Gruyeres is a small mountain village in the Gruyere region of Switzerland. It is famous for cheese and the Gruyeres sour cream. The cheese is great indeed while the sour cream was very thick. Most of all we were not impressed with the prices…but we got used to it in Switzerland…it’s just an expensive country. So join me as we explore the best things to do in Gruyeres Switzerland.
Gruyeres is one of my favorite day trips from Geneva. Touristy for good reason, Gruyeres has it all: history, food and a beautiful location. If I can think of an ideal village that shouts Switzerland, it would be Gruyeres. So, let’s start walking and explore the best things to do in Gruyeres.
My Favorite Things to Do in Gruyeres
- Walk around the medieval village and admire the landscape you can see from the hill. Also make sure you taste some delicious and authentic fondue.
- Visit the Gruyeres castle on top of the hill. This is not a spectacular castle, but it does offer some great views of the surrounding country side.
- Visit the Gruyeres cheese factory and museum.
- Drive or walk to the Caillers Chocolate factory in the nearby village of Broc. It’s only 10 minutes by car.
Walking tour map of Gruyeres
Legend: Yellow – start, Red – see, Green – walk, Blue – drive
With our map in hand and a comfortable pair of walking shoes, let’s start my favorite things to do in Gruyeres.
1. Gruyeres Village
Narrow streets in Gruyeres with the mountains in the background.
See my photos from Gruyeres
Let’s start our list of best things to do in Gruyeres with the actual village itself. Walking through the medieval Gruyeres is delightful, even though the village is very small. Old buildings line up the main cobblestone street leading up to the castle on the top of the hill.
At the foot of the Pre-Alps, you will be enchanted by the charm and picturesque architecture of the medieval town of Gruyères. The town has given its name to the area and to its delicious cheese. Come and explore a little town that’s been unaffected by the passage of time. Visit the impressive medieval castle and delight in the town’s wonderful gastronomy.
2. Gruyeres Castle
The castle in Gruyers sits on a hilltop overlooking the mountains
See my photos from Gruyeres, Switzerland
Continuing our walking tour of Gruyeres, we follow the main cobblestone street and we come to the small, yet impressive Gruyeres Castle. This is such a typical setup for medieval villages. Gruyeres Castle takes you back in time all the way back to medieval times and gives you amazing views of the beautiful countryside. Gruyeres Castle definitely belongs on any list of things to do in Gruyeres.
3. Taste the Local Food
Fresh raspberries and very rich creme served at a local restaurant in Gruyeres, Switzerland.
See my photos from Gruyeres
Stopping at a local restaurant is our next stop on our walking tour of Gruyeres. Gruyeres is most famous for its dairy products, and tasting local food definitely made our list of favorite things to do in Gruyeres.. There is a lot of milk and cheese in every local dish. We loved the fresh cheese fondue and fresh fruit with some very thick but fresh cream. Our bill definitely put a damper on our enjoyment of the meal, but oh well…we were in Switzerland and we were somewhat prepared to spend more than usual. So, be prepared to pay a lot of money for a lunch at any local restaurants, but you’ve got to try some of the local specialties.
4. Take in the Gorgeous Views
Postcard perfect mountain landscape in Gruyeres, Switzerland.
See my photos from Gruyeres, Switzerland
Lavaux is internationally famous as a terraced wine- growing region on the shores of Lake Geneva. Part of the Lavaux (bas-Lavaux) has been recognised since 2007 as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Stop here for some truly mesmerizing panoramic views. Admiring the views from around the village, should definitely be part of any list of things to do in Gruyeres.
5. Gruyeres Cheese Factory
Visiting the local cheese factory at Gruyeres.
See my photos from Gruyeres
Coming back down from the medieval village, we come to our next stop on our list of things to do in Gruyeres: La Maison du Gruyeres cheese factory. Gruyeres is great for tourists…the Swiss are ready for you, so just follow the signs! This includes a very convenient Gruyere tour of a famous La Gruyere Cheese factory. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Gruyere shop if you want to purchase souvenirs. There is plenty of parking and you just buy tickets and start your visit.
La Gruyere Cheese Factory takes you into the heart of the senses with an exhibition on fragrances and tastes. You will discover the secrets of cheese-making according to ancestral tradition and should definitely make your list of best things to do in Gruyeres.
6. Caillers Chocolate Factory
My wife and I in front of the Caillers chocolate factory in the village of Broc.
See my photos from Gruyeres
Since great milk goes well with chocolate, this beautiful area also has my favorite chocolate factory. While this is not really part of a walking tour of Gruyeres, a short 10 minute drive, in the village of Broc you will find the Caillers Chocolate Factory. This stop should definitely be part of your list of things to do in Gruyeres.
Dive into the wonderful world of Cailler chocolate with your every sense. Your eyes discover mysterious ancient Aztec cocoa rituals. Your ears hear fascinating accounts of the first ever chocolate recipe in Switzerland. Your hands feel roasted cocoa beans and your nose wants to follow the aroma of freshly made chocolate. After the tour you will be left alone in the tasting room to try as much chocolate as you like.
Plan Your Trip to Gruyeres
Staying in Gruyeres. Search my list of hotels in the Gruyere area, or in Geneva, Switzerland.
How do You Get to Gruyere Switzerland?. Gruyeres is about one hour north of Geneva by car. There are trains that you can take as well, but using a car is the easiest way to get there. Also, by car you can drive through the mountain passes and get back to Geneva the “back” way. You will love the landscape.
Local map of Gruyeres, Switzerland and surrounding area.
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Is Gruyere Worth Visiting?
We loved visiting Gruyeres ! The only negative point would be the food prices in the area…but oh well, you’re in Switzerland. Anywhere you’re going it will be expensive, so Gruyeres is definitely a great day trip from Geneva and well worth your time.
