The Best Cheese Factories in Switzerland to Visit: A Gourmet Journey
- Stefan
- Jan 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 12
There’s no Switzerland without cheese. From the creamy wheels aging in mountain cellars to the steaming fondue pots in alpine huts, cheese is woven into the country’s culture. On this “Tour de Cheese,” I’ll take you to four of the best places where you can watch the magic happen — and taste it right where it’s made.
Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, these stops mix local flavor, hands-on experiences, and some of the most scenic regions in Switzerland.
Located in the charming town of Einsiedeln, the Cheese Manufacturer Einsiedeln blends traditional techniques with contemporary innovation. You can observe master cheesemakers skillfully transforming local milk into world-famous Swiss cheese.
Interactive Workshops: For groups, consider joining a cheesemaking session—try your hand at creating cottage cheese or mutschlis (smaller cheese wheels). The workshop takes about 60–90 minutes, and although primarily in German, everyone in our group still enjoyed it. Mutschlis need four to six weeks to mature, so plan on someone returning to pick them up later.
Tip for Einsiedeln:
Kloster Einsiedeln (Einsiedeln Abbey): Admire its impressive architecture and learn about its rich history.
Dine at the Cheese Manufacturer’s Restaurant: Sample local dishes that showcase freshly made cheese.
Einsiedler Beer: If you love beer, definitely try the local Einsiedler brand—one of our favorites. You’ll find it at the cheese manufacturer (Milchmanufaktur) or at many nearby restaurants.
Add-Ons for Your Trip:
Private Tours of Einsiedeln Abbey and Its Library: Delve deeper into the abbey’s intriguing past and explore its remarkable collection of historical volumes.
This is inside the historic library
2. Appenzell: Home of Appenzeller Cheese
Journey to Appenzell, a region famous for its rich cultural tapestry and the unique Appenzeller cheese. The cheese factory in Appenzell not only allows you to observe cheese-making but also educates about the secretive herbal brine that gives Appenzeller cheese its distinctive flavor. The region's deeply rooted traditions in cheese-making are evident in every aspect of the factory.
Address for Appenzell: Appenzeller Cheese Factory, Dorf 711, 9063 Stein, Switzerland
Tip for Appenzell: Walk or take the gondola up to Berggasthaus Aescher (Instagram alert), a mountain inn nestled against a breathtaking cliff, and the old town of Appenzell, known for its charming streets and vibrant cultural life. Both are perfect spots for enjoying local cuisine and absorbing the panoramic views of the Alpstein mountain area. The Aescher, the charming old town of Appenzell, and the cheese factory collectively make for an excellent full-day excursion from Zurich by car. For more information about Berggasthaus Aescher and details on how to get there, please visit their official website.
3. Emmental Cheese Factory: The Origin of Swiss Cheese
Explore Emmental, the birthplace of the world-renowned Emmental cheese, characterized by its distinctive large holes. The Emmental Cheese Factory is a place where tradition blends seamlessly with technology, revealing how the famous holes in Emmental cheese are formed naturally during fermentation. Visitors can enjoy watching the cheese age in massive cellars, a process vital to developing its unique flavor.
Address for Emmental: Emmental Cheese Factory, Schaukäsereistrasse 6, 3416 Affoltern im Emmental, Switzerland
Tip for Emmental: Rent an e-bike and take the cheese route for a picturesque journey through the hilly landscapes of Emmental. This route offers not only a visit to the cheese factory but also a chance to explore the beautiful countryside, dotted with traditional Swiss farms. Here are the specifics for the cheese route, including bike rental locations, a map, and directions on how to reach there.
Conclude your tour in Gruyère, known for its namesake cheese, a staple in fondues and a symbol of Swiss culinary heritage. La Maison du Gruyère provides an immersive experience into the world of Gruyère cheese, from its origins to its role in Swiss culture. The demonstrations and tasting sessions provide an in-depth understanding of why Gruyère is so cherished in Swiss cuisine.
Address for Gruyère: Pringy, Pl. de la Gare 3, 1663 Gruyères, Switzerland
Tip for Gruyère: Don't miss the Gruyères Castle, a nearby medieval castle that offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. The castle is not just a historical site but also a cultural hub, hosting various exhibitions and events that showcase the art and traditions of the Gruyère region.
As you explore the diverse cheese factories in Switzerland, don't miss the opportunity to enrich your experience with the Swiss Cheese Passport. This unique initiative invites you to visit all four show dairies along the Grand Tour of Switzerland, each offering a distinct perspective on the art of cheese-making.
By visiting all four within two years, you'll receive a Grand Tour Snack Box, including a Swiss cheese knife and a piece of fine Swiss cheese. The passport is available at the show dairies, tourist offices, and online.
For more information, visit the Swiss Cheese Passport.
Final Thoughts from the author
The Tour de Cheese is a journey through Swiss tradition, culture, and gastronomy. Each destination uniquely showcases Swiss cheese-making. While the cheeses themselves offer diverse flavors, the underlying process of crafting them is strikingly similar. It's the nuances in the cheese-making process that make each variety distinct and cherished.
For those inclined towards savoring the cheese without delving deep into its production, the additional tips provided are invaluable. They offer a chance to explore Swiss culture and beauty beyond the cheese dairies.
Among these locations, the Berggasthaus Aescher in Appenzell and the e-bike tour through Emmental stand out. The former offers an invigorating hike, an architectural marvel, and breathtaking views, while the latter promises fun for the entire family amidst stunning Alpine scenery.
If castles captivate your interest, then Gruyère is your ideal destination. On the other hand, for those fascinated by religious architecture, the stunning Kloster in Einsiedeln is a must-visit.
In essence, this Tour de Cheese is more than just about tasting different cheeses; it's about experiencing the richness of Swiss culture and the beauty of its landscapes, making it a perfect journey for both cheese enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss Cheese Factories
What is the best cheese factory to visit in Switzerland? It depends on your interests. For history, head to Gruyère. For hands-on workshops, try Einsiedeln. For scenic hikes with cheese, Appenzell is hard to beat.
Can you make your own cheese in Switzerland? Yes! The Cheese Manufacturer in Einsiedeln offers workshops where you can make small wheels (mutschlis). They take weeks to mature, so someone will need to pick them up later.
How much does it cost to visit a cheese factory in Switzerland? Most show dairies charge around CHF 10–15 per adult and about half that for children. Workshops or guided tours cost extra.
Do I need to book tickets in advance? For regular self-guided visits you usually don’t, but for workshops or group tours it’s best to book in advance online or by phone.
What are the opening times of Swiss cheese factories? Typical opening hours are 9:00–18:00 daily (Einsiedeln opens earlier at 8:00, and restaurants often stay open later). Always check the factory’s website before you go.
Which Swiss cheese is best for fondue? Gruyère is the classic, often combined with Vacherin Fribourgeois in a moitié-moitié fondue. Both can be bought directly at La Maison du Gruyère.
How do I get to the cheese factories without a car? All four show dairies are accessible by train or bus. SBB Mobile or local transport apps make it easy to plan your route.
Can I taste cheese during the visit? Yes! Most factories include a tasting session in the entry fee, often with samples of young and aged cheeses.
Are cheese factories family-friendly? Absolutely. Kids enjoy the workshops, interactive exhibits, and watching the giant copper vats in action. Emmental and Gruyère are especially popular with families.
What is the Swiss Cheese Passport? It’s a fun program that encourages you to visit all four main show dairies. If you collect stamps at each one within two years, you’ll receive a Grand Tour Snack Box with a Swiss cheese knife and cheese.
