The 4 Best Cheese Factories in Switzerland: A Local's Guide
- Stefan
- Jan 14, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Let’s be honest: you can’t visit Switzerland without eating cheese. Living here in Zurich, I probably eat fondue way more often than my doctor would like. But it’s just part of the culture.
I’ve taken a lot of friends on what we call the "Tour de Cheese." It’s basically a road trip to visit the factories where the magic happens. Whether you want to see how the holes get into Emmental, visit the famous Gruyère cheese factory, taste the spicy Appenzell cheese, or discover my local favorite for Einsiedeln cheese near Zurich, I’ve got you covered.
I’ll recommend you to grab a Swiss Cheese Passport to collect stamps (and win prizes) along the way.
1. Cheese Manufacturer Einsiedeln: My personal favorite
This place is called the Milchmannufaktur Einsiedeln, and it’s one of my favorites because it feels the most "real." It’s not as huge as the others, so you get a better look at what’s happening. You can stand in the restaurant and look right into the production area where they turn local milk into mountain cheese.
Interactive Workshops: My friends and I did a workshop here, and it was a blast. You actually get to stand at a kettle and make your own "Mutschli" (a small cheese wheel).
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.
Stefans Tips for Einsiedeln:
Kloster Einsiedeln (Einsiedeln Abbey): Impressive architecture
Dine at the Restaurant: If you don't do the workshop, at least eat at the factory restaurant. They have local dishes that showcase their fresh cheese perfectly.
Einsiedler Beer: If you love beer, you have to try the local "Einsiedler" brand. It’s one of our favorites, and you can order it right there at the Milchmanufaktur.
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 Cheese Factory: Home of Appenzeller Cheese
If you like strong cheese, you have to go to the Appenzell cheese factory (Appenzeller Schaukäserei). Appenzeller cheese is known for being "spicy" because they rub it with a secret herbal brine called Sülz.
Address for Appenzell: Appenzeller Cheese Factory, Dorf 711, 9063 Stein, Switzerland
Stefan’s Tips for Appenzell:
Berggasthaus Aescher: You’ve probably seen this on Instagram. It’s a mountain inn built right into a cliff face. Take the gondola up from Wasserauen (nearby) and hike over.
Old Town Appenzell: Visit the town itself. The painted houses and the small streets are super charming.
The Perfect Day Trip: Combine the cheese factory, the Aescher cliff restaurant, and the old town. It makes for an amazing full-day excursion from Zurich.
3. Emmental Cheese Factory: The One with the Holes
You know the cheese in cartoons that has big holes in it? That’s Emmentaler. The Emmental Cheese Factory is where you go to see how those holes are actually made (it’s caused by fermentation gases getting trapped inside).
Address for Emmental: Emmental Cheese Factory, Schaukäsereistrasse 6, 3416 Affoltern im Emmental, Switzerland
Stefan's Tip for Emmental: Rent an e-bike and take the cheese route for a beautiful 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.
This is probably the most famous one. The Gruyère cheese factory (La Maison du Gruyère) is located right at the train station at the bottom of the hill.
It’s a bit more touristy than the others, but it’s still worth it. The audio guide is funny—it’s narrated by a cow named "Cherry"—so kids usually love it.
The Robots: You can watch robot arms lifting and turning the heavy cheese wheels in the cellar. It’s mesmerizing.
The Price: It’s the cheapest tour, only CHF 7 per adult. You get a packet of 3 cheese slices (aged 6, 8, and 10 months) to taste the difference.
Gruyère is the cheese we use for fondue (usually mixed with Vacherin).
Address for Gruyère: Pringy, Pl. de la Gare 3, 1663 Gruyères, Switzerland
Stefan’s Tips for Gruyère:
Gruyères Castle: Don't leave without walking up the hill to the medieval castle. It’s a cultural hub with great exhibitions.
HR Giger Bar: Across from the castle is a bar designed by the guy who created the monster in the movie Alien. It is super creepy and a total contrast to the cute Swiss village.
Double Cream: Try the "Meringues with Double Cream" at a local restaurant. It’s a sugar bomb, but delicious.
If you are planning to visit all of these spots, look for the Swiss Cheese Passport. It’s a fun little booklet. If you visit all 4 factories within two years, they send you a "Grand Tour Snack Box" with a Swiss cheese knife. It’s a fun challenge if you live here or visit often.
Final Thoughts from the author
The Tour de Cheese immerses you in Swiss tradition, culture, and food, showcasing the unique art of cheese-making. While cheese flavors vary, their production is similar, with small process differences making each cheese special.
For those more interested in eating than making cheese, additional tips help you explore Swiss culture and scenery beyond cheese locations.
Must-visit spots include Berggasthaus Aescher in Appenzell, where you can hike, enjoy stunning views, and admire architecture, and the e-bike tour through Emmental, offering family-friendly fun amid beautiful Alpine landscapes.
If you love castles, visit Gruyère, and for religious architecture, the Kloster in Einsiedeln is a must-see.
Ultimately, the Tour de Cheese is about more than tasting cheese; it's an experience of Swiss culture and landscapes, ideal for cheese enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Had enough cheese? If you have a sweet tooth, you should check out the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Kilchberg next
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.
