The Gstaad Palace's summer season will open on June 19, 2026, with a menu inspired by Italy and Mediterranean conviviality. The historic Gstaad hotel is expanding its culinary offerings with "Gildo's al Fresco," a summer version of the renowned "Gildo's" restaurant, designed to combine Italian cuisine, a casual atmosphere, and Alpine views.
The initiative is a key part of the five-star superior Swiss hotel's summer program, which for the coming months will focus on a mix of fine dining, nature experiences, sports, and wellness. Alongside the culinary innovations, established events such as the Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks will also return, now in their final year after more than half a century of history.
A corner of Italy in the mountains of Gstaad
With Gildo's al FrescoThe Palace introduces a new outdoor space inspired by traditional Italian trattorias. The project brings the colors, scents, and details of the Mediterranean to the heart of the Bernese Oberland, with warm tones, natural materials, and a deliberately relaxed atmosphere.
The concept was developed by Raffi Otto of Atelier 72 in Zurich, who envisioned an elegant yet informal setting, open to guests with their pets and with no particular dress code. Andrea Scherz, a representative of the hotel's family, describes the new restaurant as a tribute to the spirit of Southern Europe and the lightheartedness that has always characterized the "Gildo's" brand.
The menu also follows this approach. The culinary offerings will range from summer appetizers to classic pasta dishes, as well as meat and fish specialties. Special attention will be given to pizza, crafted by a pizza chef trained in Naples.
The Summer of Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks
Among the most significant events of the summer of 2026 is the 52nd and final edition of the "Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks." The program, launched over five decades ago, has transformed the Palace into a European hub for tennis enthusiasts.
The protagonist remains Roy Emerson, winner of numerous Grand Slam tournaments and a constant presence in Gstaad since the 1970s. Over time, the event has transcended its purely sporting dimension, becoming a meeting place for regular guests, athletes, and friends of the resort.
According to Andrea Scherz, the Emerson Weeks have helped build an important part of the Palace's identity, thanks not only to the activities on the tennis courts but also to the personal relationships that have developed over the years.
The Walig Hut and the return to Alpine roots
The Gstaad Palace summer will continue to celebrate its connection with the Saanenland region. Among the most iconic experiences remains the Walig Hut, a historic chalet built in 1783 above Gsteig, at approximately 1.700 meters above sea level.
The structure, built of stone and wood in the Alpine tradition, offers a stay immersed in the tranquility of the mountain, with views of the Les Diablerets massif and the entire surrounding region. Guests can reach it by crossing forests and alpine meadows, enjoying an experience that emphasizes simplicity and connection with nature.
The Walig Hut's culinary offerings focus on regional products and traditional Swiss dishes. Among the specialties is the traditional Moitié-Moitié fondue, prepared over an open fire. During the summer season, the hut also offers four beds for those wishing to spend the night at high altitude.
Excursions, wellness and gastronomic events
The Palace's summer offerings also include outdoor activities and wellness programs. Suggested excursions include itineraries in the Turbach Valley, walks around the Arnensee Alpine lake, and trips to Glacier 3000, known for its Skywalk panoramic walkway.
There will also be experiences designed for families, such as meetings with the Wispile goats or picnics in the gardens of the facility.
On the wellness front, the Palace Spa will introduce programs based on "cellgym" technology, dedicated to cellular regeneration through interval training. The offering will be rounded out with yoga sessions for adults and children and retreats led by master Anand M. Kambli.
La gastronomic programming The summer season will also include the celebration of the Swiss National Day on August 1st, the Fondue-Plausch evenings under the stars, the open-air Seafood Night and the traditional Sunday Brunch, scheduled between July 26th and August 16th.
Vintage rally, music, and family activities
Among the most anticipated events of the summer is the Gstaad Palace Challenge, scheduled for August 28-30, 2026. The event will bring together enthusiasts of classic sports cars produced between the 1950s and 1990s, alternating rallies, convivial gatherings, and cycling excursions.
For the little ones, the Kids Grand Prix will return on August 2nd, a pedal-powered go-kart race accompanied by entertainment, snacks, and games.
The “Sammy's World” program will offer movie nights, crepes, llama and alpaca walks, and other free activities for the hotel's youngest guests.
There's also room for music with GreenGo's Open Air: every weekend, from June 27th until the end of August, resident DJ Jim LeBlanc will liven up the "PISCINE" area with musical sets and evening cocktails.
The main summer events in Gstaad
During the season, the Swiss resort will also host some well-established international events:
- Swatch Beach Pro — from July 1st to 5th 2026
- Menuhin Festival — from July 16 to September 5, 2026
- EFG Swiss Open Gstaad — from July 11 to 19, 2026
- Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad — from August 20 to 23, 2026
For more information on the highlights of the summer season, the digital dossier is available: Summer Highlights 2026
