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! However, we were not very impressed by the sour cream…it was way too thick and fatty. Most of all we were not impressed with the prices…but we got used to it in Switzerland…it’s just an expensive country.
My favorite tourist attractions 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.
- 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 Gruyere, Switzerland
Legend: Yellow – start, Red – see, Green – walk, Blue – drive
1. Medieval Village
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.
Narrow streets in Gruyeres with the mountains in the background.
See my photos from Gruyeres, Switzerland
2. Gruyeres Castle
Continuing to walk up the cobblestone street we come to the small yet impressive Gruyeres Castle. This is such a typical setup for medieval villages.
The castle in Gruyers sits on a hilltop overlooking the mountains
See my photos from Gruyeres, Switzerland
3. Gruyeres Cheese Factory
Gruyeres is great for tourists…the Swiss are ready for you! This includes a very convenient tour of a famous Gruyere Cheese factory. There is plenty of parking and you just buy tickets and go.
Visiting the local cheese factory at Gruyeres.
See my photos from Gruyeres, Switzerland
4. Taste the food
Gruyeres is most famous for its dairy products. 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.
Fresh raspberries and very rich creme served at a local restaurant in Gruyeres, Switzerland.
See my photos from Gruyeres, Switzerland
Our bill definitely put a damper on our enjoyment of the meal, but oh well…we were in Switzerland and we were somewhat prepared.
So, be prepared to pay a lot of money for a lunch at any local restaurants. You’ve got to try some of the local specialties.
5. Chocolate
Since great milk goes well with chicolate, this beautiful area also has my favorite chocolate factory.
A short 10 minute drive, in the village of Broc you will find the Caillers chocolate factory.
My wife and I in front of the Caillers chocolate factory in the village of Broc.
See my photos from Gruyeres, Switzerland
6. Take in the surrounding area
Postcard perfect mountain landscape in Gruyeres, Switzerland.
See my photos from Gruyeres, Switzerland
My best resources for planning a trip to Gruyeres, Switzerland
Search my list of hotels in the Gruyere area, or in Geneva, Switzerland.
See my pictures from Gruyeres, Switzerland.
Driving directions to Gruyeres. Gruyeres is about one hour north of Geneva, Switzerland 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 it worth visiting Gruyeres, Switzerland
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 this is definitely a great day trip from Geneva and well worth your time.
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