Nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps , Gruyères is a charming medieval town in the Canton of Fribourg renowned  for its beautiful scenery, rich history, world-famous cheese and incredible chocolate . With its cobblestone streets, 13th-century castle, unique cultural experiences like the H.R. Giger Museum, and delicious local specialties, Gruyères has something for everyone.

Gruyères is super small, it is only 300 metres long so it’s easily walkable in a few minutes. Hotels, cafes , restaurants line the cobblestone streets. I recommend exploring and check out the beautiful walking path Les Grands Chemins.

Don't miss the chance to indulge in chocolate workshops or explore the picturesque streets of this historic town.

📆 Best Time to Visit: Gruyères is beautiful year-round. Summer offers green landscapes and outdoor activities, while winter provides a snowy wonderland. Spring and autumn are quieter and provide a peaceful atmosphere with fewer tourists.

What to see & do:

🏰Gruyères Castle (Château de Gruyères): A highlight of any visit, this 13th-century castle offers a journey through history with stunning panoramic views, and fascinating museum exhibits. The castle gardens and the multimedia presentations add to the experience.

Entry fee: 12chf

🎟️HR Giger Museum: Dedicated to the works of Swiss surrealist artist H.R. Giger, known for his design of the creatures in the "Alien" movies, this museum showcases a range of his artwork. It’s a unique cultural spot in the quaint town, offering a contrast to the traditional Alpine charm.

Entry fee: 12chf or 19chf for combo ticket for HR Giger Museum & Gruyères Castle

🧀La Maison du Gruyère: Learn about the traditional cheese-making process at this cheese dairy. The interactive exhibits provide insights into the production of Gruyère cheese, and you can watch the cheese being made and enjoy a tasting session. If you visit in the morning, you can see the cheese-makers working. If you visit in the afternoon, you’ll watch the whole process through video.

Entry fee: 7chf

🍫Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory: Located in the nearby town of Broc, this chocolate factory offers tours that include the history of Swiss chocolate-making, interactive exhibits, and tasting opportunities.

🥾Hikes to check out:

If you have time the surrounding region offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. Trails like the Gruyères Tour and the Gorges de la Jogne provide breathtaking views of the mountains and the picturesque countryside.

Lake Gruyère: Lake Gruyère is perfect for boating and picnicking. The area around the lake is also great for cycling.

📸Funicular to Moleson - Sur- Gruyères : A town southwest of Gruyères. Here you can take the 5min funicular to Plan- Francey then onto the summit of Le Moleson for spectacular views.

How to get here:

Take the train from Interlaken to Bern. Then from Bern to Gruyères. It’s a 2hr 40min journey and worth it!

Where to eat:

🫕Le Chalet de Gruyères: This restaurant offers a quintessential Swiss dining experience, specializing in local dishes and cheese-based recipes.

Where to stay: Staying in the town centre allows you to fully immerse yourself in Gruyères' medieval charm. Hôtel de Ville or La Fleur de Lys, offer cosy accommodations with stunning views.