Where to Eat, What to Do, and When to Visit

When you think of cheese and Switzerland, the first thing that comes to mind is Gruyère cheese, the internationally acclaimed, aged, hard cheese with a rich and nutty flavour, seemingly perfect for so many different dishes. But there’s more to Gruyère than cheese, there’s an enchanting, medieval town perched in the Fribourg Canton of Switzerland, situated in the heart of the Swiss Pre-Alps.

During our time in Basel, we were set on discovering the best day trips from Basel, and decided on Gruyères, which was far from a disappointment. From quintessential food, postcard worthy views, and a castle, Gruyères really is the perfect day trip, and has every necessary element for anyone keen to experience the best of Medieval Switzerland.

In this guide, we’ll take the heavy work out of planning, and take you through the necessary elements in planning the perfect day trip to Gruyères, from how to get to Gruyères, when to visit Gruyères, and what to do in Gruyères. Hopefully, with this guide, you’ll be on your way to a memorable day in Gruyères, fully equipped with all the details you need to make the most of your day.

How to Get to Gruyères

Train

Like most destinations in Switzerland, Gruyères is easily accessible by public transportation. Located in the picturesque southwestern part of the country, it can be reached by both bus and train, though I highly recommend taking the train for the most scenic and comfortable ride.

While there are no direct trains from major Swiss cities to Gruyères, such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel, or Lucerne, the journey typically involves a few easy transfers. Despite the changes, it’s a straightforward and stress-free trip, offering a great chance to take in Switzerland’s beautiful landscapes along the way.

Car

Another option is to travel to Gruyères by car, particularly if you're incorporating it into a wider Switzerland road trip. Driving from major Swiss cities to Gruyères is relatively straightforward, with times that make it an easy day trip. For example, driving from Zurich to Gruyères takes around 2 hours, while driving from Geneva to Gruyères is about 1.5 hours. If you're coming from Lucerne, you can expect the drive to take roughly 2 hours as well. From Base to Gruyères, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Gruyères, making it a convenient and scenic option for those based in the north of Switzerland. These driving times make Gruyères a great stop for anyone keen on exploring Switzerland at their own pace.

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Organised Trip

For our visit to Gruyères, we opted for an organized tour to maximise our time in both Basel and Gruyères. These tours usually include transportation, admission to a few key activities, and free time to explore the town on your own. We appreciated not having to worry about transportation or booking tickets, and we especially enjoyed the freedom to wander and take in the sights at our own pace, all within the designated time before heading back.

These tours offer fantastic options for travelling to Gruyères from various cities across Switzerland, with a range of themes to suit different interests. Whether you're into cheese and chocolate, regional wine tastings, or other unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

When to Visit Gruyères

While Gruyères feels different depending on the season, its fairytale-like charm remains unchanged. The medieval streets, the stunning views, and the famous cheese create a timeless atmosphere that transports you, no matter when you visit.

Gruyères tends to be the busiest in the summer months, particularly from June to August, when tourists flock to the region to enjoy the pleasant weather and explore the town’s outdoor attractions. We visited Gruyères in the summer, in late August, and while there were a fair amount of people, it wasn’t anything overwhelming (just make sure you make restaurant reservations). There was a pre-fall chill to the air, creating the perfect temperature for exploring the town.

The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, offer a quieter experience. During spring (April to May), the town starts to come alive with blooming flowers, and the weather is mild, making it an ideal time for those who want to enjoy Gruyères without the summer crowds. Fall in Gruyères (September to October) also brings cooler weather, along with the striking autumn foliage, providing a picturesque backdrop for your visit.

During our visit, I couldn’t help but imagine how dreamy Gruyères must be in the winter. With its medieval buildings dusted in snow, the crisp mountain air, the cobbled streets, it feels like something straight out of a fairytale. The nearby ski resorts and winter activities add an extra layer of winter magic, making Gruyères in the winter perfect for a cosy getaway.

Things to Do in Gruyères

Whether you're excited to savour authentic Swiss fondue in its birthplace, witness the centuries-old art of Gruyère cheese crafting, explore a magnificently preserved medieval castle, or simply wander cobblestone streets that seem frozen in time, there’s something for everyone in Gruyères. Here are the best things to do in Gruyères to make the most of your day, and experience every aspect of this enchanting town.

La Maison du Gruyère

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland’s cheese country, La Maison du Gruyère is more than just a dairy, it's a deep dive into the world of one of Switzerland’s most iconic cheeses. First opened in 1969, this interactive cheese-making experience invites visitors to explore the sights, sounds, and aromas of Gruyère production, from pasture to plate.

Your visit begins with an interactive exhibition, where all your senses are engaged in the centuries-old tradition of cheesemaking. Then, head to the observation gallery to watch expert cheesemakers craft wheels of Gruyère in real time. The experience wouldn't be complete without a cheese tasting, where you can sample Gruyère aged to different perfection levels.

Located in Pringy, at the foot of Gruyères’ medieval castle, La Maison du Gruyère is just a short stroll from the town’s historic centre. Admission starts at CHF 6.00, with discounts available for families and groups.

Wander Gruyères Town

Before I even set foot in Gruyères, I’d already fallen for it through photos. It looked too picturesque to be real – how could somewhere be this beautiful? As a fan of both history and nature, the idea of exploring a medieval town with over 800 years of history, surrounded by breathtaking Swiss mountain views, was an easy choice.

Gruyères sits on a small hill, and honestly, the best way to explore it is on foot. The cobbled streets are perfect for a leisurely wander, lined with charming buildings, traditional Swiss chalets, and inviting cafés. The main square is the heart of the town, full of life and offering stunning views in every direction. Whether you're admiring the historic architecture, browsing unique local shops, or simply soaking in the fairy-tale atmosphere, every corner feels like stepping back in time.

What really stood out to me about the shops here is that they didn’t have that over-commercialised, touristy feel you often find in popular destinations. Instead, there was a real artisan vibe, with each shop offering something different. It added to the town’s authenticity. We stopped for a coffee at Le Saint Georges Gruyères Hotel, and it was the perfect break. The views of the Swiss Alps were absolutely stunning, the service was friendly, and the complementary chocolates were delicious.

even on a rainy day, Gruyères is magical

Fondue in Gruyères Town

It’s 100% absolutely necessary to enjoy classic Swiss fondue during a day trip to Gruyères. (Unless you’re a vegan visiting Gruyères!)

Quite literally meaning “melted” in French, fondue is a cornerstone of Swiss cuisine, both in Switzerland and in restaurants around the world. The earliest known recipe for fondue dates back to Zurich in 1699, but back then, it was a simple dish for peasants – just cheese melted with wine. What’s typically served as fondue today, though, is Gruyère cheese, which in medieval times was far too rich and expensive for the average person. These days, fondue comes in all sorts of variations, from the classic to truffle and garlic-infused options.

We didn’t plan as well as we should have and missed the memo to book a reservation at the restaurant we had set our sights on. Of course, we showed up during peak lunchtime – the busiest time of day – and were turned away from just about every place in town.

Just as we were about to give up and settle for some quick snacks, we stumbled upon Le Bonnet Rouge, a small restaurant at the entrance to the town centre. Normally, we only go for places with a Google rating of 4.3 or above, but this was our only option, so we decided to give it a go. And that’s where the lesson comes in – it ended up being one of our best meals. Despite the language barrier (neither of us speaks French fluently), the setting was absolutely charming, and we had the most delicious pesto fondue, served with potatoes, bread, pickles, and pearl onions.

Through our travels, we’ve realised that reviews only tell part of the story. Your own experience is what really matters. Too often, people flock to highly-rated spots, creating a cycle that leaves some hidden gems overlooked.

With basil flavours, plenty of garlic and Gruyère and wine reduction, the pesto fondue was even better than you could imagine fresh

Castle of Gruyères

The Castle of Gruyères is one of the town’s standout attractions, and it’s easy to understand why. Located just a short walk from the main square, it sits atop a hill, offering spectacular views of the medieval town and the Swiss Alps stretching into the distance. Built in the 13th century, it’s a prime example of a classic mountainside fortress, and the location alone makes it a must-see.

Admission is around CHF 12 for adults, which gives you access to both the historic and modern exhibits. Inside, you’ll explore a mix of medieval architecture and contemporary art. The rooms are filled with medieval armour, tapestries, and paintings, giving you a deep dive into the castle’s history. But it doesn’t stop there, the castle also hosts modern art exhibitions that add a fresh perspective and contrast to its ancient surroundings.

You’ll also find the Chapel of St. John, which is worth a visit for its beautiful stained-glass and simple yet striking design. The castle’s impressive collection of furniture, porcelain, and historical artefacts offer a glimpse into the past, while the modern art brings in something unexpected.

One of the best parts is the castle’s courtyard, where you can sit and enjoy the stunning views. It’s the perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery before heading back inside to discover more.

Have More Time?

If you're planning to spend more time in Gruyères or even stay overnight, there’s plenty to do both in town and in the surrounding area. Beyond exploring the castle, you’ll find other museums worth visiting, like the HR Giger Museum, which showcases the surreal and eerie artwork of the Alien designer, or the Museum of Gruyères, which delves into the town’s history and traditions.

But no trip to the Swiss mountains is complete without heading outdoors. This was the downside of a day trip with only having a specific period of time to explore, we would’ve loved heading out on a hike and staying the night. Gruyères is surrounded by fantastic hiking trails that range from easy scenic walks to more challenging routes with rewarding views. A great option is the hike to Le Moléson, a well-known peak offering panoramic views of the Alps. You can hike up or take the funicular partway and continue on foot. Another good route is the Gruyères to Broc trail, which takes you through rolling countryside and leads to the famous Maison Cailler chocolate factory.

For more hiking options around Gruyères, check out this guide: Komoot – Hiking Around Gruyères.

Where to Stay in Gruyères

If you decide to stay a night or two in Gruyères, there aren’t many hotels directly in town, there are still some great options.

For a stay right in the heart of Gruyères, Hotel de Gruyères is a solid choice. It’s just a short walk from the main square, offering comfortable rooms and great mountain views. Another option is Le Saint Georges, a traditional Swiss hotel with a cosy atmosphere and an on-site restaurant serving local specialities.

If you don’t mind staying just outside the town, Le Tonnelier in Bulle is a good alternative for where to stay in Gruyères, offering modern rooms and easy access to Gruyères.

Since accommodation is limited, it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

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How to Spend a Day in the Fairytale Town of Gruyères, Switzerland [2025 Guide]