Wild peaks, thundering waterfalls and gentle meadows build the landscape of the Saanenland. Thankfully the scenery isn’t just to be admired from the Hotel, but can be explored up close every weekday with our nature guides. Go out on the trail with Ruth, Gaby and Christian and discover the special magic of hidden spots, enjoy nature unspoiled and let yourself be enchanted by the views from the hills and valleys. Best of all: these fantastic, unforgettable excursions are in each room booking!
Our three guides have created the ERMITAGE excursion programme with their passion, attention to detail and many years of experience. There is something in the programme to suit every guest, giving you the ERMITAGE experience you can't get anywhere else.
She is our specialist for the neighbouring Obersimmental and has already introduced many guests to the beauty of the Seebergsee and the Siebenbrünnen. Over wild streams and up to the Bergdohlen, our versatile and nature-loving nature guide will take you to great vantage points. In winter Ruth takes you on the popular horse-drawn sleigh rides to Lauenen and shows you the winter magic of the Saanenland.
Gaby not only knows the Hotel, but has explored all the local hiking trails and ski pistes for over thirty years. In summer she will accompany you on easy to medium hikes, join you on a visit to the local museums and help you get to know the country and its people. In winter, she knows the best winter walks and ski slopes and always has a new area and path to share. After a stimulating hike with Gaby through our unique region you are sure to enjoy our accompanying wellness programme even more.
Our nature guide Christian is a mountaineer like he is in the book. Many rocky kilometers have already passed his hiking boots and he knows the Saanenland like no other. Whether on foot, on skis, by bike or on snowshoes, with him you will always experience new highlights on every visit. For very special moments, accompany Christian early in the morning on a sunrise hike and collect unique treasures of memory for home.
From the ERMITAGE over the Grüebli and Gspan up to the Rellerli. This includes the transition from the initial gentle meadows, dotted with Alpine spring flowers like the crocus and gentian, up to the last snowfields on the Rellerli ridge. A hike through three seasons and 600 metres in altitude over 2 hours.
The Sparenmoos is a unique high plateau above Zweisimmen lying at 1,600-1,750 metres above sea level. In this fascinating Alpine cultural landscape, “Senner” (Alpine herders) produce the excellent Premier Grand Cru AOP Bernese Alp Cheese. The gentle landscape with its magical light is a place for the soul. Sparenmoos is a place of relaxation and energy. Various hiking trails wait to be discovered on the high moor and the wondrous landscape invites you to take your time.
The mountain village of Lauenen lies between Gstaad and the imposing Wildhorn. By foot you pass through the Rohr conservation area to Lake Lauenen, the inspiration for many a song. The lake is surrounded by alpine moor. In the middle of a pristine Alpine landscape, the lake offers views to impressive waterfalls and the imposing Spitzhorn.
On the Sparenmoos trail – with the first station on the highest point of the Hüsliberg. The view into the Obersimmen valley and the Saanenland is already impressive. And it gets better: the trail climbs to the highest plain in the area “uf de Hube”, rewarding you with a stunning view from the Stockhorn over the Wildstrubel to the summit of the Gifer. Traversing the Nüjeberg ridge returns you to the Sparenmoos, then past the Fuchsbau (“foxhole”), which serves as a potential rest and grill spot for the hut.
