©  (c) Destination Gstaad / Melanie Uhkoetter / Région de vacances Gstaad
©  (c) Destination Gstaad / Yannick Romagnoli / Région de vacances Gstaad
©  (c) Destination Gstaad / Yannick Romagnoli / Région de vacances Gstaad
©  (c) Ferienregion Gstaad / Région de vacances Gstaad
©  (c) Ferienregion Gstaad / Région de vacances Gstaad
©  (c) Ferienregion Gstaad / Région de vacances Gstaad
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W40 Sanetsch reservoir circular hike

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Hike in the diverse, extraordinary landscape around the Sanetsch reservoir. Especially in autumn, the region on the border to Valais is a colorful feast for the eyes.

  • Difficulty moderate
  • Duration 1:15 h
  • Distance 4,8 km
  • 28 m
  • 28 m
Tags
  • Family-friendly
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Round trip

Ferienregion Gstaad
Update: 17.10.2025

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The hike starts with a comfortable gondola ride from Gsteig. Those who prefer to walk are on the trail uphill for 2-3 hours. Once at the top, the day's goal is already in sight: the Sanetsch reservoir. The mostly flat circular path leads through diverse fauna. At 2252 m above sea level, lush meadows alternate with rocky slopes. At some points, good surefootedness is required. The cold mountain lake provides cooling on a warm hiking day – in the form of a short swim or a soothing foot bath. After the circular hike, a stop at Auberge du Sanetsch is a must. The small restaurant spoils its guests with local specialties.

The pass crossing to Wallis is also possible by post bus.

The gondola is in operation daily from mid-June to the end of October.

Operating times

  • Approach

    The Gstaad holiday region is located in the southwest of Switzerland directly on the border to the French-speaking part of the country. The region is easily accessible by train or car from the Thun lake region, the Lake Geneva area, and the Gruyère region. Direct connections to the European high-speed rail network and to all international airports of Switzerland guarantee a time-saving and pleasant arrival. The main means of transport in the Gstaad region are the "MOB" (Montreux-Oberland Bernois) train and numerous post bus lines.

    On the Arrival and Public Transport page on gstaad.ch you will find detailed travel information.

  • From the Bernese side: Take the post bus to the stop "Gsteig b. Gstaad, Post". Then about 25 minutes on foot to the valley station Sanetsch and by gondola lift to the Sanetsch lake.

    From the Valais side: A post bus runs daily from Sion to the Sanetsch lake.

  • Parking is available at the valley station of the Sanetsch cable car in Innergsteig.

  • Sanetsch mountain station – reservoir – Sanetsch mountain station

  • The circular hike around the Sanetsch lake is easy to walk and follows the beautiful shoreline sections. However, there are rocky sections with small elevation differences in between. Good footwear is recommended.

  • Good shoes, snacks for the way – why not a fondue backpack? More information at www.gstaad.ch/fondueland

  • The brave dare a short swim in the cold mountain lake for refreshment. Tired hikers cool their feet. For climbers, there is a variety of very beautiful climbing routes of different difficulty levels. Further information is provided by the local mountain guide offices.
  • Technique
  • Stamina
  • Experience
  • Landscape
  • Difficulty
Maximum altitude 2061 M
Minimum altitude 2033 M