You can’t get any bigger contrast than this: Strolling through the pristine wholesome medieval streets of La Gruyère for one moment, and then entering another INSANE alien universe the next!

The H.R. Giger Bar is a work of art, modeled in the style of the Oscar-winning Swiss artist Hans Rudolph Giger (1940-2014), who famously designed the artistic concept for Ridley Scott’s “Alien” movie in 1979.

The interior decorations are simply eye-popping. Sit in one of the high-backed, bony vault chairs, and sip on coffee as you marvel at the dramatic skeletal arches that sweep across the ceiling. 

The bar itself serves quite the usual fare, and I felt that the drinks are just average at best… But really, you’re here mainly to marvel at the interior architecture and alien atmosphere!

There’s only TWO original Giger bars in the world: one here in Gruyères, the other one at Giger’s birthplace in Chur. So fans of Giger should not miss the chance to check this immersive experience off their bucket-list.

TIP: The bar is also right across from the Giger Museum, and also very near Gruyeres Castle. So if you’re visiting any of these two sites, this bar would be the perfect spooky pitstop along the way!