Saanen

Saanen is a village in the Saanenland region of the Bernese Oberland, just a few kilometres from Gstaad. Built around traditional wooden chalets characteristic of the area, the village has lent its name to a well-known breed of white goats recognised across Switzerland and beyond. The church of Saanen, at the heart of the village, is known for hosting classical music concerts each summer as part of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival, founded by violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Saanen also has a small airfield used for light aircraft and gliding. The wider Saanenland region is a popular base for summer hiking, with numerous marked trails through alpine meadows and coniferous forests, and for winter skiing, sharing a ski area with neighbouring Gstaad. The local economy remains closely tied to mountain farming, particularly the production of alpine cheese. The climate is typically alpine, with mild summers and snowy winters, making outdoor activities possible throughout the year.