ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS: SWITZERLAND - GRUYERES

SPRINGTIME IN SWITZERLAND -

Part III GRUYERES

 

  

This post is a SWISS segment from my Travel Picks and Tips  inspired by my recent visit to England, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria in the spring of 2013. 

 

Enjoy the adventure!

Other posts from the SWISS segment of my trip:

GENEVA / LAKE GENEVA / APPENZELL

 

 

OUT AND ABOUT THE SWISS COUNTRYSIDE  

Gruyères

 

Touted by Trip Advisor as one of the top ten breathtaking villages in Western Europe,  the charming medieval castle town of Gruyères lives righteously up to its reputation.

 

Nestled regally on a hill overlooking Swiss farmland with the Alps rising sharply in the distance, the cobblestone village of Gruyères sitting at the foot of its impressive castle is famous for its namesake cheese, whose mild, nutty flavor melts so well in fondue.

Gruyere Cheese Dairy

CULTURAL TIP: Le Gruyere Cheese DairyOne can't visit Gruyères without a visit to the Gruyere Dairy where all the world's original Gruyere cheese is made. They have a lovely self-guided tour with headphones that explain the history of the cheese, its importance to the economy since the middle ages and how it is made. 
 

Swiss Farm Boy and working dog
delivering milk to the Dairy

 

Interprofession du Gruyère Case postale 12 CH-1663 Gruyères

Tél. +41 (0) 26 921 84 10

 

Exploring the cobblestone medieval village of Grueyers

RESTAURANT TIP: Restaurant le Chalet de Gruyères 

My friend Katharine and I about to indulge in a classic Swiss fondue lunch 

 After seeing how this world-famous chees is made, one must try it, and what better way than by ordering a mouthwatering Fondue at Restaurant le Chalet de Gruyères - one of Gruyères' signature cheese specialty restaurants in the heart of old town Gruyères.

 

Classic Swiss Fondue

We feasted that afternoon on fabulous fondue with bread, potatoes and pickles set in an old worlde rustic "stube" complete with Alpine handcarved wooden chairs and romantic candles everywhere.

 

The fondue was perfectly paired with fine Swiss local wines and we finished the dinner with a schnapps (to cut the fattiness of the cheese) and then coffee with their own signature crème chocolate to dip into the coffee. 

For the ultimate traditional Swiss Fondue or Raclette cheese experience, Chalet de Gruyères is not to be passed up on one's visit to Gruyères.

 

 Chalet de Gruyères Ruelle des Chevaliers 1 CH 1663 Gruyères  Tel +41 26 921 80 30 

 

MUSEUM TIP:  H. R. Giger

 

Entrance to the Museum

Just up the cobblestoned road from Chalet de Gruyères, is the main museum of Swiss surreal artist H. R. Giger.

 

Found in the small castle of St. Germain, the museum showcases the fantastical art of this Oscar-winner and "Alien" creator.

 

I found Mr Giger's futuristic art a little bit disturbing (I have never been a big fan of the film Aliens) and quite a sharp contrast from the Medieval surroundings of the quaint town of Guyères. I am sure, though, that it helps with bringing more tourists and art admirers to town who might not have thought to visit.

 



My friend, Katharine decided to visit the Giger mueum while I visited Gruyères  Castle: Chateau de Gruyères. She said it was a fascinating experience and if one is interested in this form of art, a must to visit when in Gruyères.





Across the lane from the Museum, is the H.R. Giger Café - reminiscent of sitting inside the bowels of an "Alien". Even the chairs are made in that genre of bizarre art. We had to have a drink and sit in those surreal chairs...just to say we had done it...and I must say we did not get gobbled up by anything extraordinary!

H.R. Giger Museum  Château St. Germain, 663 Gruyères

Tel. +41 26 921 22 00 

 

 

 

CULTURAL TIP:  Chateau de Gruyeres

 

As Katharine viewed the Skeletal creatures of H.R. Giger, I wandered up the stone-paved road to the magnificent Castle of Gruyères to envelope myself in the history of this enchanting Swiss village and its roots.

Sometime around the 11th Century, Gruerius, a nobleman out hunting in the area,  captured a crane (in French: “grue”) and chose it as his heraldic animal inspiring the name Gruyères. Legend has it that he was so enraptured by the beauty of the area, that he laid claim to the land and decided to settle here.

 

The town developed beneath the castle, which the Count of Gruyere had built on top of the hill, to control the upper Saanen valley. By 1195-96 it became a market town with a central street and city walls. The town developed separately of the castle.

 

Gruyères Castle imposes impressive fortifications, neatly manicured gardens and expansive views of the surrounding Alpine foothills.

The current castle dates back to the 13th century, and now houses an expansive museum depicting 800 years of regional architecture, history and culture. Following are some of the highlights I captured while walking around this well preserved property - one of Switzerland's finest castles to visit.

Inner Courtyard



Guard House

Oven

Colourful Wall Art

Coronation Robe



Period Stained Glass

Classic Kachloffen -
Traditional Ceramic room heater

One of the many drawing rooms cloaked in fine art

Detail

Music room

Beautiful example of a period piece

The Chapel

Grandios Fireplace

Castle Clock

Plan to spend the better part of an afternoon whilst visiting this fascinating collection of Swiss history and culture! Chateau de Gruyeres is well worth the visit and truly a remarkable experience.

Chateau de Gruyeres  Centre of Gruyères CH 1663 Gruyères, CH  Tel +41 921 21 02

 

 DOGS & SHOPS of  Gruyères : 

Gruyeres is littered with quaint little coulorful shops offering everything from finely crafted Swiss souvenirs through to (Swiss) chocolates and soaps.

Sweet Shop Dog

Delicious looking soaps

 One thing I observed was all of the dogs. Evidently Gruyerians love their pups as they were everywhere! I just could not resist snapping shots of some of them! 

La Gruyère Tourisme  Place des Alpes 26, 1630 Bulle +41 848 424 424

Other posts from the SWISS segment of my trip:

GENEVA / LAKE GENEVA / APPENZELL

Also see ENGLAND:  London, Oxford, Chester / IRELAND Galway / Dingle

AUSTRIA: Tyrolean Alpbachtal
 & BAVARIA 

  

Check out all pictures of my trip on

Flickr

 

ME! In a pre-historic
Irish Bee Hive Hut

 

  EUROPEAN TIPS AND PICKS 

 

" Life is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page."

 

Enjoy your visit to Switzerland and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions when planning your own trip to England, Ireland or Europe! After living in and travelling to Europe for almost 30 years, I love to help and recommend as and when I can!

Read a little bit more about me and my travel style HERE

Enjoy the adventure!
 

Mary Dawn DeBriae

 

European Tips and Picks
Alpen Schatz Style

www.AlpenSchatz.com

 

 

 

 

Also see ENGLAND / IRELAND / AUSTRIA

Spring Euro Trip 2013

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS: SWITZERLAND - APPENZELL

 

SPRINGTIME IN SWITZERLAND -

Part IV Appenzell

  

This post is the SWISS part of my Travel Picks and Tips from my recent visit to England, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria in the spring of 2013. 

 

Enjoy the adventure!

 

Other posts from the SWISS segment of my trip:

GENEVA / GRUYERES / LAKE GENEVA AND COUNTRYSIDE

 

 

PICTURESQUE TRADITIONAL SWISS VILLAGE:  

APPENZELL

 



Appenzell

After a long weekend exploring the Swiss French speaking countryside around Lake Geneva and Gruyeres I drove north through Berneroverland (where Bernese Mt Dogs come from) towards Zurich and St Gallen to the quaint village of Appenzell.

Crafting an Appenzell Bell Strap



Traditional Swiss Collar
on Appenzeller Dog

It is in this colorful Swiss village where our Alpen Schatz Swiss Collars and Cowbells have been handcrafted in the same tradition for over 7 generations. 

7th Generation Craftsman with Antique
family made Swiss Crafts

 

Nestled quietly amongst rolling green farmland at the foot of the majestic Alpstein mountain range, I classify Appenzell as the "Brigadoon" of Switzerland.

The surrounding countryside is littered with picturesque covered bridges and is a joy to hike around.








When hiking, watch-out for the territorial Apenzeller Farm Dogs

Appenzell even has a dog named after itself - a small tri-color or sometimes red and white coated dog - who help to protect and guard the farms.

Traditional Appenzeller Dogs

Traditional Appenzeller Tracht

Steeped in history and culture, Appenzell is probably the last truly old-fashion Swiss village left in Switzerland, keeping its traditions well guarded against modernization and conformation into the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Canton of Appenzell is well known to be the last Canton in Switzerland where Citizens from the canton assemble every last Sunday of April for the Landesgemeinde (general assembly) in a square in the village of Appenzell, the capital, and vote in the old-fashioned way of the raising of hands on laws and to elect the Governing Council; more than 3,900 citizens participate. In 1991, Appenzell Innerrhoden became the last Swiss canton to grant women the right to vote on local issues.



Traditional Appenzeller Music - note  the decorative suspenders -
part of the traditional dress

 

Appenzell even has its own beer, which is quite acclaimed and apparently pretty tasty.

Traditional art depicting the Alpaufzug

ALPAUFZUG: Twice a year the Appenzeller dairy farmers, make the long trek up to their high alpine meadow pastures and summer homes in the spring and  again back down to their valley farms in the fall (Alpabzug).

 

The first three cows wear perfectly tuned cowbells for
the procession, dinging in perfect harmony.

 

 

Decorative cowbell - worn specifically for the procession

The procession is a real treat to see, as it is never predicted more than 24 hours in advance on which exact day it will take place.






Farmers carry decorative cheese making tubs

The farmers  make their decision based on the local Farmer's Almanac and the weather.



Farmer, daughter and their Appenzellerhund



The whole family dresses in their finest on this exciting day.

 

Check out a video of the Alpaufzug below! Note that they walk straight through the narrow streets of Appenzell's downtown!

 

Café Adler

CAFE PICK: Café Adler

On the occasion that I got to experience the Alpaufzug, I happened to be sitting in a lovely café having one of their delicious cakes and coffee.

There were local dogs relaxing with their owners inside the café - aaaah how nice to be able to have an afternoon coffee with one's faithful companion.
 

Café Adler is the oldest café/bakery in Appenzell, with the original house being built in medieval times around 1480. The original house was burned down in the 16th century and rebuilt.



 
They have a fondue stube in the basement where one can see the original 15th century medieval floor through a plexiglass plank.



The current café has been run by the Family Leu for four generations.

 

Café Adler is known for its BIBER - a traditional Appenzeller cake often decorated with traditional Apenzell art. I tend to purchase these pretty cakes as gifts to bring back home to my friends and family.

Café Adler - am Adlerplatz Weissbadstrasse 2, Appenzell  Tel +41 71 787 13 89

 



HOTEL PICK: Freudenberg 

 

Perched high up on a grassy hill overlooking the charming village of Appenzell, the Hotel Freudenberg is but a mere 10 minute walk down the hill into town.

The hotel has charming rooms (some with balconies) that boast traditional hand painted Swiss  "farmhouse"  furniture. I found out that the current owner's father was the painter behind the beautiful furnishings in the rooms and adorning the  walls in the halls.

The rooms are of a nice size with large bathrooms and the bed was very comfortable.

Hotel Freudenberg boasts a restaurant with panoramic views overlooking Appenzell. Although I did not get a chance to sample their dinner, I must say the breakfast  that they serve is fit for a king and gives one a great start for the day. Their healthy breakfast comes complete with fruit, cheeses, cured meats, eggs, yogurts and traditional muesli.

 

For its location, views and dining options, the Hotel Freudenberg was perfect for my stay in Appenzell and I would gladly stay there again.

 

Freudenberg - Family Schiegg  Riedstrasse 57, Appenzell  Tel +41 71 787 12 40

 

TRADITIONAL FOOD PICK: Spätzle with Appenzeller-Käse

 

 

With all of the milk produced in the area, it is no wonder that Appenzell have created their own signature cheese: Appenzeller-Käse (Cheese).

 

Appenzeller cheese is Switzerland's spiciest cheese and has been made by hand in the same way for more than 700 years. The age-old craft of making cheese by hand is as much a part of the living heritage of the Appenzellerland as the local traditions of string music and rustic painting on wood.

 

Every time I visit Appenzell, have at least one meal of Spätzle with Appenzeller Cheese.  Spätzle is a form of dumpling and is coated in the mouthwatering slightly stinky Appenzeller cheese.

 

 

OUT AND ABOUT AROUND APPENZELL:

Visit to the Säntis

 



Heading up the Säntis in the Luftseilbahn

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

A short drive from Appenzell is the highest mountain in north eastern Switzerland: the Säntis, towering majestically 8209 feet above the gently rolling hills and valleys of Appenzellerland. 

 

One can take the Luftseilbahn up to the top of the Säntis where there is a fascinating museum about Appenzell culture and if one has the weather on their side, one has breathtaking views of six European countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein, France and Italy.

 

Me on top of the world!

Appenzellerland is known for its many scenic hikes, including one that takes you to the top of the Säntis! Someday...I say to myself, I would like to try this hike.  

Was für ein Erlebnis!

 

ENJOY YOUR VISIT!

 

Wrought iron painted signs adorn the shops in Appenzell



Traditinoal Appenzell Crafts

15th Century House in Appenzell

 

Other posts from the SWISS segment of my trip:

GENEVA / GRUYERES / LAKE GENEVA AND COUNTRYSIDE

  

Also see ENGLAND:  London, Oxford, Chester / IRELAND Galway / Dingle

AUSTRIA: Tyrolean Alpbachtal
& BAVARIA 

 

Check out all pictures of my trip on

Flickr

 

ME! In a pre-historic
Irish Bee Hive Hut

 

I wish to enlighten and share my recommendations with those who wish to travel to the parts of the world about which I write.

  

Enjoy your visit to Switzerland and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions when planning your own trip to England, Ireland or Europe! After living in and travelling to Europe for almost 30 years, I love to help and recommend as and when I can!

You won't be disappointed when booking any of my chosen favourites. Guaranteed!

 

Mary Dawn DeBriae

 

European Tips and Picks
Alpen Schatz Style

www.AlpenSchatz.com

 

 

 

 

Also see ENGLAND PART I / IRELAND PART II: DINGLE / AUSTRIA

Spring Euro Trip 2013