 (no further discounts). They also offer a Family Pass Wispile, which costs CHF 75 for 2 adults and 4 children (ages 6-15) for a one way ticket on the gondola and bus fare from Lauenensee to Wispile.

The Gstaad-Wispile gondola runs from mid June through mid October from 9:00 – 16:30. They warn that on busy days between 11.30 am and 2.00 pm there may be waiting lines at the valley stations. See current gondola opening hours.

Bus from Lauenensee to Gstaad

The hike ends at Lauenensee, where you can take a bus back to Gstaad, about 36 mins travel time. 

This bus is unusually expensive. In 2025, a one-way ticket costs CHF 17.40/adult. SBB Half-fare, GA and Junior Cards accepted. The ride is free with the Gstaad Card (free for overnight guests).

The bus only runs a few times a day. So check the schedule on SBB.ch carefully to avoid a long wait. On busy days/times, they sometimes have two buses to fit all the people. 

If you are returning to your car at the Wispile gondola, you will need to get off the bus at Gstaad, Sportzentrum, then walk about 12 mins to the gondola station. Although a bus runs to the gondola station, it’s not coordinated with the Lauenensee bus and you would have to wait about 30 mins for the next bus.

Services

At the start of the trail at Wispile, you’ll find the restaurant Berghaus Wispile and a large playground. Along the trail, you’ll pass two cheese huts selling drinks and snacks (on the first half of the trail).

At the end of the trail at Lauenensee, you’ll find the Lauenensee Restaurant, which can be very full on busy days – you might have to wait awhile for a table. The restaurants have toilets and you’ll find a toilet near the Lauenensee parking.

What to wear & bring

If you want to swim at the lake, remember to bring your swimsuit and a towel. There are no changing rooms, so you might use your towel for some privacy when changing.

Most of the hike is in direct sun, so make sure to wear sunscreen and bring at least 1 liter of water per person. If you don’t plan to stop at the cheese huts for refreshments, bring enough snacks to keep your energy up over the 3 hr hike.

Best to wear hiking or trail running shoes with a good tread. As always, bring layers in case the weather changes quickly. I didn’t need hiking sticks on this trail but you might like them on the switchbacks on the last third of the trail.

Photo story of the trail

Here is the Wispile gondola station. You can buy your tickets here.

Getting into the gondola car.

Kids can listen to a story while they ride up the gondola. It’s about a goat that is nervous about riding the gondola. Scan the QR code to open a webpage where you can listen in English, German or French.

Here is the top of the Wispile gondola.

You will be following trail signs to Chrine and Lauenensee.

Right at the top of the gondola, you’ll find Berghaus Wispile with a restaurant and large playground.

The playground has a slide, play houses, swings, lots to climb, sand pit, etc.

Wonderful views from the playground even if you don’t hike.

Starting the trail

The trail starts with a faint path through the grass.

The path gets more defined as you walk.

A few mountain bikes passed us on the trail. The path gets more lumpy the farther you walk.

Here we passed the “fondue pot,” a wooden circle with a table in the middle so you can eat fondue on the trail. You can rent a fondue backpack that includes the cheese, bread, cutlery and fondue equipment. Get more info about the Gstaad Fondue Experience. I would choose a cool weather day for this. Probably not the best idea on a 28C sunny summer day.

One of the cheese huts we passed along the way. They sell drinks and food. Probably cash only.

We passed through a couple herds of cows.

We saw a couple fire pits along the way. Make sure to check for any fire restrictions before planning to grill.

Trail split in the forest

At this sign, the trail splits briefly for the descent through the forest. The fork to your left is more difficult, on steep switchbacks. The fork to your right is easier, with a wider path and more gradual downhill. We’ve done both and I prefer the path to the right because you have views instead of being stuck in the forest.

Nice views from the milder path down the mountain.

Finishing the split, about to joining back up with the other trail.

Last climb

At this trail sign, the trails merge again. Follow signs to Lauenensee. From here it’s a steep climb up some stairs and switchbacks. But it’s short, so don’t worry.

The trail emerges from the forest to more mountain views.

Then you cross through a big field of wildflowers with a mountain backdrop. Back in 2008, we took a family photo here and it’s always been a nice memory.

So we took the photo near the same spot. But no passerbys, so not all of us in the photo.

Down to the lake

Now the long descent to the Lauenensee lake that you can just barely see ahead.

Some really nice photo opps from up here.

The footpath joins a service road.

Almost to the lake. This trail will drop you at the far end of the lake. There is a path around the lake that you can do next time.

You’ll see two lakes, which are both the Lauenensee. You can swim in the smaller one. That’s also where you’ll find the picnic area and restaurant.

Finally at the water. I think it’s time for a swim.

Just jump off this dock and swim around. The water is cold and not very deep. 

Next to the lake you’ll find Lauenensee Restaurant, which was packed full even at 14:00 on a Tuesday.

To catch the bus, follow signs to the parking and walk on the road. The bus stop is just a few meters from the parking lot. In 2021, this bus runs at 10:03, 11:20, 12:40, 14:40, 15:40 and takes about 43 mins to reach the Gstaad, Bahnhof. On busy days/times, they often have two buses to fit all the people. Check bus schedule & prices on SBB.ch.

I hope you enjoy this hike to the Lauenensee!

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