Gstaad
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:GstaadWinter.jpg Gstaad (pronounced Template:IPA) (Population: 2500) is a small village located (Template:Coor dm) 1 050 m above sea level, in the German-speaking section of the Bern canton in western Switzerland. Gstaad is part of the municipality of Saanen.
Contents |
Tourism
It is known as a ski resort for the wealthy elite and the winter residence for students of the Institut Le Rosey. Grace Kelly and her husband Rainier III, Prince of Monaco owned a luxurious chalet in Gstaad, now owned by a former model.
With a range of events, its Alpine scenery, and the array of warm-weather activities on offer, the village is a summer destination as well as a winter one.
Gstaad is a bit quieter than either Zermatt or St. Moritz, and is notably free of autograph seekers, thus offering yet another attraction for the rich and famous. These include, among others, Roger Moore, Tina Turner, Günter Netzer, Paris Hilton, Roger Federer and Kofi Annan.
Promenade
The middle of the village has been a carfree zone since 1998. Along the Promenade that has been thus created are countless exclusive shops, restaurants and hotels. Lending charm to the village are the houses, which are all built in the chalet style.
Regular events
In Gstaad, the following regular events are held:
- the "Allianz Suisse Open" tennis tournament;
- the "1to1 energy open" beach volleyball tournament;
- the "Cartier Polo Silver Cup" polo tournament;
- the "Yehudi Menuhin Festival";
- "Country Night".
Miscellaneous
Nearby airports are Geneva Airport and Bern Airport, though many more airlines serve Geneva.
Prices tend to be high in Gstaad. Many villagers end up moving away, finding that they cannot earn a livelihood at home.
In television, it is the birthplace of part-Swiss anaesthetist Dr. Guy Secretan, from the British sitcom Green Wing.
The village also features prominently in the film Return of the Pink Panther.