Berghaus Wispile sits at 1,770 metres on the Wispile mountain above Gstaad, reached by gondola from the western edge of the village. It is the most accessible and family-friendly mountain restaurant in the valley — a short lift ride delivers you to a sun-drenched terrace with the Saanenland spread below and a menu built around the classics of Swiss mountain cooking. Homemade apple strudel and rösti are the defining preparations.
The Wispile gondola departs from the western end of Gstaad Promenade, approximately 15 minutes walk from the train station. The gondola ride takes 8 minutes and deposits you at the Wispile top station. Berghaus Wispile is a 3-minute walk from the gondola exit, following the marked path west along the ridge. There is no need to ski or hike to reach the restaurant — the gondola is the direct route and it runs frequently during both the winter ski season and the summer hiking season.
Berghaus Wispile is open daily from 09:00 to 16:30 during the ski season (approximately mid-December to late March). In summer, the restaurant reopens from late June to late September when the hiking season begins. On sunny weekends in peak winter season, the terrace fills by noon — arriving by 11:30 for lunch is advisable to secure the best terrace positions. The restaurant closes during the shoulder months (April, May, October, November) when the gondola is in maintenance or the snow has gone.
The menu at Berghaus Wispile is mountain Swiss at its most reliable. The homemade apple strudel with vanilla sauce is the restaurant's signature — made fresh each morning and served warm throughout the day. The rösti menu covers several variations: plain with egg, with Emmental cheese, with smoked trout, or with local Tilsiter. The soup changes daily and is always warming — typically a root vegetable broth or a lentil preparation. In winter, the raclette served at lunchtime is one of the best value preparations in the valley.
The south-facing terrace at Wispile is one of the finest sun-trap dining positions in the Gstaad ski area. In winter, the combination of direct mountain sun reflecting off the snow and the shelter of the Berghaus roof means the terrace is comfortable in temperatures as low as minus 10°C when sitting in direct sun. Deck chairs and thick wool blankets are available for guests who want to linger after lunch. In summer, the terrace overlooks a landscape of Alpine meadows and wildflower slopes that is the visual opposite of the winter snow world but equally beautiful.
Wispile is the most family-friendly mountain restaurant in the valley. The gondola is accessible to pushchairs (parents fold the pushchair and hold children during the lift). The flat walk from the top station to the restaurant is suitable for toddlers. The kitchen has experience with children and can produce simple pasta, rösti with egg and toast for small eaters. The outdoor snow area near the restaurant provides a natural activity for children while parents have coffee.
The Wispile ski area is modest by Gstaad standards — a handful of red and blue pistes accessed from the top station — but provides a convenient ski morning before a Berghaus lunch. Beginners and intermediate skiers find the Wispile slopes an excellent confidence-builder before progressing to the Eggli or Wasserngrat areas. The gondola accepts ski passes from the main Gstaad Mountain Rides network.
Berghaus Wispile and Berghaus Wasserngrat are the two main mountain restaurants above Gstaad village but serve different purposes. Wispile is closer, lower, more accessible and more family-oriented — ideal for a relaxed lunch in a small group or with children. Wasserngrat is higher (1,920m vs 1,770m), more dramatic in its views, and draws a slightly more adventurous crowd. The food at Wasserngrat is similar but the service volume is higher on peak ski days. For a first mountain restaurant lunch in Gstaad, Wispile is the easier introduction.
Berghaus Wispile can be reserved for private groups on non-standard opening days (typically mornings before the regular service). This is an unusual and memorable experience — a private mountain Berghaus for a birthday breakfast, a corporate team lunch or a ski club gathering. Arrangements go through the Gstaad Mountain Rides team and require a minimum guest count and advance planning of approximately 3 weeks.
After lunch, the options are: ski down from the Wispile top station to the valley (20–30 minute run, red difficulty), walk down the marked hiking path in summer (45 minutes), or simply take the gondola back down. On a sunny afternoon, spending time on the Wispile terrace with a coffee after lunch and watching the Saanenland light change as the afternoon shadows lengthen is one of the simplest and most satisfying things you can do in Gstaad.
Berghaus Wispile does not take traditional restaurant reservations for regular lunch service — it operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the day. For private events or group bookings outside regular hours, contact us and we will coordinate with the Gstaad Mountain Rides team.
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You need a gondola ticket or ski pass to reach the restaurant. Day gondola tickets can be purchased at the Wispile gondola station in Gstaad village.
Yes — the gondola and restaurant run from approximately late June to late September for the hiking season.
Yes — it is the most family-accessible mountain restaurant in Gstaad. The flat walk from the gondola top station and the relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for families with young children.
Homemade apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce — made fresh each morning and served until sold out.
Very busy on sunny peak-season weekends (January-February). Arrive by 11:30 to secure a terrace table. Weekdays in January are much quieter.
Send one WhatsApp message. We call the restaurant in English, German, French or Italian, confirm the table, and reply with your booking details — usually within 10 minutes.
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