Pays-d'Enhaut

This scenic Alpine region offers stunning hiking trails, traditional chalets, and panoramic mountain views ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The charming villages showcase authentic Alpine heritage with local cheese production and artisanal crafts.

Things to do

• Hiking to Gummfluh — This iconic summit offers panoramic views across the Pays-d'Enhaut valley and is accessible via well-marked trails from the village of Saanen.
• Château d'Oex Hot Air Balloon Festival — Experience the famous International Balloon Festival held each January, where hundreds of hot air balloons fill the Alpine sky above this picturesque village.
• Rossinière Traditional Village Walk — Stroll through this charming village famous for its elaborately decorated wooden chalets and narrow streets showcasing authentic Alpine architecture.
• Alpigerie Cheese Dairy Tour — Visit a traditional Alpine cheese maker to learn how Gruyère and other regional cheeses are produced using centuries-old methods.
• Trails to Lac de la Toule — Hike to this glacial alpine lake nestled in the heights above Pays-d'Enhaut, offering stunning reflections and diverse mountain flora.
• Mountain Biking Network — Explore interconnected trails throughout the region ranging from gentle valley routes to challenging alpine passes with breathtaking vistas.
• Saanen Church Art Nouveau Interior — Admire the beautifully crafted wooden interior and stained glass of this early 20th-century church representing local craftsmanship.

Food to try

• Gruyère Cheese — The region's most famous product, this protected designation cheese with its complex nutty flavor is produced in cooperative dairies throughout Pays-d'Enhaut.
• Fondue Savoyarde — A melted cheese dish combining Gruyère with local white wines and served with crusty bread, essential to Alpine dining culture.
• Raclette — Melted cheese scraped onto plates and served with potatoes, pickles, and cured meats, traditionally enjoyed during winter gatherings.
• Tomme Vaudoise — A semi-firm local cheese with a distinctive orange rind, producing a creamy and slightly fruity flavor unique to the Vaud Alpine region.
• Pains d'Épices — Traditional spiced bread cookies from Gruyères village, flavored with anise and other spices, perfect as a regional souvenir.

Local customs & good to know

• Alpine Festival Calendar — The region celebrates numerous traditional festivals year-round, including the Balloon Festival in January and various Alpine dairy festivals showcasing local heritage.
• Respectful Hiking Etiquette — Stay on marked trails, respect private property especially around chalets, and follow local signage as the mountains are working agricultural landscapes.
• Artisanal Crafts Tradition — The villages maintain strong woodcarving and craft traditions—visit local studios and markets to support artisans creating furniture and decorative pieces by hand.
• Language and Greeting Customs — French is the primary language in this Fribourg region; greet locals with "Bonjour" and "Au revoir," and note that many establishments close between lunch and afternoon hours.