Patrick Oconnell
Switzerland is known for its chocolate and cheese, so it's no surprise that travellers can embark on a 'chocolate and cheese trail' in the country. The trail typically involves visiting chocolate and cheese factories, as well as exploring the Swiss countryside and villages. One popular trail starts in Zurich, with a visit to the Lindt & Sprüngli outlet, followed by a trip to the Appenzeller Cheese factory in Stein, and then a cable car ride to the top of Hoher Kasten. Another trail starts in Montreux, with a trip to the Cailler Chocolate factory in Broc and the Gruyère Cheese factory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Montreux |
| Nearby places | Lake Geneva, Alps, Lavaux |
| Nearby attractions | Cliff walk, Ice Flyer chair lift, Titlis glacier park, Gornergrat/Matterhorn |
| Cheese factories | Le Maison de Gruyere, La Maison du Gruyere, Appenzeller Cheese Factory |
| Chocolate factories | Cailler, Maison Cailler, Lindt, Lindt & Sprüngli outlet, Lindt Home of Chocolate |
| Other attractions | Old Town, Lake Zürich, Lake Lucerne, museums, medieval buildings, Romanesque church, vineyards |
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What You'll Learn
Mountain hiking and tasting Swiss cheese and chocolate
Switzerland is known for its cheese and chocolate, and there are many trails and tours that combine these delights with mountain hiking.
One such trail is the Jaunbach Gorge hiking trail, which takes around three hours and winds through Charmey, Lake Montsalvens, Broc, and Gruyères. Along the way, you'll find greenery, wooden bridges, and tunnels. You can also visit the Cailler Factory and Museum, where you'll find huge chocolate statues and have the chance to taste and purchase chocolates.
If you're staying in Montreux, you can take a day trip to the chocolate factory in Broc and the cheese factory in Gruyeres. This can be done independently or as part of a tour. The Chocolate Train from Montreux is one such option. While in Montreux, you can also enjoy the mild climate, the annual Montreux Jazz Festival, and the lakeside promenade lined with flowers, sculptures, and grand architectural buildings.
For those looking for a guided tour, there is a daytime bus tour that departs from Zürich's Sihlquai bus station and combines chocolate, cheese, and mountains. This tour includes a visit to the Lindt and Sprüngli outlet, a tour of the Appenzell cheese factory in Stein, a cable car ride to the top of Hoher Kasten, and free time in the village of Appenzell, known for its brightly painted houses and Swiss Alpine culture.
If you're looking for a more active hike, you can consider the trail from Grütschalp to Mürren, which passes by a small cheese operation. Or, you can base yourself in Lucerne and explore the surrounding area, including the Aeschbach Chocolatier and the Winteregg cheese farm along a hiking route near Mürren.
With so many options, Switzerland is a perfect destination for those who want to combine mountain hiking with tasting Swiss cheese and chocolate.
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Visit the chocolate factory in Broc
Switzerland is famous for its chocolate and cheese, so it's no surprise that the country offers a variety of chocolate and cheese-themed experiences for visitors. One such experience is a visit to the chocolate factory in Broc, also known as the Maison Cailler. Here are some tips and information to help you plan your visit:
Getting to the Chocolate Factory in Broc
The Maison Cailler chocolate factory is located in the town of Broc, in the Fribourg region of Switzerland. You can get to Broc by train or car. The train journey from Bern or Fribourg takes about an hour, with some trains even being referred to as the "Chocolat Express". You can also take a bus from Gruyère, Bulle, or Epagny to "Broc, Village, gare", and then take a 4-minute train ride to the Broc-Chocolaterie station. Alternatively, you can walk from the bus stop to the factory in about 15 minutes. If you're coming from Montreux, you can take the Chocolate Train, which is a day trip that includes a visit to a cheese factory, the town of Gruyères, and the chocolate factory.
What to Expect at the Chocolate Factory
At the Maison Cailler chocolate factory, you'll be immersed in the world of Cailler chocolate. The factory offers a multi-sensory experience, where you can learn about the history of chocolate, meet chocolatiers, and create your own chocolates in workshops. The factory tour includes a 20-minute multimedia animation show, available in multiple languages, that teaches you about the history of chocolate in Europe and Switzerland's role in refining the product. You'll also get to see a small-scale chocolate production line in action and enjoy unlimited tastings. The entire experience, including the tour and tasting, typically takes about 1.5 to 3 hours.
Combining Your Visit with Other Attractions
A visit to the chocolate factory in Broc can easily be combined with other attractions in the area. The nearby town of Gruyères, with its old town and Château de Gruyères, is a popular option. You can also hike in the gentle hills of the Fribourg canton or explore the terraced vineyards of Lavaux if you're interested in wine. If you're coming from Montreux, you can make a day trip out of it and include a visit to the Gruyère Cheese Factory as well.
When to Visit
The Maison Cailler chocolate factory is open almost every day of the year, but it is recommended to visit outside of weekends, Swiss school holidays, and peak tourism months to avoid crowds. The factory is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours during the summer months.
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Tour the cheese factory in Gruyeres
Switzerland is known for its chocolate and cheese, and one of the most notable cheese factories in the country is La Maison du Gruyère, located in the enchanting medieval village of Gruyères. The factory is situated just below the town, next to the train station, making it easily accessible by train.
La Maison du Gruyère offers an insightful museum tour that takes visitors through the entire cheese-making process, starting with the grazing of Swiss cattle. Visitors can observe cheese makers turning fresh regional milk into tens of "Le Gruyère AOP" cheese wheels daily. The tour also includes a glimpse into the vast cellar, where the cheese is stored, and concludes with the opportunity to sample various cheeses and other local specialties in the onsite restaurant. The restaurant serves a range of dishes featuring 'Le Gruyère AOP', including fondues, quiches, rösti, and risotto.
In addition to the restaurant, there is a market and gift shop where visitors can purchase local cheese, clotted cream, meringues, souvenirs, and other Swiss products. The factory also offers packages that include transportation and visits to Maison Cailler and the town of Gruyères.
For those interested in learning about traditional cheese-making, the Moléson's Mountain Cheese Dairy, located a short distance from Gruyères, offers demonstrations in a typical mountain chalet dating back to 1686. This experience is only available during the summer months.
With its rich history, charming architecture, and renowned cheese, a tour of the cheese factory in Gruyères is a delightful experience for anyone interested in Swiss culture and culinary traditions.
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Explore the medieval village of Gruyères
The medieval village of Gruyères is a picturesque location in the heart of Switzerland. It is known for its cultural and culinary offerings, including its world-renowned cheese and chocolate. Located in the canton of Fribourg, Gruyères is a small, pedestrian-only village nestled at the foot of the Pre-Alps. The village is characterised by its cobblestone streets, fountain, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside and mountains.
Gruyères is home to several museums, including the Castle of Gruyères, which dominates the village. The castle, built in the 13th century, was the former residence of the Counts and showcases eight centuries of art and history. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, available in multiple languages, and enjoy panoramic views of the Alpine foothills from the terrace.
The village also features the museum and bar dedicated to the artist H.R. Giger, known for his work in the "Alien" films. Other museums include the Tibet Museum and La Maison du Gruyère, where visitors can learn about the famous Gruyère cheese.
Traditional restaurants in Gruyères serve local specialities such as fondues, röstis, soup de chalet, and macaroni d’alpage. Visitors can also indulge in chocolate delights at the Chocolaterie de Gruyères, where they can learn about the history of chocolate and participate in workshops.
Gruyères has been recognised as one of Switzerland's most beautiful villages and was awarded the title of "Best Tourism Village" in 2021. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming atmosphere, and surrounding natural beauty make it a must-visit destination in Switzerland.
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Take the Chocolate Train from Montreux
Switzerland is famous for its chocolate and cheese, so it's no surprise that the country offers a Chocolate Train experience. This day trip takes you from Montreux to the Gruyère cheese and Cailler chocolate factories, as well as the historic village of Gruyères.
The Chocolate Train, made up of nostalgic GoldenPass Belle Époque coaches, departs from Montreux train station at around 9:45 am. On board, you'll be served coffee and chocolate bread. After a 45-minute train ride along the GoldenPass route, you'll arrive in Montbovon, where you'll transfer to a bus. The bus takes you to your first stop, the cheese factory La Maison du Gruyère, where you'll spend about an hour.
After a short bus ride, you'll arrive in the medieval town of Gruyères, known for its beautiful castle and culinary delights. You'll have free time to explore the town and purchase souvenirs.
Next, you'll board the bus again and head to the Cailler chocolate factory, Maison Cailler, a modern factory, museum, and shop. Here, you'll learn about the history of Swiss chocolate and cocoa in Europe, as well as get to taste some samples.
The Chocolate Train ride is available from May to September, with the best months being May, June, and September due to fewer travellers. It's important to plan ahead, as the Chocolate Train doesn't operate every day of the week.
The trip offers a great opportunity to experience Swiss culinary highlights and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few chocolate and cheese trails in Switzerland. One of the most popular ones is the trail in Montreux, which includes a trip to the chocolate factory in Broc and the cheese factory in Gruyeres. This trail can be covered in one day.
There is a bus tour that starts from Lake Zurich and takes you through the countryside of northern Switzerland. The tour includes a visit to the Lindt and Sprungli outlet, the Appenzell cheese factory, and the village of Appenzell.
Yes, there are a few other notable chocolate and cheese experiences in Switzerland. The Cailler Chocolate factory and the Gruyere Cheese factory can be combined as a day trip from Montreux. The Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg is another popular destination, which includes the world's tallest chocolate fountain and a chocolate tasting section.
