Schönried combines themed trails, longer hikes and seasonal activities. Options range from a trail measuring 4.6 kilometres with 17 stations to a difficult 16.0-kilometre hike. Winter sports, a natural ice rink and a trail exploring local history are also among the possibilities. When planning, it therefore helps to consider what kind of outing you have in mind and how much distance suits you.
Themed Trails and Hikes
The T8 Saanis Bergerlebnis themed trail is 4.6 kilometres long and has 17 stations. It ends in Schönried at the “Saanis Kletterplatz” playground. The “Saani's climbing playground Schönried” playground includes, among other things, a climbing structure with a slide, a zip line, a trampoline, a net hammock, a seesaw and a log cabin. The playground is on the panoramic trail to Saanenmöser. This is a separate route option: the W14 Saanenmöser–Schönried–Gstaad panoramic trail passes through Schönried, is 6.9 kilometres long and is classified as a moderate hike.
If you’re considering a longer route, you can compare the details for the panoramic trail with those for the difficult W19 Schönried–Rellerli–Bire–Sparenmoos hike. It is 16.0 kilometres long. Rellerli lies at an altitude of 1,833 metres above the chalet village of Schönried and is accessible year-round to hikers, ski tourers and snowshoers. However, check seasonal conditions before setting out. For mountain bikers, the B4 Rellerli Loop is another named option; the route is 15.5 kilometres long.
Winter and Summer on the Mountain
In winter, Schönried’s local mountain has 105 kilometres of ski slopes for skiers and snowboarders. In summer, these slopes become trails for high-altitude and ridge hikes. The Horneggli area also has the Hornfluh climbing park and a ski safari. Seasonal activities therefore take centre stage at different times: slopes for winter sports, high-altitude and ridge trails for hiking, and a climbing park and ski safari as additional options.
Cross-country skiing and curling also offer practical options for winter planning. In Schönried, you can play curling on a natural ice rink. An 18-kilometre cross-country ski trail runs between Schönried and Saanenmöser. The Schönried–Rellerli ski tour is accessible by train to Schönried or by postbus to the Schönried, Schulhaus stop. Check the timetables for your travel date, as public transport schedules can change.
History, Farmhouses and a Fondue Break
The Ww12 Schönried–Saanenmöser history trail presents local history from the 13th to the 19th century on eleven panels. If you’re interested in the construction style and character of the cultural landscape, the 174.3 Schönried cross-country ski trail passes typical regional farmhouses in chalet style. You can take in their original character along the route. The two options have different focuses: the history trail explains the past through panels, while the farmhouses draw attention to regional architecture.
At Grossi Vorschess, there is a wooden fondue caquelon and a year-round barbecue area. You can enjoy your own fondue there. Check local conditions before setting out. The Schönried Tourist Office & Post Agency advises visitors on the Gstaad holiday region’s offerings and sells, among other things, ski and event tickets, cross-country ski passes and fishing permits; offerings may change.
When choosing accommodation, you can first decide what your trip will focus on: for example, winter days on the slopes, a hike or an outing connected with local history. The options described differ in activity, season and distance. If Schönried suits your plans, you can then look for a hotel for your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Saanen.
