The President's Hikes
The President's HikesThe President's Hikes combine music, nature and meaningful encounters. The walks are led by Festival President Richard Müller, a certified hiking guide and a lifelong local of the Saanenland. Drawing on his intimate knowledge of the region, years of experience and passion for the Alpine landscape, he introduces participants to hidden trails, spectacular viewpoints and local stories beyond the well-trodden paths.Along the way, there is time for conversation, shared experiences and fresh perspectives on music and nature. Intimate musical moments throughout the hike transform the mountains themselves into a concert hall, carrying forward Yehudi Menuhin's vision of music as a force that brings people together. The President's Hikes invite you to discover the Menuhin Festival Gstaad from a slower, more contemplative perspective.
Come up, hear the music, slow down.
The President's Hike I
Sunday, 9 August 2026
12.00 pm
Route: Oeschseite – Church of Zweisimmen
Duration: 3½ hours (6.4 km, ascent 250 m, descent 450 m)
Meeting point: 12:00 p.m., Oeschseite railway station
The hike concludes with the concert by Runge & Ammon at the Church of Zweisimmen. Timed to coincide with the performance by Eckart Runge (cello) and Jacques Ammon (piano), this hike is available exclusively in combination with a concert ticket.
Registration deadline: 3 August 2026
Price: CHF 30
The President's Hike II
Sunday, 16 August 2026
10:30 a.m. – approx. 3:00 p.m.
Route: Turbach, Scheidbach – Wintermatte
Duration: 2½ hours (7.8 km, ascent 250 m, descent 180 m)
Meeting point: 10:30 a.m., Ciné car park, Gstaad (bus transfer to the starting point)
Forest concert with the Gstaad Festival Brass
Registration deadline: 10 August 2026
Price: CHF 55
The President's Hike III
Thursday, 27 August 2026
10:30 a.m. – approx. 3:00 p.m.
Route: Grundbrügg, Feutersoey – Gsteig
Duration: 2½ hours (6.5 km, ascent 170 m, descent 85 m)
Meeting point: 10:30 a.m., Ciné car park, Gstaad (bus transfer to the starting point)
Forest concert with percussionist Michael Metzler
Registration deadline: 21 August 2026
Price: CHF 55
Your Guide
Richard Müller was born in Gstaad and grew up in the Saanenland. Through his father, a passionate amateur musician, he was introduced to classical music at an early age, while his parents fostered his deep connection to nature and the region—one he explored along countless trails from a young age. After completing secondary school in Bern, he trained at the University of Applied Sciences for the graphic industry in Lausanne and subsequently joined the family business, which later developed into today’s Müller Marketing & Druck AG and Müller Medien AG.For nearly 25 years, he has been involved with the Menuhin Festival in various roles and currently serves as its President of the Board, publisher of Der Frutigländer, owner of Frutigländer Medien AG, and a certified hiking guide.
General Information
Detailed information on the hiking routes will be announced at a later date.
Participation is limited to 40 people.
The hike will take place regardless of weather conditions. Proper footwear and a level of fitness suitable for a three-hour hike are required.
Further details will be sent by email after registration.
Participants are responsible for their own insurance. Refreshments along the way must be provided by participants themselves. Prices do not include any tickets for public transport or mountain railways.
The President’s Hikes are supported by donations from the commemorative concert held in honour of long-standing President of the Board Leonz Blunschi (1942–2021). Alongside the hikes in the Saanenland with its hotel guests, supporting young artists was always particularly close to his heart.