Switzerland is synonymous with breathtaking landscapes, precision watches, and, of course, world-renowned cheese. While factory tours offer a glimpse into the large-scale production of Swiss cheese, there’s a more authentic and enriching experience waiting for you in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Visiting an Alpine cheesemaking farm not only immerses you in the traditional methods of cheesemaking but also connects you with the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of the region.
The Allure of Alpine Cheesemaking vs. Swiss Cheese Factory Tour
Alpine cheesemaking farms are nestled in the pristine meadows and picturesque villages of the Swiss Alps. Here, cheesemaking is more than a craft—it’s a way of life that has been passed down through generations. The cheese produced in these high-altitude farms, known as “Alpkäse” or alpine cheese, is distinct in flavor and quality, thanks to the cows’ diet of diverse alpine grasses and wildflowers. This cheese is only made during the summer months when the cows roam the lush Alpine fields and the cheese gets made from their raw milk daily.
Why Visit an Alpine Cheesemaking Farm?
There are plenty of reasons why you should be visiting an Alpine Cheesemaking Farm in Switzerland:
- Authentic Experience: Unlike factory tours that focus on mechanized production, an Alpine cheesemaking farm offers an up-close and personal look at traditional cheesemaking methods. You’ll witness the entire process, from milking the cows to aging the cheese in rustic cellars.
- Stunning Scenery: The journey to an Alpine cheesemaking farm is an adventure in itself. As you travel through winding mountain roads and lush valleys, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. The serene environment and fresh mountain air provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Hands-On Learning: Many farms offer interactive experiences where you can try your hand at cheesemaking. Guided by skilled cheesemakers, you’ll learn how to curdle, cut, and mold cheese, gaining a deeper appreciation for this ancient art.
- Taste the Difference: Alpine cheese is celebrated for its unique flavors, which vary depending on the season and the specific alpine pastures where the cows graze. Tasting cheese at its source, paired with local wines or fresh bread, is an unparalleled gastronomic delight.
- Cultural Connection: Visiting a family-run farm allows you to connect with the local community and learn about their traditions, stories, and way of life. This cultural exchange enriches your travel experience and leaves you with lasting memories.
What to Expect During Your Alpine Cheese Farm Visit
The Cows
Your tour will begin early in the morning when the cows are resting in the stables after the early early morning milking session. You will get to meet them all before we start exploring and learning about the Alpine cheesemaking process.
Hands-on Cheesemaking Workshop
Next, you’ll observe the cheesemaking process. Not only that, you will get a full hands-on workshop on how to make traditional Swiss Alpkäse or Alpine Cheese. The fresh milk is heated in large copper vats, and natural rennet is added to curdle the milk. The curds are then cut, stirred, and cooked until they reach the desired consistency. This is followed by pressing the curds into molds and setting them aside to age. You get to chance to participate in each step and even make your own small cheese wheel called Mütschli.
Cellar Tour
One of the highlights of the visit is the tour of the aging cellar. Here, wheels of cheese are carefully tended, turned, and brushed to develop their distinctive rinds and flavors. The cool, humid environment of the cellar is ideal for aging cheese, and you’ll learn about the various factors that influence the aging process.
Cheese Tasting & Alpine Breakfast
No visit to an Alpine cheesemaking farm would be complete without a tasting session. On arrival you will be served a delicious Alpine breakfast full of homemade jams, bread, sausages (smoked above the cheese cauldron fire) and of course cheese. You’ll sample a variety of cheeses, each with its unique taste profile, texture, and aroma. The tasting often includes explanations of how different factors—such as the cows’ diet, the altitude, and the aging process—contribute to the flavors of the cheese.
Whey (Foot) Bath
Adding to the uniqueness of your visit many Alpine cheesemaking farms offer a soothing whey bath experience. Ever since the resurgence of the Alpine whey bath, the natural and nutrient properties of whey have been getting a lot of attention. Whey, a byproduct of the cheesemaking process, is rich in nutrients and known for its skin-softening properties. Soaking your feet in a warm whey bath provides a relaxing and rejuvenating treat, enhancing your overall farm visit experience.
Book a trip to a Swiss Dairy & Alpine Cheesemaking Farm
This 4-5 hour Cheese Farm visit & Alpine Cheesemaking workshop is available for 149 CHF per person including transfer, big Alpine breakfast brunch, cheesemaking workshop, meet & greet with the cows, whey footbathing, cheese cellar visit and unlimited Alpine views!
7:50am Pick-Up at the Interlaken West Train Station and the Adventure Hostel Interlaken
8:00am Departure into the mountains. 30min. drive
8:30am Small 15min Hike towards the Cheese Farm (only reachable on Foot)
8:45am Welcome at the Farm with Coffee, Tea & Alpine Brunch
9:00am Cheesemaking Workshop
9:30am Cheese Tasting and more Eating & Drinking including Swiss Rösti
9:45am Meet & Greet with the Cows
10:00am Whey Footbath
10:30am Cheese Cellar Visit
10:45am Picture Taking & View Gazing
11:00am Hike back to the Van + Transport back to Interlaken
12:00-12:30pm Arrival back in Interlaken
Top 10 Swiss Cheese Factory Tour
While Alpine cheesemaking farms offer an intimate and traditional experience, visiting a Swiss cheese factory tour provides insight into the scale and efficiency of modern cheesemaking. This is an inherent and big part of Swiss (economical) culture and a highly interesting side too. Due to its bigger scale it is less intimate and not so hands-on as visiting a Swiss alpine cheesemaking farm. Still worth a visit though so have a look at one of these great cheese factory tours if you happen to be in their neighbourhood:
- Gruyère Cheese Factory (La Maison du Gruyère) – Gruyères: Learn about the production of Gruyère AOP cheese through interactive exhibits and watch cheesemakers at work.
- Emmental Show Dairy – Affoltern im Emmental: Witness the production of Emmental cheese and explore the historical and modern aspects of cheesemaking.
- Appenzeller Cheese Factory – Stein: Discover the secrets of Appenzeller cheese and enjoy guided tours and tastings.
- Tilsiter Switzerland – Bissegg: Tour the Tilsiter cheese factory and learn about the history and production of this famous cheese.
- Sbrinz AOP Cheese Factory – Lucerne: Explore the production of Sbrinz cheese, one of Switzerland’s oldest cheese varieties.
- L’Etivaz Cheese Dairy – L’Etivaz: Visit the traditional alpine cheese dairy and see how L’Etivaz cheese is made using wood-fired copper vats.
- Vacherin Mont d’Or Dairy – Jura: Learn about the seasonal production of Vacherin Mont d’Or and enjoy tastings of this creamy cheese.
- Tête de Moine Cheese Dairy – Bellelay: Discover the unique process of making Tête de Moine cheese and try your hand at creating the famous cheese rosettes.
- Raclette du Valais AOP Dairy – Valais: Experience the production of Raclette cheese and enjoy a traditional raclette meal.
- Stadtkäserei Cheese Factory – Zurich: Explore urban cheesemaking and see how local milk is transformed into delicious cheese right in the city.
Factory Tours vs. Alpine Cheesemaking Farm Visits
While Cheese factory tours offer a comprehensive look at the large-scale production of Swiss cheese, they often lack the personal touch and immersive experience of visiting an Alpine cheesemaking farm. Factory tours are informative and showcase advanced technology and efficiency, but they can feel more commercial and less connected to the traditional roots of cheesemaking.
In contrast, an Alpine cheesemaking farm visit is a deeply engaging experience that offers:
- Intimacy: Small, family-run farms provide a more personal and welcoming atmosphere.
- Education: Hands-on learning and direct interaction with skilled cheesemakers enhance your understanding of the craft.
- Entertainment: Activities like milking cows, making cheese, and relaxing in a whey bath make for a memorable and enjoyable visit.
- Engagement: The opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and traditions creates a richer and more fulfilling experience.
Ultimately, while factory tours are impressive and educational, an Alpine cheesemaking farm visit offers a unique, authentic, and intimate journey into the heart of Swiss cheesemaking tradition.
Join us for a Swiss Alpine Cheese Farm Visit
To visit a scenic Swiss Alpine cheese farm high above Interlaken join us. Find out everything about it and more right here.
