Gruyère, nestled in the picturesque Fribourg canton, is renowned worldwide for its delectable Gruyère cheese, which you can easily find at local Coops or even gas stations across Switzerland. But there's so much more to this charming region than just cheese! From the iconic Nestlé factory to the tantalizing Callier chocolate factory and the medieval charm of the town itself, Gruyère offers a delightful mix of history and scenic beauty.
As you venture into this captivating canton, you'll be greeted by rolling hills, verdant pastures, and the majestic silhouette of the castle perched atop the landscape. With so much to explore, you could easily lose yourself here for more than a couple of days, indulging in both adventure and relaxation. As there is an endless amount of activities to dwell in.
Here is our guide for enjoying two to three days in the Fribourg Canton:
Day One:
Cailler
Indulging in chocolate is an essential part of any day, wouldn't you agree?
Cailler is one of the oldest chocolate brands in Switzerland which dates back to the early 19th century (wooo I was paying attention at all the other Swiss chocolate factories). Their chocolate factory offers an unparalleled experience, guiding visitors through every facet of the Cailler chocolate brand's journey. The plus is that once you finish, you enter the chocolate making part and are able to indulge in chocolate. And trust me, you will leave CHOCOLATE WASTED!
A little history on Cailler: Is that Cailler and Nestle merged which combined their resources, distribution networks, expertise and even marketing positioning in the chocolate industry. Under the ownership of Nestle, Cailler maintains its commitment to crafting top-quality chocolate while leveraging Nestlé's global reach and marketing prowess. This merger created a development of the evolution for Switzerland's chocolate industry, emphasizing tradition, quality, and innovation on both local and international scales.
Le Gruyère Cheese
Enjoy a visit at the Le Gruyère Switzerland Cheese Museum and learn about the history of Gruyère cheese. If you time your visit for the morning, you'll have the opportunity to witness the cheese-making process firsthand—a truly captivating experience. Admission to the museum is priced at 7 CHF for adults, which includes a package of cheese to savor.
The cheese range from 6, 9 and 12 month of maturity, each offering a unique flavor profile that reflects the artistry of the aging process. As you explore the museum, you'll discover the origins of Gruyère cheese in the region and delve into the intricacies of cheese production. Learning how cheese is aged for several months, which helps it establish its characteristic flavor and texture. Gruyère cheese has a long history and is deeply rooted in Swiss culinary traditions. It is considered one of Switzerland's most iconic cheeses and is celebrated both locally and internationally. You can find it in dishes such as fondue.
Beer Tasting - Le For du Roi
Drinking beer in Switzerland, I would say, is somewhat of a treasure because the beer here, most of the time, is only found locally and mostly not sourced out. We stumbled upon a local brewery in Gruyère inside the market at Le Gruyère Switzerland museum. Luckily, it was a Friday, the only day the brewery is open for beer tastings from 4 to 7 PM. Otherwise, you can find their beer at local stores around the canton.
We headed straight to the brewery, eager to learn about and taste the local beer. What we discovered was fascinating: this brewery stands out as the only one in the area that exclusively uses ingredients from local farmers, adding an authentic touch to their brews. Plus, they cater to those with dietary restrictions by offering gluten-free beer options. It was a refreshing experience, both in terms of taste and appreciation for locally crafted beer.
Food- Le Fribourgeois
Nestled in Bulle, this family-owned restaurant boasts a rich history spanning over 40 years, making it one of the oldest culinary establishments in the area. Their menu is a testament to their commitment to seasonal flavors, featuring an array of delectable dishes alongside classic favorites like fondue, Borne ham, and the renowned Fribourgeois Vacherin cheese. Highly regarded by locals in Gruyère, this restaurant has earned its reputation as one of the area's most beloved dining destinations.
Upon stepping through its doors, guests are greeted with warm hospitality and a genuine desire to ensure a memorable dining experience. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate guests, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Day Two:
Medieval Town/Town of Gruyère
At the heart of the region is the medieval town of Gruyères, famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The town is characterized by its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the imposing Gruyères Castle (Château de Gruyères), which dates back to the 13th century.
Museum Bar HR Giger
Dive into the immersive world of art at the Museum Bar HR Giger, where you can sip on specialty drinks amidst the mesmerizing skeletal structures and double-arched vertebrae. Trust us, the experience is not to be missed!
Check out our reel from this bar:
Food- Aberge De La Halle
Enjoy L’Auberge de la Halle in the medieval historical village center of the town. You can't miss it—it's right in front of the area where the old system of measurement used to be. You can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine with authentic Gruyère cheese in a classic fondue along with fresh salads and soups.
Wine Tasting- Les 11 Terres
Les 11 Terres offers a tantalizing wine-tasting journey through the local vineyards. Savor the flavors of regional wines paired with local meats, then cap off your experience with a leisurely stroll down to the lake, where you can bask in the beauty of the sunset over the vineyards—a truly unforgettable moment!
Day Three:
Fribourg
As you wrap up your adventure, make your way to Fribourg for a perfect ending to your trip. Take a leisurely stroll around the city and explore its charming old town, steeped in history and dotted with picturesque sights.
Eat- Cafe des Arcades
Located near the cathedral. Perched on the counter, this café offers a diverse array of food options to tantalize your taste buds. I highly recommend trying their brunch special featuring fluffy pancakes paired with your choice of a café au lait or a refreshing local drink. Enjoy brunch, lunch or breakfast there while soaking the ambiance of this cozy and cute cafe.
Other:
For accommodation, consider a stay at Los Lorenes Residences Hotel Du Cheval Blanc, where comfort meets elegance amidst the stunning backdrop of Gruyère's countryside
From Zurich, get on from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB) heading towards Lausanne or Geneva. Check to make sure that the journey includes a stop either in Fribourg or Bulle. From there you can transfer to a local train or even bus to head towards Gruyère. Remember to check train schedules and purchase tickets in advance if possible, especially during peak travel times.
If you would love to know more about things to do or the journey to get to Gruyère, do not hesitate to email us or DM us on Instagram (@destinationdenetto)!
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