La Maison du Gruyère
Place de la Gare 3, Gruyères, Lake Geneva, 1663
The pre-Alpine town of Gruyères is best known as the home of Switzerland’s most famous cheese. The town’s working show dairy, La Maison du Gruyère, educates visitors on the region’s traditional and modern cheese-making through an interactive exhibition and factory tours, which include ample opportunity to savor a taste of authentic Gruyère AOP.
The basics
Tours to La Maison du Gruyère typically depart from major Swiss cities, including Geneva and Interlaken. As one of the most important sites of Switzerland’s culinary heritage, the factory is commonly visited on food-focused day tours, often along with the nearby Maison Cailler chocolate factory. You’ll need between 30 minutes and an hour to get around the facility, leaving time to explore Gruyères’ medieval old town or wander up to its hilltop fortress.
Things to know before you go
- There is a small restaurant on-site that serves Swiss specialties, plus a cow-themed playground.
- Some tours include admission; otherwise, entrance fees can be paid on arrival.
- Two scenic walking routes link La Maison du Gruyère with its sister diary, La Fromagerie d'Alpage de Moléson—keen hikers can pick up a route guide at reception.
How to get there
La Maison du Gruyère is conveniently located directly opposite Gruyères Station. It takes around two hours to get there by train from both Geneva and Bern and just over an hour by car. Parking is available for free outside the factory.
When to get there
Full cheese-making demonstrations take place daily, taking around two hours a time. Check the factory’s schedule ahead of arrival if there’s a process you’re particularly keen to see.
Save with a Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass includes admission to more than 500 museums, including La Maison du Gruyère, Gruyères Castle, and the HR Giger Museum. It also includes unlimited use of the country’s public transit network, making it a great way to save while exploring one of Europe’s most expensive countries.
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