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To Gruyéres or not Gruyéres...

I'm trying to decide if taking a 3 hour trip each way to Gruyéres is worth it for a day trip. I'm spending most of my time in the Berner Oberland, and I could use that day to spend more time in Luzern.

What I've discovered about myself is I'm a foodie and I only like a small village if exploring it and then come back to a modern room with comfy bed where everything doesn't close at 6pm. I also like a big city that has a great transit system and lots of nooks and crannies to explore.

Any thoughts? Is it better to just eat the Gruyéres and Chocolate while sitting in a café in a pretty city?

Posted by
328 posts

I like Gruyeres ... especially hiking in the hills nearby but a 3 hour trip there and back, I don't think so. I can pretty much guarantee there are things to see that there is something equally as pretty and interesting, if not more, much closer to your home base. Besides, you basically talked yourself out of doing the 3-hour day trip in your question. If you are a city person, use that time for Lucerne instead.

Posted by
3387 posts

Gruyere is a very cute hilltop fortified village. It is quite touristy but has lots of charm. It isn't large but has winding streets with shops, restaurants and a small chateau that you can tour. Although it's a nice place to visit I don't know if I would drive three hours to get there. There are many other great villages for a foodie like you and I think that driving to Gruyere isn't necessary to get your food fix. The cheese museum isn't anything terribly unique so don't go for just that either. I would choose the pretty city/cafe/cheese/chocolate plan!

Posted by
16893 posts

There will be no shortage or cheese or chocolate in any part of Switzerland. I love both, but so far have not made it to Gruyere in several visits to the country. Appenzeller Extra is my favorite cheese, and you can buy Erika's locally made product from her cheese hut in Gimmelwald.

Posted by
39 posts

Thanks Anita! That was really helpful--especially the part about the process of making cheese in Gruyéres is pretty much the same as it is everywhere else in Switzerland. =) I'll bring my iPad and look at the Gruyéres Castle while sopping up rösti in a pot of melted Gruyéres in Gimmelwald ;-)

Posted by
39 posts

Thanks Laura! I will keep my eye open for Appenzeller Extra (just because you recommended it! =) BTW, I like more full bodied cheeses like Raclette & Gruyére rather than mild ones like Emmental. Any others you recommend looking out for?