Saanen: Village History and Paths Along the Saane
Accommodation in Saanen
Saanen is a historic chalet village in the Bernese Oberland at 1,010 m above sea level. Narrow streets and lanes lined with old wooden houses define the village. It is listed in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. The municipality’s elevation ranges from 985 m at the Saane near Rüttischlucht to 2,542 m at Giferspitz—a wide range between riverside landscape and summit.
Churches, Houses and Exhibitions
The first church in Saanen was built in the 10th or 11th century and was first mentioned in a document in 1228. The Church of St. Mauritius was extended between 1444 and 1447 and consecrated by the Bishop of Marseille in 1447. Its wall paintings date from the second half of the 15th century. The Old Kastlanei also tells the story of the village’s architecture: Hans Tüller built it in 1670 near the former hospital. Its richly decorated Baroque façade shaped local building traditions for generations.
The Museum of the Saanenland is housed in a late medieval building that was badly damaged in the devastating village fire of 1575. It presents a permanent exhibition on Saanen customs and regularly changing exhibitions. A varied display of local and regional bells offers another glimpse into the area’s traditions. The Menuhin Center Saanen focuses on Yehudi Menuhin and his work in the Saanenland: visitors can see letters, original documents, rare photographs and works of visual art; video screenings complement the exhibition.
Hiking Trails Along the Saane and to Cholisgrind
The Saane is a defining landscape attraction near Saanen. Circular hiking trail W22 leads from Saanen via Unterbort and the Pont de la Scie to Rougemont, then returns along the Saane. W23 also starts in Saanen and follows a path along the river back to the starting point. The routes therefore have different waypoints in their descriptions: W22 includes the bridge and Rougemont, while the W23 description highlights the return along the Saane.
The moderately difficult W24 hike leads from Saanen via RĂĽebeldorf to Cholisgrind at 1,281 m above sea level and back. It is 4.3 km long and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes; both the ascent and descent are 270 m. The hike is accessible by public transport, with Saanen railway station listed as the access point. Check the route details and travel information before setting off. The Saanen riverside path is paved throughout and can also be walked along a gravel path for part of the way.
Sound, Water and Craftsmanship
Saanis Sound Experience can be enjoyed in Saanen. With 18 experience stations, it invites visitors to explore a variety of sounds and noises in a playful way; the experience introduces children and their parents to traditional folk music as well as classical music. The T12 Saanen audio guide offers another perspective on the village’s history and architecture: this easy themed trail is 1.9 km long, takes 30 minutes and explores both themes.
The Saanen le Bijou outdoor swimming pool has a 65 m waterslide, a separate children’s pool and a diving tower. Those interested in craftsmanship can see how ceramics are made by hand from a single piece of clay at EK Enzian Keramik. The programme also includes the production of a local product: Saanen offers a bookable visitor experience featuring the making and tasting of Saanensenf.
Practical Information
The Saanen municipal events calendar can be sorted by date, location or event type. This lets you search specifically for listings on your travel dates. Saanen railway station has a kiosk; as station services may change, check the latest information before your trip if needed. There are several parking areas in Saanen, including Zentrum, Bahnhofplatz, Märetplatz, Pfrundmätteli and Floraplatz.
Discover more destinations: Lauenen, Saanen, Gstaad, Saanen, Gsteig Bei Gstaad, Seftigen, Burgdorf, Nidau.
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