Gruyères

• Attraction type: Culture, Museum
• Escort: independent (no guide)
• Region: Lake Geneva East (South-West Switzerland)
• Duration: 1 day or less

Gruyères: a historical gem

Gruyères is a charming small village on a gentle hill, dating from the Middle Ages. It’s a pretty base town for a holiday in Fribourg area, but also a great day trip destination from eastern Lake Geneva (Montreux, Vevey or Lausanne) or western Bernese Oberland (Gstaad, Zweisimmen or Thun).

Gruyères looks very picturesque. It has colored facades, cobblestones and fountains. The 13th-century castle, which is accessible to visitors, is a highlight.

Another museum is that of H.R. Giger, a Swiss designer and visual artist who worked for the movie 'Alien'. There’s a small museum on Tibetan art as well.

Cheese and chocolate in Gruyères

Gruyères is a great destination for anyone interested in Swiss cuisine. It’s home to the famous 'Le Gruyère AOP' cheese. The cheese factory next to the railway station (about 15 minutes on foot from the town center) can be visited all year round. Many restaurants and shops in Gruyères offer this cheese.

Lovers of chocolate are also served well. You’ll find chocolate bars and pralines in several stores. 'Chocolaterie de Gruyères' is a small museum that explains about local chocolate creations and that offers workshop.

What to explore in the nearby region

Many more culinary visits can be made in the district of La Gruyère and the canton of Fribourg:

• You can combine a visit to the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in nearby Broc with a trip to Gruyères.
• There’s a dairy hiking path near the village.
• Cheese fondues can be enjoyed not only in restaurants, but also during romantic coach rides or in the fondue train from Bulle.
• From May to September, visitors are welcome at the mountain cheese dairy in Moléson.
• Pre-arranged day trips from Montreux can be made with the Chocolate Train.
• Another culinary train ride from Montreux is the Cheese Train to Chateau d’Oex.