Lauenen is a dead-end valley. The road from Gstaad climbs gently for 5km, passes through a scatter of traditional chalets and farmhouses, and stops. Beyond Lauenen there is no through-road · only hiking trails leading to the Lauenensee, the Tungelschuss waterfall, and eventually over the pass to Lenk.
This geography defines everything about the village. No through-traffic. No passing tourists (except hikers in summer). No commercial pressure. Just a quiet Bernese Oberland valley that happens to be 10 minutes from one of the world's most exclusive resorts.
Why Lauenen
Seclusion
This is the primary draw. Lauenen is part of Saanen municipality, which means it shares the same building code, the same administration, and the same postal district as Gstaad. But it feels entirely separate. The valley has its own microclimate, its own rhythm, and a community of perhaps 800 residents who chose this place precisely because it is not Gstaad.
Lauenensee
The lake at the head of the valley is one of the most beautiful in the Bernese Oberland. Fed by mountain streams, surrounded by forest and alpine meadow, it is a short walk or drive from the village. In summer it is a swimming and hiking destination. In winter it freezes and the surrounding trails are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Nature
The Lauenen valley is a natural amphitheatre. Forested slopes rise on both sides, waterfalls cascade from the cliffs in spring, and the views upvalley to the Wildhorn massif are dramatic. The Tungelschuss waterfall, visible from the valley floor, is one of the highest in the region.
For buyers who prioritise landscape and nature over nightlife and shopping, Lauenen has few equals in the Saanenland.
Price
Lauenen property prices are significantly lower than Gstaad:
| Type | Approximate Range |
|---|---|
| Apartments | CHF 7,000-12,000/m² |
| Chalets | CHF 8,000-16,000/m² |
At roughly half the price of Gstaad village, Lauenen offers considerably more property for the same budget. A CHF 3 million chalet in Lauenen would be a serious family home. In Gstaad, it buys a modest apartment.
Property Market
What Is Available
Lauenen has a small, infrequent market:
- Traditional chalets: Many date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some beautifully maintained, others in need of renovation. The traditional timber construction is authentic Bernese Oberland.
- Newer chalets: Built under the same Saanen building code as Gstaad. Timber facades, gabled roofs, but with modern interiors and systems.
- Apartments: Very few. Lauenen is predominantly a chalet village.
- Farmhouses: Occasionally converted agricultural buildings come to market. These can be exceptional properties but require specialist renovation.
Second Homes Act
Like the rest of Saanen municipality, Lauenen is above the 20% second-home threshold. New second homes cannot be built. This limits supply and supports values over time.
Daily Life
What Is Here
- A small village shop (limited hours)
- A restaurant/hotel (the historic Wildhorn)
- A primary school
- A church
- Cross-country skiing trails in winter
- Hiking and mountain biking trails in summer
- PostBus connection to Gstaad (roughly hourly)
What Is Not Here
- Supermarket (Gstaad, 10 minutes by car)
- Secondary school (Saanen or Gstaad)
- Medical facilities (Gstaad or Zweisimmen)
- Ski lifts (nearest: Gstaad Eggli or Wasserngrat, 10-15 minutes by car)
- Restaurants beyond the village hotel
Transport
A car is essential. The PostBus runs to Gstaad but infrequently, and the last bus is early. In winter, the road is well-maintained (Lauenen has year-round residents and a school), but snow conditions can make the drive slow.
Gstaad is 10 minutes by car in good conditions. Saanen airport is 15 minutes. The MOB railway in Gstaad connects to Montreux and Zweisimmen.
Skiing
Lauenen has no ski lifts. Cross-country skiing is excellent (groomed trails along the valley floor), and snowshoeing to the Lauenensee is a popular winter activity. For downhill skiing, you drive to Gstaad (Eggli or Wasserngrat) or Schönried (Rellerli or Saanerslochgrat), all within 10-15 minutes.
Summer
This is when Lauenen comes alive. Hiking trails of every level start from the village or the Lauenensee. The valley is popular with trail runners, mountain bikers, and families. The Tungelschuss waterfall hike is a local favourite. Swimming in the Lauenensee (cold but clean) is a summer ritual.
Who Buys Here
- Nature lovers who want landscape, not lifestyle
- Families looking for space and quiet at a lower price than Gstaad
- Writers, artists, and remote workers who need seclusion
- Swiss families with roots in the Saanenland who want a traditional home
- Buyers priced out of Gstaad who still want a Saanen address and the building code quality
Compared to Gsteig
Gsteig is the nearest comparison · another dead-end valley village:
| Factor | Lauenen | Gsteig |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Gstaad | 5km (10 min) | 10km (15 min) |
| Character | Gentler valley, lake | More dramatic, glacier road |
| Prices | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Amenities | Village shop, hotel | Similar, slightly more |
| Skiing access | Drive to Gstaad | Drive to Gstaad or Glacier 3000 |
| Summer appeal | Lauenensee, waterfalls | Glacier 3000, high-altitude hikes |
Both are for buyers who want nature and seclusion. Lauenen is closer to Gstaad and softer in character. Gsteig is more dramatic and more remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lauenen a good investment? Supply is very limited and the Second Homes Act prevents new second homes. Property appreciation has been modest but steady. Lauenen will never have the premium of Gstaad, but it also has very little downside risk.
Can I rent out a property in Lauenen? Yes, though rental yields are lower than in Gstaad village. Summer hiking season and winter cross-country skiing draw visitors, but the demand is smaller.
Is Lauenen safe in winter? The road is maintained and the village is inhabited year-round. Some upper properties may have access challenges in heavy snow. Check road access and snow-clearing arrangements during due diligence.
For a confidential conversation about your search or sale, contact The Gstaad Collection.