Patrick Oconnell
Switzerland is famous for its cheese, with over 450 different types of Swiss cheeses being produced across the country. The village of Marbach in the Entlebuch region, halfway between Bern and Lucerne, is home to a cheese factory that offers a free visitor area and guided cheese tasting tours. Another popular destination for cheese enthusiasts is the Emmentaler cheese dairy, which offers a self-guided tour, a restaurant, and a specialty cheese shop. The cheese factory in Airolo, located in the Canton of Ticino, also offers guided tours, a restaurant, a shop, and a museum. These are just a few examples of the many cheese factories in Switzerland that contribute to the country's renowned cheese production.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Swiss Cheeses | 450 |
| Location of Cheese Factories | Marbach, Emmentaler Schaukäserei, Airolo, Entlebuch region |
| Tourist Features | Museum, viewing area, guided tours, restaurant, shop |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese factories open to the public
Switzerland is famous for its cheese, with over 450 different types produced across the country. Many of the factories that produce these iconic cheeses are open to the public, offering tours, museums, and shops for cheese enthusiasts to explore. Here are some of the Swiss cheese factories that you can visit:
Emmentaler Schaukäserei
Once a cornerstone of Swiss cheese tourism, the Emmentaler Schaukäserei in the Emmental region of Bern has ceased cheese-making operations due to economic challenges. However, it remains a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can embark on the self-guided "Emmentaler Königsweg" experience, exploring the history and traditions of Emmental cheese-making through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. The on-site restaurant and specialty cheese shop also provide a taste of regional delicacies and various Emmentaler cheeses sourced from local dairies.
Gruyère Cheese Factory
The Gruyère Cheese Factory offers an immersive experience in the world of this classic Swiss hard cheese. The tour begins with an interactive museum, engaging your senses with the sounds of cowbells and mooing cows, the fragrance of alpine flowers and hay, and the feel of cowhide and cheese brushes. Visitors then gain insight into the cheese-making process and explore the massive storage facility where thousands of cheese wheels age to perfection. A stroll through the factory costs 7 CHF, and a Swiss Travel Pass grants free access.
La Maison de la Tête de Moine
Located in the village of Bellelay, about an hour and a half from Bern, La Maison de la Tête de Moine is a unique destination that combines a museum, an old-style cheese factory, a café, and a store. This place celebrates the Tête de Moine cheese, which translates to "Monk's Head". Visitors are transported back in time as they explore the traditional methods of crafting this peculiar cheese, which is shaved in a circular motion to create savoury rosettes for the perfect cheese platter.
Appenzeller Cheese Factory
For those who crave a more pungent cheese experience, the Appenzeller Cheese Factory delivers Switzerland's spiciest secret. Across 52 locations in eastern Switzerland, these factories produce eleven different types of Appenzeller cheese, resulting in almost 9,000 tonnes of cheese annually. Half of their production remains in Swiss supermarkets, while the other half is exported worldwide.
These factories offer a glimpse into the diverse world of Swiss cheese, where each region has its unique varieties and traditions. Visitors can indulge their senses, learn about the cheese-making process, and, of course, taste the delicious results.
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The variety of Swiss cheeses
Swiss-type cheeses are typically "cooked", meaning they are made using thermophilic lactic fermentation starters, with the curd incubated at a high temperature of 45°C or more. They are then pressed to expel excess moisture, which is why they are also referred to as "cooked pressed cheeses" or "fromages à pâte pressée cuite" in French. Swiss-type cheeses generally have a firm but elastic texture, and a nutty and buttery flavour. When melted, they become gooey, slick, stretchy and runny.
Switzerland has a rich history of cheesemaking, with evidence of the craft dating back to 2500 BC when dairy farming was first introduced to the region. Over the centuries, Swiss cheesemaking evolved from cottage cheese-like styles to the introduction of rennet in the 15th century, leading to the creation of the hard cheeses the country is famous for. Today, there are over 500 varieties of Swiss cheese made each year.
One of the most famous Swiss cheeses is Le Gruyère AOP, which has been produced since the early 12th century. Named after the walled city in the Fribourg canton, Gruyère is made from raw cow's milk. Evening milk is skimmed and left overnight to settle, then mixed with the full-fat milk collected the next morning. Gruyère is typically aged for several months, if not longer.
Another renowned Swiss cheese is Emmental, which is considered the best-known Swiss cheese in North America and other parts of the world outside Europe. Emmental is made from raw cow's milk in the Emme Valley in the German-speaking canton of Bern. It is characterised by its large holes, which were originally considered a flaw but became a marketing advantage in the 19th century.
Appenzeller is a bold and spicy Swiss cheese made in the Appenzellerland region of northeast Switzerland for over 700 years. The secret to its distinctive flavour and texture lies in the herbal brine rubbed on the exterior of the wheel as it begins to mature. This brine, a closely guarded recipe that includes wine, herbs, spices, and occasionally brandy, is also used to periodically wash the wheels during their ageing process.
Sbrinz is one of Europe's oldest cheeses, with a history dating back over two millennia. Produced in central Switzerland, Sbrinz is made from raw Swiss Brown cow's milk, with nearly 160 gallons of milk used to create each 100-pound wheel. After formation, the wheels are soaked in brine for 15 days and then aged for a minimum of 16 months. The lengthy ageing process, coupled with the use of full-fat cow's milk, results in a dense paste filled with crunchy tyrosine crystals and a fudgy texture.
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The Emmentaler cheese dairy
Switzerland is renowned for its cheese, with over 450 varieties produced across the country. One of the most iconic Swiss cheeses is Emmentaler, and its production has long been a cornerstone of Swiss cheese tourism. The Emmentaler cheese dairy, located in the village of Affoltern im Emmental, offered visitors a unique insight into the crafting of Emmentaler AOP cheese. However, as of June 2025, the dairy ceased its cheese-making operations due to economic difficulties.
Despite this, the Emmentaler Schaukäserei remains a popular destination for cheese aficionados. Visitors can embark on the "Emmentaler Königsweg," a self-guided tour that delves into the history and traditions of Emmental cheese-making. Through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, guests are taken on a journey into the world of cheese. The dairy also boasts an on-site restaurant and specialty cheese shop, where visitors can sample regional specialities and a variety of Emmentaler cheeses sourced from local dairies.
While the Emmentaler cheese dairy no longer produces cheese, its legacy continues to attract cheese enthusiasts from far and wide. The interactive tour, restaurant, and shop collectively offer an engaging experience, showcasing the culture and flavours of Swiss cheese-making, particularly the renowned Emmentaler variety. Switzerland's cheese-making traditions are deeply woven into its fabric, and visitors are invited to explore and savour these traditions at every turn.
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Cheese-making in Marbach
Switzerland is famous for its cheese, with some sources claiming there are 450 types of Swiss cheese, while others claim there are over 700. The Marbach Alpine Dairy, located in the village of Marbach in the Entlebuch region, is one of the places where Swiss cheese is made. The dairy is accessible by train from Lucerne or Bern in under an hour, or by car via Thun, Bern, or Lucerne.
The Marbach Alpine Dairy is known for producing a wide variety of specialties, many of which are certified as "Echt Entlebuch – Made in Entlebuch". The dairy is unique in that it uses buffalo milk in addition to cow's milk to create its products. The Jaun family, the owners of the dairy, were the first in Switzerland to process buffalo milk and produce buffalo mozzarella. The history of the dairy and milk processing are showcased through exhibits in a small museum corner in the visitors' gallery, which also offers a view of the production facilities.
During the summer, cheese is made in the Alps using milk from grazing cows and is sold on-site or in the valley. The Morteratsch Cheese Dairy, located in Marbach, offers a variety of products, including Heutaler mountain cheese, Gletscher-Mutschli, and fresh whey cheese. Traditional cheese-making demonstrations take place during the summer season from June to October, where visitors can watch the cheesemaker at work crafting cheese without machines.
Switzerland has several other cheese factories that offer tours and demonstrations, including the Emmental Cheese Factory, where visitors can watch the cheese-making process, make their own cheese, join a guided tour, or learn about the traditional cheese brand. The Appenzeller cheese factory in Stein also offers demonstrations and an introduction to the herbs and spices used in their cheese.
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Cheese tourism in Switzerland
Switzerland is famous for its cheese, with around 450 different types produced across the country. Swiss cheese tourism offers visitors the chance to explore cheese-making regions and experience local culture and history. Here is a guide to cheese tourism in Switzerland, including notable destinations and experiences.
Einsiedeln
Located in the charming town of Einsiedeln, the Cheese Manufacturer Einsiedeln showcases the blend of traditional techniques and modern innovation in cheese-making. Visitors can observe master cheesemakers at work, transforming local milk into renowned Swiss cheese varieties. The site also offers interactive workshops where participants can try making their own cottage cheese or smaller cheese wheels.
Appenzell
Appenzell is known for producing Switzerland's spiciest and strongest-smelling cheese. A total of 52 places across eastern Switzerland craft eleven different types of Appenzeller cheese, amounting to nearly 9,000 tonnes annually. About half of this cheese is exported, while the rest is enjoyed within Switzerland.
Emmental
The Emmentaler cheese dairy has long been a cornerstone of Swiss cheese tourism. While cheese production has ceased due to economic challenges, the Emmentaler Schaukäserei remains a vibrant destination. Visitors can embark on the "Emmentaler Königsweg," a self-guided tour that showcases the history and tradition of Emmental cheese-making through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. The on-site restaurant and specialty cheese shop invite guests to sample regional delicacies.
Gruyères
Gruyères is a renowned cheese-making region, with La Maison du Gruyère offering an immersive experience into the world of Gruyère cheese. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations and tasting sessions, deepening their understanding of the cheese's significance in Swiss cuisine and culture. The nearby Gruyères Castle also provides a glimpse into the region's rich history and hosts various exhibitions and events.
La Maison de la Tête de Moine, Bellelay
Located in the village of Bellelay, about an hour and a half from Bern, La Maison de la Tête de Moine is a hidden gem. This destination consists of a museum, an old-fashioned cheese factory, a café, and a store. Visitors can explore the museum and witness traditional cheese-making processes up close.
Tour de Cheese
The Tour de Cheese is a unique initiative that invites visitors to explore four show dairies along the Grand Tour of Switzerland. Each stop offers a distinct perspective on cheese-making traditions and cultural significance. By visiting all four locations within two years, participants receive a Grand Tour Snack Box, including a Swiss cheese knife and a fine Swiss cheese selection.
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