Gruyeres, Switzerland
The best cheese in the world is officially crowned. Welcome to Gruyeres in Switzerland.
This tiny hilltop town has a stunning view from every angle. From the medieval market to the 13th century castle, you’ll find it all. Summer offers hiking opportunities galore, while winter brings the opportunity to visit the nearby Moleson sur-Gruyeres skiing resort.
Stop by the wooden Chalet de Gruyeres to taste Gruyeres’ namesake cheese. La Maison du Gruyere is the place to go to see how this cheese is made. The Maison Caillerchocolate Factory is another foodie treat. From the outside, it looks like a scene from a Wes Anderson film, but inside, it provides a peek into the secrets behind Swiss chocolate making.
The surreal HR Giger Museum is located in Gruyeres. It celebrates the work of the Swiss artist who created the alien from the 1979 film “Alien”. A drink in the bar designed by Giger, with an eerie, skeletal aesthetic, will help you escape the fairytale atmosphere in Gruyeres. – Francesca Street