A centuries-old tradition in Gruyère, cheese-making is deeply rooted in Fribourg's heritage. Immerse yourself in this tour that will take you into the world of two famous cheeses.

Description

Educational Trail

This educational trail connects La Maison du Gruyère, an artisanal demonstration cheese dairy, with the Moléson Village Alpine Cheese Dairy. The trail also highlights traditional wood-fire cheese-making demonstrations and offers two marked hiking routes: one via Les Reybes and the other via La Provêta.

Along each route, an alpine chalet still produces cheese early in the morning over an open wood fire. Visitors who request it at the starting cheese dairy receive a certificate upon arrival at the second dairy.

Each route takes about two hours of walking. Although completing the loop is recommended, one direction can also be traveled using public transport.

This trail invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of two famous cheeses produced here: Le Gruyère AOP and Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP. Along the way, hikers discover the pure mountain and forest air, the lush flower-filled pastures of La Gruyère with their herds of cows, the authentic alpine chalets covered with wooden shingles, the small Mongeron lake, and breathtaking views of the medieval town of Gruyères.

It is a world of aromas, flavours, and magic, perfectly suited to the transformation of milk into exceptional cheeses.

Through 12 information panels presented in three languages, hikers can discover fascinating facts about each cheese and their history. The panels recount legends, stories of monks and cheesemakers, the trade of Gruyère cheese dating back to the 15th century, the AOP designations awarded to both cheeses, and of course the manufacturing processes of both hard and soft cheeses. Together—like cousins who get along wonderfully—they create the famous Fribourg moitié-moitié fondue, an incomparable specialty.

Information and brochures are available at both cheese dairies as well as at the Tourist Offices.

The website
https://fribourg.ch/fr/la-gruyere/randonnees-pedestres/sentier-des-fromageries/

allows visitors to download the flyer, route profile, GPS data, and the corresponding SwitzerlandMobility map.

Prices

Free access. Demonstration at the Moléson Alpine Cheese Dairy – Prices

Up to 5 years old: Free

6 to 15 years old: CHF 3

16 to 63 years old: CHF 5

From 64 years old: CHF 4

Groups of 10 people or more:

Children: CHF 3

Adults: CHF 4.

Opening period

From 01/01 to 31/12 daily between 9 am and 6 pm.
La Maison du Gruyère
Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00
Production of Gruyère AOP three to four times per day depending on the season, between 09:00 and 12:30

From early May to the end of September

Moléson Alpine Cheese Dairy
Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00
Artisanal cheese-making demonstration at 09:45
Guided explanation of the cheese ageing process at 15:45.

Spoken languages

German
English
French

Localisation

Itinerary

Pets

Pets allowed : No

Cheese Trail