Gruyeres, Switzerland

Nestled in an idyllic valley, the medieval village of Gruyeres beckons visitors with a promise of history, quaint charm and a whole lot of cheese.

Yes. Cheese.

Known for the famous cheese that bears its name, Gruyeres continues a long tradition of cheese production since its humble beginnings in the 12th century. Stepping off the train, the famous Gruyeres cheese factory sits across the street from the train station. Here, you can tour the factory and learn about the cheese making process. Depending on when you arrive, you could even catch the cheese making demonstration.

I managed to see the start of the process, but it does take a large chunk of time to watch the whole thing. Luckily, there are several videos throughout the museum so you can get a glimpse at every stage of the process in a shorter time frame. I wouldn’t say that going to the factory is an absolute must, but if you have time, you might as well check it out while you are in Gruyeres. And be sure to grab some cheese from the gift shop before you leave.

Up a hill from the cheese factory sits the medieval village I promised you, crowned by the Gruyeres castle. Home to counts, bailiffs and artists since the 13th century, the chateau is a beautiful mix of medieval craftmanship and baroque interiors, an ode to the changing styles and art throughout the centuries.

Pro Tip: Buy a bundle ticket at La Maison du Gruyere

When you purchase your ticket at the cheese factory, be sure to add on castle admission for a reduced price. This will save you a few francs than if you were to purchase two separate tickets for the attractions.

You can’t leave Gruyeres without stopping for a cheese-laden meal at one of the many restaurants in the village. Most will be priced about the same and offer a standard menu of regional favorites. From raclette to fondue to toasties, there is an abundance of cheesy options to satisfy your appetite. If it’s a nice day, try to snag a table outside. The views of the snow-capped mountains and the Saane valley beyond the village never gets old. But be prepared to wait if it’s a sunny day – outdoor seating is always in high demand.

The majority of the shops in Gruyeres are cheesy souvenir shops (pun most definitely intended), but walking the cobbled streets and window shipping is a great way to combat the oncoming food coma. Gruyeres is a perfect destination for a day trip, just two hours away from Geneva or Neuchatel by train and small enough to be seen in an afternoon. If you have time, be sure to check out the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc, just one train stop away from Gruyeres.

Most of my day trips around Switzerland have been to bigger cities like Luzern or Zurich, but I loved the change of pace in Gruyeres, with its intimate atmosphere and historical charm. It is definitely a must-see destination on your Swiss tour.