Making fondue in the middle of the Alps after a hike in Fondueland Gstaad Switzerland

Just when you think Switzerland can’t possibly get any better, you learn that in the Swiss town of Gstaad you can go on a fondue hike. A what? I know, I was too was not sure what it exactly was when I saw it on my itinerary with Switzerland Tourism, but it really is exactly as it sounds - hiking in the Alps where you make (and eat) fondue.

As someone who prefers to be outdoors the majority of the time but also likes to indulge a bit while traveling, there is really nothing better than this. If you plan to enjoy fondue while in Switzerland, and you should, then why not enjoy it after a brief hike and while overlooking the most beautiful Swiss view?

Photos of me in this post + drone shots by my Switzerland travel buddy Kristen

Hiking in the Alps: A Fondue Hike in Gstaad Switzerland

Gstaad is an upscale resort town in southwestern Switzerland in the canton of Bern

Gstaad, Switzerland is a popular destination for many, including a handful of famous celebrities like Julie Andrews, Salma Hayek, Valentino, and Elizabeth Taylor.

While there’s a long list of things to do in Gstaad (more on that soon), the most unique is likely the Fondueland experience!

Nico, an adorable pup riding his owner's horse and carriage in Gstaad, Switzerland

Views from the center of town in Gstaad, Switzerland

All the buildings and homes in Gstaad are built in this beautiful chalet style

Walking along the main street in Gstaad, Switzerland

A restaurant and hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland

FONDUELAND GSTAAD

Gstaad is an upscale resort town in southwestern Switzerland in the canton of Bern. It’s a popular destination for many, including a handful of famous celebrities like Julie Andrews, Salma Hayek, Valentino, and Elizabeth Taylor.

While there’s a long list of things to do in Gstaad (more on that soon), the most unique is likely the Fondueland experience. Here’s everything you need to know about Fondueland Gstaad!

Before you start your fondue hike in Gstaad, you'll want to pick up a fondue backpack

Fondueland Gstaad preparation - the fondue backpack

FONDUE HIKE PREP - THE FONDUE BACKPACK

To get the full Fondueland Gstaad experience, you will want to pick up a fondue backpack. What’s a fondue backpack? It’s an adorably Swiss backpack full of all the necessary fondue ingredients.

In your fondue backpack you will find fondue mix, fondue bread, spices, a fondue pot, warmer, plates and forks. Unless you somehow already have everything listed, this will be imperative to your fondue hike.

The day before you plan to do your fondue hike, you’ll need to order your fondue backpack. You can do so through the following dairies:

The backpack doesn’t include wine, so don’t forget to grab that separately when you pick up your backpack!

On your fondue hike in Gstaad you will dine inside a large, wooden seating area shaped like, you guessed it, a fondue pot!

Gstaad is home to three large fondue pots, each with room for up to eight people, and one specially designed hut which also fits up to 8.

FONDUE HIKE LOCATIONS

While hiking in the Alps on your fondue hike you will dine inside a large, wooden seating area shaped like, you guessed it, a fondue pot! Gstaad is home to three large fondue pots, each with room for up to eight people, and one specially designed hut which also fits up to 8.

The pots and hut include:

Schlittmoos fondue pot
Vorderi Wispile fondue pot
Chese Grotto fondue pot
Rellerli fondue hut

We did the Schlittmoos fondue pot hike, which I will cover in detail below. For more info on the other options and directions to each, visit the Gstaad tourism site here.

Fondueland Gstaad Map:

ABOUT FONDUE HIKING - SCHLITTMOOS FONDUE POT

Hiking to the Schlittmoos fondue pot in Gstaad, Switzerland

Views from the fondue pot in Gstaad, Switzerland

Making fondue in the middle of the Swiss Alps in Gstaad

Cheesy fondue in Gstaad in the canton of Bern

Hiking to the Schlittmoos fondue pot in Gstaad

Unique winter adventure in Switzerland - fondue hiking in Gstaad

What to do with the leftover wine from your fondue? Drink it!

Fondue hike sunset on a beautiful winter day

ABOUT FONDUE HIKING - SCHLITTMOOS FONDUE POT

When we did our fondue hike we hiked to the Schlittmoos fondue pot. It starts from Schlittmoosstrasse where you will park. On foot you’ll see a sign saying "Fondue Caquelon Schlittmoos” pointing in the direction of the hike — that is where you will start.

From there you simply follow the path until eventually you reach the fondue pot. The walk for this one was not long at all. I can’t remember exactly, especially since we stop often for photos, but I’d estimate about 20-30 minutes.

We went pretty late in the afternoon so that we were there as the sun going down, which was quite spectacular! But really you could go anytime during the day.

Once you arrive, if the cover is on you’ll need to remove that in order to get access to the pot. Once removed you can all pile in and start preparing your fondue. When you are finished, don’t forget to collect all your rubbish and leave it as you found it.

WHAT TO PACK

LAYERS. The last thing you want is to be too cold and with layering if you get too hot you can just remove some! My go-to is HEATTECH from Uniqlo which captures your body heat and uses it to generate warmth. There are tank tops, long sleeve shirts (in regular, extra warm, or ultra warm), turtle necks (regular and extra warm), and more. I also can’t recommend this sweater from Canada Goose enough.

LEGGINGS. To wear under your snow pants! Or alone. Or under jeans. I bring these in both extra warm and ultra warm, as well as my favorite Alo ones.
FLANNELS/BUTTON DOWNS. I am ride or die for Rails button downs, buying new ones each year. They are very warm and an easy way to look a little more presentable than a plain old tee. I resort to these a lot on less adventurous days (strolling around town, shopping, etc.) as well as for dinners. I love this one, this one, and this one.
CASHMERE WRAP. I actually travel with this year-round, I even have one in my purse right now as I am writing this. You never know when you’ll need an extra layer on a cold plane, train, restaurant, or something else. Here’s a great option!
CARDIGAN. Because this Barefoot Dreams cardigan is honestly life changing.
PARKAS. VERY important! Your coats will be on and visible the majority of the time and therefore, if possible, I would bring numerous coats (instead of using that space to pack more sweaters, for example). I have worked with Canada Goose over the past two years and have been lucky enough to be gifted a handful of coats, but in all honesty they are 100% worth it. The attention to detail is remarkable (even random things like the sleeves are SO warm and soft), they have a lifetime guarantee, and they are remarkably warm. If you can splurge on one I am confident you will not regret it.
WARM SOCKS. For obvious reasons. There are some HEATTECH ones: crew length, knee length, and over the knee.
COMFORTABLE, WARM, WATERPROOF BOOTS. I like these and these.
SCARVES. An absolute necessity! My favorite are these from & Other Stories, available each year in a handful of the most beautiful colors.
GLOVES. One day I somehow forgot my gloves at the hotel and have never been more miserable in my life, so I would recommend bringing at least two pairs and always double checking that you have them before heading out. These are nice.
CONVERTER ADAPTER. This one is universal and work no matter where you’re going. When going to the EU I also bring along this very inexpensive 6 pack so that I have extras. So much to charge these days!