Discover mountain culture and nature in Château-d'Oex

Château-d'Oex lies in the Vaud Alps at an altitude of about 958 metres above sea level. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between different interests: local history and museums offer a different focus from trails, winter activities or culinary experiences. Experiences connected with the Pays-d’Enhaut also offer unique perspectives on the region.

Village character and culture

The first tourists arrived in Château-d'Oex at the end of the 19th century. After the Montreux–Bernese Oberland Railway opened in 1904, the village was considered an important tourism centre. The old village centre at the foot of the church hill features characteristic houses dating from the 19th century. South of the village, Saint-Donat Church, dating from the 14th century, stands on a hill.

In the heart of Château-d'Oex, the Musée du Pays-d’Enhaut and the Centre suisse du Papier découpé bring life in historic mountain chalets to life across around fifteen rooms. The Musée du Pays-d’Enhaut also has a collection of papercut works. It showcases a centuries-old art tradition that is emblematic of the Pays-d’Enhaut. Guided tours in Château-d'Oex also cover the village’s history and architecture, as well as life in the Pays-d’Enhaut.

The Temple de Château-d'Oex stands on the La Motte rock at the entrance to the village. Access is mainly on foot via steps; the temple is also wheelchair accessible. Check the current access arrangements before your visit. It is important to consider both details when planning your visit, especially if you want to assess access in advance.

Trails and outdoor activities

The «Les Choucas» themed trail above Château-d'Oex focuses on the flora of alpine meadows. Gentle hiking trails run along the Sarine near Château-d'Oex. These offer different focuses: the themed trail is about plant life, while the routes along the Sarine are highlighted as gentle hiking options.

Around Château-d'Oex, you can go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Snow conditions vary, so take them into account when planning. Both activities offer different ways to spend time outdoors in winter, without requiring any particular skill level.

Three specific places are mentioned for further activities: the pendulum jump takes place in the Pissot gorges near Château-d'Oex. The mini-golf course in the centre has 18 obstacle-filled holes. You can play disc golf at Col de la Laitemaire near Château-d'Oex. These offer a named adventure sport, obstacle mini golf and disc golf as different types of activity.

Cheese, regional perspectives and planning

At Restaurant Le Chalet in the heart of Château-d'Oex, you can enjoy fondue, raclette and Alpine specialities. You can also watch cheese being made over a wood fire. This combines a meal with an insight into cheese-making.

Hot-air balloon passenger flights are available year-round for an aerial view of the Pays-d’Enhaut. Overnight guests receive the Pass d’Enhaut, which entitles them to free bus and train travel in the Pays-d’Enhaut and Saanenland. Check the current pass conditions before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Chamby, Les Avants, L'etivaz, Veytaux, Caux, Vevey, Blonay.

For the overview of the wider region: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.