In Les Diablerets, experiences range from a suspension bridge and a glacier trail to market stalls, regional products and a hike with a raclette kit. Weather and season are particularly important when planning: some activities are weather-dependent, the Alpine Coaster is open only in summer, and the Friday market takes place on a fixed day of the week. This helps you choose excursions and village activities to suit the days of your visit.
Suspension bridge, glacier trail and coaster
The 107-metre-long Peak Walk by Tissot is a suspension bridge at Glacier 3000. Access to the bridge itself is free and it is open year-round, weather permitting. Check access before setting off. The Glacier Walk offers a different kind of excursion: it leads to the Refuge de l’Espace on the edge of the glacier, beside the Quille du Diable, and offers views of the Derborence Valley and Valais. The route is three kilometres each way and takes one hour each way. This trail is also open year-round, although its operation remains weather-dependent.
The Alpine Coaster is known as the world’s highest toboggan run on rails. Its track is one kilometre long, and the ride reaches speeds of up to 40 km/h. Unlike the year-round attractions around the Glacier Walk, it has a clearly defined season: the coaster opens only in summer, from early June. Exact opening days may vary.
Waterfall, via ferrata and Lac Retaud
The Cascade du Dar is 120 metres high, with gradients of up to 85 degrees on its steepest sections. A hike from the village of Les Diablerets to the waterfall takes about an hour and a half. Trail conditions can change depending on the season. The “via de la cascade” via ferrata is also located at the Cascade du Dar. It is graded D, or difficult. If you are considering this technical route, check the conditions and access locally.
In summer, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing are possible at Lac Retaud. In winter, you can reach the lake from Col du Pillon on foot or with snowshoes; conditions depend on the snow and weather. Two hikes from Lac Retaud also lead to Chalet Vieux. The Alpage du Chalet Vieux is accessible on foot from the lake and has a small refreshment bar.
Market, raclette and local products
The Friday market is held every Friday morning at Place de la Gare. It offers seasonal fresh produce, regional specialities, artisan cheese, baked goods, homemade jams and local crafts. The selection may vary from one market day to another; if you are planning to visit the market, check the dates before your trip.
Rando-Raclette combines a hike with a raclette kit, which you can pick up at the local tourist office. The kit includes cheese from Laiterie du Petit Diable, regional sausage and craft beer from Brasserie des Diablerets; the contents may change. Check what is on offer before booking. The brewery also invites visitors to brew beer together one Saturday a month. Confirm the date and participation requirements in advance. Its craft beers are made in the village with spring water, regional organic ingredients and Swiss hops; the product range may change.
At Alpage de Marnex, you can watch cheese being made and buy alpine cheese produced on site. The alpine pasture is accessible by car or on foot via numerous regional trails. At the train station, the Guichet du Terroir offers regional products and souvenirs to enjoy there or take away; the selection may vary.
Discovering culture and landscape
The Festival International du Film Alpin des Diablerets, or FIFAD, brings together filmmakers, mountaineers and adventurers. They present mountain films and books and meet the audience. The event’s predecessor was established in 1969; in 1970, it became the Festival International du Film Alpin des Diablerets after receiving enquiries from international participants.
The “Les Tussilages” alpine garden lies at an altitude of 1,170 metres below the Protestant chapel of Les Diablerets. It covers approximately 2,500 square metres. Regional products also tell the story of their origins: Bitter des Diablerets is a local aperitif made from plants of the alpine pastures of French-speaking Switzerland. It was created in Aigle in 1876 together with François Leyvraz.
Getting there and practical information
The Les Diablerets tourist office is a three-minute walk from the train station. You can get hiking maps there, as well as public transport tickets and mountain railway tickets. A PostBus service runs year-round between Les Diablerets and Gstaad via Col du Pillon, reaching the departure point of the Glacier 3000 cable car in less than 15 minutes. Check the timetable before your trip. Two cable cars run from Col du Pillon to the Scex Rouge summit station in 15 minutes; their operation depends on the weather and season.
For the broader travel overview: Ormont-Dessus.
