Gruyères is a medieval town in Switzerland that will take you on a historical and gastronomical journey. From its majestic castle and charming old town, to its famous cheese and chocolate factories, Gruyères has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, or adventure, you will find it in Gruyères.
In this article, we will show you the best things to do, see, eat, and experience in Gruyères, as well as how to get there, where to stay, when to visit, and what to pack. Read on and discover why Gruyères is a must-visit destination for travelers who love history, cheese, and chocolate.
How to Get to Gruyères
Gruyères is located in the canton of Fribourg, in the western part of Switzerland. It is easily accessible by different modes of transportation, such as train, car, bus, or plane. Here are some of the best ways to reach Gruyères:
- Train: Gruyères has its own train station, which is connected to the main Swiss cities by the regional trains. You can also take the scenic Chocolate train, which runs from Montreux to Gruyères and Broc, where you can visit the cheese and chocolate factories. The train ride takes about an hour and a half and offers stunning views of the lake and the mountains. You can book your tickets online or at the station.
- Car: Gruyères is about 120 km from Geneva, 150 km from Zurich, and 180 km from Bern. You can drive to Gruyères by taking the A12 motorway and exiting at Bulle. From there, follow the signs to Gruyères, which is about 6 km away. You can park your car at the public parking lot near the entrance of the old town, which costs 5 CHF per day.
- Bus: Gruyères is also served by several bus lines, which connect it to the nearby towns and villages, such as Bulle, Charmey, Moléson, and La Roche. You can check the timetables and fares on the official website of the Fribourg public transport.
- Plane: The nearest airports to Gruyères are Geneva and Zurich, which have international flights to and from many destinations. From the airports, you can take the train, the car, or the bus to Gruyères, as described above.
Where to Stay in Gruyères
Gruyères offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from hotels, bed and breakfasts, chalets, and holiday apartments, to alpine huts, collective accommodations, campings, and special accommodations. Here are some of the best places to stay in Gruyères, depending on your budget, preferences, and availability:
- Hotels: If you want to stay in a comfortable and convenient hotel, you can choose from several options in and around Gruyères. Some of the most popular ones are Hotel de Gruyères, which is located on a hill overlooking the town and offers modern rooms, a spa, and a restaurant; Hostellerie Saint-Georges, which is situated in the heart of the old town and features cozy rooms, a terrace, and a traditional restaurant; and Hotel le Gruyérien, which is located in the nearby village of Morlon and offers spacious rooms, a garden, and a restaurant.
- Bed and breakfasts: If you prefer a more intimate and personal experience, you can stay in one of the many bed and breakfasts in and around Gruyères. Some of the most recommended ones are La Fleur de Lys, which is a charming 18th-century house in the old town and offers four elegant rooms, a lounge, and a breakfast room; BnB Châteauvieux, which is a renovated farmhouse in the countryside and offers three rustic rooms, a garden, and a breakfast room; and BnB La Pinte, which is a cozy chalet in the nearby village of Enney and offers two comfortable rooms, a balcony, and a breakfast room.
- Chalets and holiday apartments: If you want to have more space and privacy, you can rent a chalet or a holiday apartment in and around Gruyères. Some of the most attractive ones are Chalet La Fleur des Neiges, which is a beautiful chalet in the mountains and offers three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a terrace; Appartement La Croix d'Or, which is a spacious apartment in the old town and offers two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a balcony; and Appartement le Chalet, which is a cozy apartment in the nearby village of Pringy and offers one bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a garden.
- Alpine huts, collective accommodations, campings, and special accommodations: If you are looking for a more adventurous and unique experience, you can stay in one of the alpine huts, collective accommodations, campings, or special accommodations in and around Gruyères. Some of the most interesting ones are Cabane du Petit Oiseau, which is a wooden hut in the forest and offers two beds, a fireplace, and a toilet; Auberge de Jeunesse de Gruyères, which is a youth hostel in the old town and offers dormitories, a kitchen, and a lounge; Camping de Gruyères, which is a camping site near the lake and offers pitches, tents, and caravans; and La Bulle de Gruyères, which is a transparent bubble in the countryside and offers a double bed, a bathroom, and a panoramic view.
You can book your accommodation online or by phone, and you can find more information and reviews on the official website of Gruyères tourism.
What to Do in Gruyères
Gruyères has a lot to offer to its visitors, from its historical and cultural attractions, to its natural and adventurous activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Gruyères, divided into four categories: attractions, activities, museums, and events.
Attractions
The main attractions in Gruyères are:
Gruyères Castle: The castle is the most iconic landmark of Gruyères, and one of the most impressive in Switzerland. It was built in the 13th century and was the residence of the counts of Gruyères until the 16th century. It is now a museum that showcases the history, art, and culture of the region, with rooms decorated with paintings, tapestries, furniture, and weapons. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the town and the mountains from the ramparts, the gardens, and the courtyard. The castle is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm (April to October) and from 10 am to 5 pm (November to March). The admission fee is 12 CHF for adults, 8 CHF for students and seniors, and 4 CHF for children. You can also join a guided tour for an extra fee.
Gruyères Old Town: The old town of Gruyères is a charming and picturesque place, where you can stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the medieval architecture. You can visit the Church of Saint-Théodule, which dates back to the 13th century and features a Gothic style, a baroque altar, and a stained glass window; the Town Hall, which was built in the 17th century and hosts the municipal administration and the tourist office; and the Fountain of the Samson, which was erected in the 16th century and depicts the biblical hero Samson fighting a lion. You can also browse the many shops, galleries, and cafes that line the streets, and buy some souvenirs, such as cheese, chocolate, or handicrafts.
Gruyères Cheese Factory: The cheese factory, also known as La Maison du Gruyère, is a must-visit for cheese lovers, as it shows how the famous Gruyère cheese is made. You can watch the cheese makers at work, learn about the history and the process of cheese making, and taste some samples of different ages and flavors. You can also visit the Cheese Cellar, where you can see more than 7,000 wheels of cheese maturing, and the Cheese Academy, where you can take a cheese making workshop and make your own cheese. The cheese factory is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm (April to October) and from 9 am to 5 pm (November to March). The admission fee is 7 CHF for adults, 6 CHF for students and seniors, and 3 CHF for children. You can also join a guided tour for an extra fee.
Gruyères Chocolate Factory: The chocolate factory, also known as Maison Cailler, is another must-visit for chocolate lovers, as it shows how the delicious Cailler chocolate is made. You can take a self-guided tour through the different stages of chocolate production, from the cocoa beans to the final product, and learn about the history and the secrets of chocolate making. You can also enjoy the interactive and sensory exhibits, and taste some samples of different types of chocolate. You can also visit the Chocolate Atelier, where you can take a chocolate making workshop and create your own chocolate. The chocolate factory is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm (April to October) and from 10 am to 5 pm (November to March). The admission fee is 15 CHF for adults, 12 CHF for students and seniors, and free for children. You can also join a guided tour for an extra fee.
Activities
The main activities in and around Gruyères are:
Hiking: Gruyères is surrounded by beautiful nature, and hiking is one of the best ways to explore it. You can choose from many trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, such as the Gruyères Castle Trail, which is a 4 km loop that starts and ends at the castle and offers panoramic views of the town and the valley; the Gruyères Cheese Trail, which is a 9 km hike that connects the cheese factory in Gruyères to the one in Moléson and passes through scenic pastures and forests; and the Gruyères Lake Trail, which is a 12 km hike that follows the shore of the lake and offers stunning views of the water and the mountains.
Biking: Gruyères is also a great destination for biking enthusiasts, as it has many routes of different lengths and difficulty levels, such as the Gruyères Bike Tour, which is a 25 km loop that starts and ends in Bulle and passes through Gruyères, Broc, and Charmey, and covers some of the main attractions and landmarks of the region; the Gruyères Mountain Bike Tour, which is a 35 km loop that starts and ends in Gruyères and climbs up to the summit of Moléson, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Alps; and the Gruyères E-Bike Tour, which is a 45 km loop that starts and ends in Gruyères and explores the countryside and the villages of La Gruyère, with the help of an electric bike.
Skiing: Gruyères is also a winter wonderland, and skiing is one of the most popular activities in the cold season. You can choose from several ski resorts and slopes of different lengths and difficulty levels, such as Moléson, which is the closest ski resort to Gruyères and offers 30 km of ski runs, 10 ski lifts, and a snow park; La Berra, which is another ski resort near Gruyères and offers 25 km of ski runs, 8 ski lifts, and a snow park; and Charmey, which is a ski resort in the nearby valley of La Jogne and offers 30 km of ski runs, 8 ski lifts, and a snow park.
Sledding: Sledding is another fun and exciting activity that you can do in Gruyères in the winter. You can choose from several sledding tracks of different lengths and difficulty levels, such as the Moléson Sled Track, which is a 4 km track that starts at the top of the funicular and ends at the bottom of the ski slope, and offers a thrilling ride with twists and turns; the La Berra Sled Track, which is a 3 km track that starts at the top of the chairlift and ends at the bottom of the ski slope, and offers a fast and fun ride with bumps and jumps; and the Charmey Sled Track, which is a 2 km track that starts at the top of the gondola and ends at the bottom of the ski slope, and offers a smooth and easy ride with curves and bends.
Ice skating: Ice skating is another enjoyable and relaxing activity that you can do in Gruyères in the winter. You can choose from several ice rinks of different sizes and locations, such as the Gruyères Ice Rink, which is located in the old town and offers a charming and romantic setting, with music and lights; the Bulle Ice Rink, which is located in the nearby town of Bulle and offers a large and modern facility, with a bar and a restaurant; and the Charmey Ice Rink, which is located in the nearby village of Charmey and offers a natural and rustic setting, with a view of the mountains.
Museums
The main museums in Gruyères are:
HR Giger Museum: The HR Giger Museum is a unique and fascinating museum that showcases the work of the Swiss artist Hans Ruedi Giger, who is best known for his surreal and biomechanical creations, such as the Alien creature from the famous movie franchise. The museum is housed in a former castle in the old town and displays more than 600 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and film props. You can also visit the HR Giger Bar, which is located next to the museum and features a stunning interior design inspired by the artist's style. The museum is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm (April to October) and from 10 am to 5 pm (November to March). The admission fee is 12.50 CHF for adults, 8.50 CHF for students and seniors, and 4 CHF for children.
Tibet Museum: The Tibet Museum is a remarkable and inspiring museum that showcases the art and culture of Tibet, one of the most mysterious and spiritual regions in the world. The museum is housed in a former chapel in the old town and displays more than 300 objects, including statues, paintings, masks, and ritual items. You can also visit the Tibet Garden, which is located behind the museum and features a peaceful and harmonious space, with plants, stones, and water. The museum is open every day from 11 am to 6 pm (April to October) and from 11 am to 5 pm (November to March). The admission fee is 10 CHF for adults, 8 CHF for students and seniors, and 5 CHF for children.
Chocolate Train: The Chocolate Train is not exactly a museum, but rather a special train that takes you on a delicious and delightful journey from Montreux to Gruyères and Broc, where you can visit the cheese and chocolate factories. The train is a vintage Belle Epoque or panoramic car, and offers a comfortable and scenic ride, with coffee and croissants served on board. The train runs from May to October, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and departs from Montreux at 9:12 am and returns at 5:35 pm. The ticket price is 99 CHF for adults and 49 CHF for children, and includes the train ride, the cheese and chocolate factory visits, and the lunch in Gruyères.
Events
The main events and traditions in Gruyères are:
Desalpe Celebration: The Desalpe Celebration is a colorful and festive event that marks the end of the summer and the return of the cows from the alpine pastures to the valley. The event takes place in late September or early October, and features a parade of cows decorated with flowers and bells, accompanied by farmers, herdsmen, and musicians. You can also enjoy the local food and drinks, such as cheese, sausages, wine, and cider, and the folk music and dances, such as the Alphorn, the yodel, and the flag throwing.
Benichon: The Benichon is a traditional and gastronomical event that celebrates the harvest and the bounty of the land. The event takes place in late September or early October, and features a feast of local specialties, such as the cuchaule, a saffron bread; the moutarde de Bénichon, a sweet and spicy mustard; the soupe aux choux, a cabbage soup; the jambon de la borne, a smoked ham; the gigot d'agneau, a lamb leg; the saucisse aux choux, a sausage with cabbage; the poire à Botzi, a pear with wine; and the bricelet, a thin and crispy waffle. You can also enjoy the local music and entertainment, such as the accordion, the violin, and the puppet show.
Cheese and Chocolate: Cheese and chocolate are not only the most famous products of Gruyères, but also the main themes of some of the events and festivals that take place in the region. You can attend the Cheese Festival, which takes place in May and features cheese making demonstrations, cheese tasting, cheese market, and cheese competition; the Chocolate Festival, which takes place in June and features chocolate making workshops, chocolate tasting, chocolate market, and chocolate sculptures; and the Cheese and Chocolate Days, which take place in October and November and feature cheese and chocolate workshops, cheese and chocolate fondue, cheese and chocolate pairing, and cheese and chocolate show.
Alphorn: The Alphorn is a traditional and musical instrument that is made of wood and has a long and curved shape. It produces a deep and resonant sound that can be heard from far away. The Alphorn is often played in the mountains, as a way of communication, entertainment, or meditation. You can listen to the Alphorn players in Gruyères, who perform regularly in the old town, the castle, or the countryside. You can also learn how to play the Alphorn yourself, by taking a lesson with a professional instructor.
Where to Eat in Gruyères
Gruyères has a lot of restaurants and alpine restaurants, where you can enjoy the local cuisine, as well as other types of food, such as Italian, French, and Asian. Here are some of the best places to eat in Gruyères, depending on your taste, budget, and availability:
Le Chalet de Gruyères: Le Chalet de Gruyères is one of the most popular and traditional restaurants in Gruyères, and offers a cozy and authentic atmosphere, with wooden furniture, fireplace, and folk music. The menu features the local specialties, such as fondue, raclette, Bénichon, and cheese and chocolate, as well as other dishes, such as salads, soups, meat, and fish. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. The service is friendly and attentive, and the quality is excellent. Le Chalet de Gruyères is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm, and you can book your table online or by phone.
Le Restaurant des Remparts: Le Restaurant des Remparts is another popular and traditional restaurant in Gruyères, and offers a charming and elegant atmosphere, with stone walls, wooden beams, and candlelight. The menu features the local specialties, such as fondue, raclette, Bénichon, and cheese and chocolate, as well as other dishes, such as pasta, pizza, burgers, and steaks. The prices are moderate, and the portions are decent. The service is courteous and professional, and the quality is superb. Le Restaurant des Remparts is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm, and you can book your table online or by phone.
La Fleur de Lys: La Fleur de Lys is one of the most refined and luxurious restaurants in Gruyères, and offers a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere, with floral decorations, crystal chandeliers, and classical music. The menu features the local specialties, such as fondue, raclette, Bénichon, and cheese and chocolate, as well as other dishes, such as foie gras, lobster, caviar, and truffles. The prices are high, and the portions are small. The service is impeccable and discreet, and the quality is outstanding. La Fleur de Lys is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm, and you can book your table online or by phone.
Restaurants and Alpine Restaurants: Besides the three restaurants mentioned above, there are many other restaurants and alpine restaurants in and around Gruyères, where you can enjoy the local cuisine, as well as other types of food, such as Italian, French, and Asian. Some of the most recommended ones are Le Saint-Georges, which is located in the old town and offers a cozy and rustic atmosphere, with a terrace and a traditional restaurant; Le Chalet, which is located in the nearby village of Pringy and offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, with a balcony and a pizzeria; L'Etivaz, which is located in the nearby village of L'Etivaz and offers a scenic and tranquil atmosphere, with a garden and an alpine restaurant; and Le Petit Oiseau, which is located in the nearby village of Enney and offers a quirky and fun atmosphere, with a wooden hut and a snack bar.
You can book your table online or by phone, and you can find more information and reviews on the official website of Gruyères tourism.
When to Visit Gruyères
Gruyères is a beautiful and charming destination, and you can visit it at any time of the year, depending on your preferences and expectations. Here is a guide on the best time to visit Gruyères, based on the season, weather, and activities:
- Winter: Winter is a great time to visit Gruyères if you love snow and skiing. You can enjoy the winter wonderland, with the town and the mountains covered in white, and the festive atmosphere, with the Christmas lights and markets. You can also enjoy the winter activities, such as skiing, sledding, ice skating, and wellness, and the winter events, such as the Berra winter treasure hunt, the New Year's Eve fireworks, and the ice sculpture festival. The average temperature in winter is -1°C, with a minimum of -5°C and a maximum of 3°C. The average precipitation is 80 mm, with a possibility of snow. The average daylight is 9 hours, with sunrise at 8 am and sunset at 5 pm.
- Spring: Spring is a good time to visit Gruyères if you love flowers and hiking. You can enjoy the spring scenery, with the town and the mountains blooming with colors, and the fresh air, with the fragrance of flowers and herbs. You can also enjoy the spring activities, such as hiking, biking, and wellness, and the spring events, such as the Easter market, the cheese festival, and the chocolate festival. The average temperature in spring is 10°C, with a minimum of 4°C and a maximum of 16°C. The average precipitation is 90 mm, with a possibility of rain. The average daylight is 13 hours, with sunrise at 6 am and sunset at 8 pm.
- Summer: Summer is a great time to visit Gruyères if you love sun and adventure. You can enjoy the summer weather, with the town and the mountains basking in the sun, and the warm atmosphere, with the lively terraces and markets. You can also enjoy the summer activities, such as hiking, biking, skiing, and water, and the summer events, such as the Desalpe celebration, the Alphorn festival, and the cheese and chocolate days. The average temperature in summer is 18°C, with a minimum of 12°C and a maximum of 24°C. The average precipitation is 100 mm, with a possibility of thunderstorms. The average daylight is 15 hours, with sunrise at 5 am and sunset at 10 pm.
- Autumn: Autumn is a good time to visit Gruyères if you love colors and culture. You can enjoy the autumn landscape, with the town and the mountains changing colors, and the cozy atmosphere, with the fireplace and the candles. You can also enjoy the autumn activities, such as hiking, biking, and wellness, and the autumn events, such as the Benichon, the cheese and chocolate days, and the Halloween party. The average temperature in autumn is 9°C, with a minimum of 3°C and a maximum of 15°C. The average precipitation is 90 mm, with a possibility of fog. The average daylight is 11 hours, with sunrise at 7 am and sunset at 6 pm.
Conclusion
Gruyères is a medieval town in Switzerland that offers a historical and gastronomical journey. It has a lot of attractions, activities, museums, and events that will appeal to different types of travelers, such as families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. It also has a lot of restaurants and alpine restaurants that will satisfy different tastes and budgets, as well as a lot of accommodation options that will suit different preferences and availability. It also has a lot of information and resources that will help you plan and enjoy your trip to Gruyères, such as the official website of Gruyères tourism, the tourist office, and the local guides.
If you are looking for a destination that combines history, cheese, and chocolate, then Gruyères is the place for you. Book your trip to Gruyères today and discover why it is a must-visit destination for travelers who love history, cheese, and chocolate.