You may already be familiar with the name of this place, as it is famous for its production of Gruyères cheese. Gruyères is a charming little medieval town located on top of a hill north of the Alps in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. It’s rich with history, and is pretty much as picture-perfect as it gets! Read on to start planning your visit to Gruyères with this complete travel guide.
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Gruyères, Switzerland
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Getting To Gruyères
Gruyères is so tiny, that if you are going to visit it, it most likely will be as a day trip or for a night as a stop along your travels.
By train:
There are no direct trains from the bigger cities in Switzerland, but you can still get there easily regardless (you just might have to transfer trains depending on where you’re coming from). Ultimately, you will take a train to the nearby town of Bulle. From Bulle, catch a connecting train that takes you to Gruyères.
From the train station, it is a 15-minute walk up the hill to the town center. (Or you can take the bus.)
By car:
Gruyères is a car-free village. However, if you are traveling by car, it’s not a problem at all. Once you arrive, there are a few free parking lots at the bottom of the hill (near the train station). You will leave your car there and either walk to the town or take the bus.
Getting Around Gruyères
Walking:
The village of Gruyères is really tiny and compact and it is easily doable on foot. It’s literally just a town square surrounded by medieval houses and (you guessed it) a castle.
That being said, the surrounding region is rich in beautiful nature and opportunities for outdoor activities and if you don’t have a rental car you’ll want to take advantage of the various means of public transportation and tours. (Visit the official website for more info.)
Best Areas To Stay In Gruyères
Village Center:
Again, Gruyères is tiny, so you will most likely stay in this area. There are a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts.
Countryside Retreats:
If you prefer a more serene and tucked-away experience, you should consider staying in the countryside around Gruyères. There are a variety of guesthouses and country inns and you are surrounded by pure beauty.
Farm Stays:
If you are wanting to try something a little unique and different, you can opt for a farm stay! Gruyères and its surrounding region have several charming farms that welcome visitors. They offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature, interact with farm animals, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.
Best Hotels In Gruyères
Hôtel de Gruyères: $$
This is a great, affordable option. Hôtel de Gruyères is a 3-star hotel with a beautiful historic facade. The rooms are clean and charming and the hotel has a panoramic terrace with amazing views of the surrounding landscape. It is also an excellent location, only about an 8-minute walk from Gruyères Castle.
Hôtel de Ville: $$
A little boutique hotel in the heart of Gruyères. It is located in a historic building with 8 individually designed rooms. It also has a cozy lounge and bar that provide a relaxing space to unwind after a day of exploring!
Le Saint Georges Gruyères: $
Located right next to Gruyères Castle on a cute cobblestone street. The rooms are clean and cozy and the hotel also has a couple restaurants and a bar.
Best Restaurants In Gruyères
The HR Giger Bar Museum:
This place in an absolute must see. If you’re a movie lover you’ve probably heard of Swiss artist H.R Giger and his otherworldly designs for the Alien franchise. This Alien-themed bar, located right next door to the museum, lets you step into the world of Alien and enjoy a cocktail or coffee while feeling like you’re aboard the LV-223. Honestly, this place rocks!
Le Chalet de Gruyères:
Located in the Hôtel de Gruyères, this traditional Swiss chalet-style restaurant feels so authentic and warm with it’s wood-paneled walls and old Swiss decor. They serve classic Swiss dishes from the region – you must try the raclette or fondue!
Things To Do In Gruyères
SHOPPING:
Artisanal Craft Shops:
As you wander through Gruyères’ streets, you’ll come across a bunch of artisanal craft shops. There’s everything from pottery to woodwork to textiles. There’s beautiful handcrafted pieces made by local artisans – perfect if you are looking to pick up some unique souvenirs!
Fashion and Gift Boutiques:
As you explore the town, you will also find a variety of fashion and gift boutiques. They have Swiss clothing, accessories, and jewelry; along with handcrafted leather goods, Swiss watches, and intricate silver pieces that make great gifts or personal mementos!
SIGHTSEEING/ACTIVITIES:
Gruyères Castle:
Obviously, you can’t go to Gruyères without visiting Gruyères Castle. The medieval castle is perched on a hill overlooking the village and is actually one of the most famous castles in Switzerland. They offer guided tours where you get to explore the well-preserved rooms, check out the antique furniture, and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle also hosts various exhibitions, providing insights into the region’s heritage and medieval life. If you’re there between Easter and September you can also wander the castle gardens!
Explore the Gruyères Village:
Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, and check out the traditional Swiss architecture. Pop in some of the shops or grab a hot chocolate at one of the charming little cafés.
La Maison du Gruyère:
This is for all you cheese-lovers! No visit to Gruyères is complete without indulging in the region’s most famous delicacy (and namesake)—Gruyère cheese. This factory and restaurant has an interactive exhibition that teaches you all about the art of cheesemaking. You get to witness the traditional process, from milk collection to cheese aging, and learn about the history and culture surrounding Gruyère cheese. It’s very cool. The best part: you get to end your visit with a cheese tasting! (Be sure to also check out the boutique, La Maison du Gruyère Boutique, with lots of yummy Swiss treats!)
Scenic Hiking Trails:
Gruyères has numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. Wander into the countryside, and admire the rolling green hills, beautiful lakes, and panoramic views.
CULTURE:
HR Giger Museum:
If you’re a fan of the movie Alien (and even if you’re not), you must check out this museum! It showcases the works of the Swiss artist H.R. Giger, known for his surreal and otherworldly creations. You can see a bunch of his incredible paintings, sculptures, and design concepts, which have left a lasting mark on the world of art and film, most notably the Alien franchise.
The depth and variety of H.R Giger’s artwork is really incredible, but beware some of his work is not PG-13.
Tibet Museum:
This museum is dedicated to Tibetan culture and spirituality. It has one of the largest collections of sacred Buddhist art in the entire world and you can explore exhibitions on Buddhism, traditional art, and rituals.
HOT TIP: They have a museum guide that you can access. It basically acts as a tour guide and teaches you all about the pieces that you see in the museum.
Festivals and Events:
Gruyères holds a bunch of super fun events and festivals throughout the year.
There is a cheese festival in the spring, which is a free event on the main street with several cheese makers from the surrounding region. You learn all about cheese and there’s even art demonstrations (like how to make traditional wooden spoons, etc).
During the months of June – October, Gruyères hosts Alphorn in Gruyères, where you can enjoy Alphorn players and flag throwers dancing and playing music.
Check out the calendar of events to see what will be going on when you visit!
Hidden Gems In Gruyères
Gruyères is a gem in and of itself, but here are some places that are a bit off-the-beaten-path that you should check out!
La Tour de Marsens:
Tucked away just outside the village is this medieval tower, dating back to the 13th century. You can climb the narrow staircase to the rooftop terrace, where you’ll find incredible panoramic views.
Sentier des Narcisses:
A hiking trail that winds through meadows and forests with thousands of wild narcissus flowers. Stroll along the path, and admire the vibrant colors surrounding you.
HOT TIP: Make sure you do this in the spring when all the flowers come to life!
Moléson-sur-Gruyères:
If you want to venture a bit outside the village, visit the majestic mountain, Moléson-sur-Gruyères. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers with its panoramic hiking trails and breathtaking vistas. In the winter, Moléson-sur-Gruyères transforms into a winter wonderland, with skiing and snowboarding opportunities for all skill levels.
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FAQ
How many days should you spend in Gruyères?
As previously mentioned, Gruyères tends to be a popular spot for a day trip. But you could definitely do 2 days there if you’re interested in exploring the surrounding area and going on hikes or bike tours.
How expensive is Gruyères?
Gruyères can be a bit expensive, but the accommodations are surprisingly affordable, compared to other places in Switzerland.
When is the best time to visit Gruyères?
Gruyères doesn’t actually get too terribly cold in the winter, so you could enjoy it any time of year. But we recommend visiting during the summer (June – September) to catch the best weather.
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. We are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, so we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. We are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, so we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
