Much to the surprise of many cynics and pleasure of Beach Volleyball fans the summer slopes of Gstaad in the Swiss Alps will host a Swatch – FIVB World Tour event for the fifth year running in 2004 and, as has become the norm here, thousands of fans are expected to turn out to cheer on the top women’s players when the Switzerland Open starts in June.

When the summer months arrive to Gstaad, scenes of endless blue skies, beautiful flowering meadows and strong sunshine are what you can expect in a region where they say there are more cows than people! There is a friendly atmosphere among the mountain folk and should you decide to pay a visit, you will be treated to some fine restaurants, bars and shops.

A wander through the peaceful central village of Gstaad is highly recommended as the zone is traffic free.

While there, some places worth visiting are Castle Oberhofen am Thunersee where you can see a Turkish smoking room and a collection of Bernese related objects. The William Tell open-air theatre is also worth seeing and it is here you can take in a yearly performance of J.C. Friedrich Von Schiller’s drama of the same name.

When the drama of this 2004 Swatch – FIVB Beach Volleyball event in Gstaad draws to a close it’s on to Berlin and the first Grand Slam of the season.

Men's Podium 2003

1.  Benjamin, Marcio Araujo (BRA)

2.  Dieckmann, Reckermann (GER)

3.  Kobel, Heuscher (SUI)


Markus Dieckmann wins the 
'Speedo Most Valuable Player Award'

Patrick Heuscher won
the 'SWATCH-Fastest Service Award' for the semifinals after being recorded at 97.2 kmh


Men's Podium 2002   
1. Baracetti-Conde (ARG)
    Mariano Baracetti Profile / Biography
    Martin Alejo Conde Biography
2. Marcio Araujo-Benjamin (BRA)
    Marcio Araujo Biography  Profile
    Benjamin Insfran Biography - Profile
3. Wong-Metzger (USA)
    Kevin Wong Biography
    Stein Metzger Biography