Much more than just its namesake cheese, Gruyères is a charming Swiss village filled with quaint cobblestone streets, delicious food, and a museum filled with unexpectedly daring art. Located in the canton of Fribourg, it’s an ideal day trip from cities like Bern, Zurich and Geneva via train. But if you really want to dive into Swiss traditions and the striking surrounding landscape, it’s worth staying in the village and exploring Gruyères for a day or two.
The Gruyères region entices throughout the seasons; in the colder months, you can enjoy the museums and hearty cuisine, while in the summer, you can hike and enjoy outdoor dining in the town square.
History fans will love Chateau de Gruyères, an impossibly photogenic medieval castle with lush gardens and sweeping views of the alps. Here, you’ll find stained glass windows, knight’s armor and period furnishings, as well as contemporary art exhibitions. Looking for a sweet treat? Chocolate lovers will thoroughly enjoy spending time at Switzerland’s oldest chocolate factory, where you can learn about the history and production of chocolate and explore the various shops in town, including Chocolaterie de Gruyères. Of course, you’ll also have to indulge in ample cheese eating—after all, you’re right where one of the world’s most renowned cheeses is produced, with must-see cheese shops like La Maison du Gruyère and La Chaudière Fromagerie Crèmerie. And if you find yourself in Gruyères in late September, you’ll witness one of the most adorable cow parades in Switzerland, filled with live music and centuries-old traditions.
Much more than just a fairytale alpine village, Gruyères is a place where Swiss history collides with sci-fi realism, where traditional fondue meets daring culinary sophistication, and where cows in floral headdresses walk steps away from contemporary chic hotels. It’s Switzerland with a twist, where historic customs and futuristic imagination live side by side.
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