La Maison du Gruyère: the must-knows

  • La Maison du Gruyère is a show dairy and cheese factory in Gruyères.
  • A quick tour can be done in an hour. So there’s plenty of time to include more excursions, such as a visit to the chocolate factory in Broc.
  • If you’re a cheese lover, take your time in the restaurant and shop.
  • Many cheese products sold there are sealed: you can store them outside a refrigerator for a while.
  • Access is free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Min. time required: 1:00
Season: all year
Recommended season: all year
Max. altitude: 810 m (2657 ft)

What is La Maison du Gruyère? Copy link to clipboard

La Maison du Gruyère is a cheese factory and show dairy in Switzerland, right next to the railway station of the medieval town Gruyères. This is located in the canton of Fribourg.

The museum is open year-round. You can learn about cheese-making in an interactive exhibition, watch the process and taste products. A shop and restaurant are available too.

Cheese factory prices, tickets and reservations Copy link to clipboard

What does a ticket for the cheese factory cost?

In 2024, an entrance ticket to La Maison Gruyère costs CHF 7 per adult if you don't have a rail pass.

Discount options

Where to buy your tickets

If you need tickets, you can buy them in the museum. Booking a tour that includes the cheese factory is another option. Many tours include transportation, plus visits to Maison Cailler and the town of Gruyères.

Reservations for La Maison du Gruyère

Booking is only required for groups of 10 or more. This has to be done at least 48 hours in advance.

Find tours that include the cheese factory Copy link to clipboard

Gruyères Medieval Town, Cheese Factory and Maison Cailler Tour from Interlaken
Culinary (cheese), Culinary (chocolate)Guided day tour
Embark on an intimate journey with our small-group tour from Interlaken to Gruyères. Limited to six persons, travel by van and explore the cheese-making process with a visit to the Gruyères cheese factory. Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Gruyères village during a leisurely two-hour lunch stop. In the …

Offered by Viator: www.viator.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Lowest Price Guarantee: Viator will refund the difference if you find a better price.
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Gruyères Medieval Town, Cheese Factory and Maison Cailler Tour from Bern
Culinary (cheese), Culinary (chocolate)Guided day tour
Embark on an intimate journey with our small-group tour from Bern to Gruyères. Limited to six persons, travel by van and explore the cheese-making process with a visit to the Gruyères cheese factory. Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Gruyères village during a leisurely two-hour lunch stop. In the …

Offered by Viator: www.viator.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Lowest Price Guarantee: Viator will refund the difference if you find a better price.
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Bern: Gruyères Castle
Bern: Gruyères Castle, Cheese, Chocolate Small Group Tour
Culinary (chocolate)Guided day tour
Immerse yourself in the lipsmacking world of Swiss cuisine, as you discover the story behind the country's favorite delicacies: chocolate, and cheese.

Offered by GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Best Price Matching: GetYourGuide will pay the difference if you find a lower price.
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
This list includes external links to our trusted partners.

Promotions Copy link to clipboard

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Free museum entrance with your rail pass Copy link to clipboard

The travel passes below grant free entry to the cheese factory.

PassDiscount
Swiss Travel Pass Free:
  • Entrance fee
Swiss Travel Pass Flex Free:
  • Entrance fee

How to reach the museum: directions and map Copy link to clipboard

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Example: 01.07.= 1 July
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Example: 13:15=1:15 PM

How does the timetable work?

The easiest way to reach the cheese factory is by train, as La Maison du Gruyère is located right next to the railway station of Gruyères. You can't miss it.

There are trains from 3 main directions:

  1. From Montbovon in the south. Montbovon is located on the GoldenPass route. It can be reached from the directions of Montreux and Zweisimmen/Thun/Interlaken. You can travel to Montbovon on regular trains or on GoldenPass trains.
  2. From Lausanne/Bulle in the south.
  3. From Bern and Fribourg in the north.

Learn how to plan your trip in the timetable here.

The Chocolate Train day trip from Montreux

The Chocolate Train is a day trip from Montreux by train and bus, including visits to the cheese and chocolate factories and to the town of Gruyères.

Traveling to the cheese factory by car

The cheese factory can be reached by car too. A parking lot is available.

Map: location of the cheese factory La Maison du Gruyère

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Map

Opening dates and timetable info Copy link to clipboard

When is the cheese factory open?

The museum area of La Maison du Gruyère can be visited all days of the year. Details:

  • Opening hours for the museum are from 09:00 to 18:30 (from June to September) or to 17:00 (from October to May). On December 24, 25 and 31, and on January 1, the museum closes at 16:00.
  • You can enter until 30 minutes before closure time.
  • The store and restaurant are usually open from 07:30. Closure is between 18:30 and 19:00.

How to plan your journey with the Swiss timetable

If you plan your journey with the Swiss timetable, you can enter "Pringy-Gruyères, La Maison du Gruyère, Place de la Gare" as your destination. Alternatively, just put in "Gruyères". That's the name of the railway station located directly opposite the cheese factory.

Best time to visit the cheese factory Copy link to clipboard

The cheese factory is open year-round. All seasons and all types of weather are good for a visit

  • On clear-weather days you can do a short tour in La Maison du Gruyère and enjoy the rest of your day in the outdoors, in or near Gruyères.
  • On rainy days this is a perfect indoor activity, especially if you take your time and have a bite in the restaurant.

Weather info and forecasts for Gruyères Copy link to clipboard

You don't need good weather for a tour in the cheese factory. If you plan to combine your visit with sightseeing in Gruyères or hiking, dry weather is of course preferable.

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What to expect from a visit to the cheese factory

Interactive exhibition

You can start your visit with a 30- to 45-minute tour through the interactive exhibition. You’ll be given a headset with audio information, available in many languages. This allows you to learn about the region, the cow herds and their farmers, and the cheese-making process.

The cheese factory and cellar

From the gallery, you’ll be able to look down into the actual factory. This is where cheese makers are turning fresh regional milk into tens of “Le Gruyère AOP” cheese wheels each day. At the end of the tour, you can also take a peek into the huge cellar, where the cheese is stored.

Restaurant and shop

The restaurant serves lots of regional and Swiss dishes are, and of course many of those feature ‘Le Gruyère AOP’. You can choose from fondues, quiches, rösti, risotto, and many more meals.

You can also buy cheese, fondues, cream, butter, sweets, and other local and Swiss products from the shop. Many cheese products in the shop are vacuum sealed, meaning you can safely store them outside of a refrigerator for a while. Other long-lasting products are sold as well.

How to combine the cheese factory with other excursions

The medieval town Gruyères can be reached in a 15-minute hike from the cheese factory. You can visit the castle there, or enjoy more Swiss delicacies in tea rooms and confectioneries. The chocolate factory Maison Cailler in nearby Broc is another option.

You can use GoldenPass trains when heading for the cheese factory. Or consider the Chocolate Train day trip from Montreux.

If you’re interested in the region’s historical connection to dairy, you can walk (part of) the dairy and cheese hiking route.

The cheese made at La Maison du Gruyère

“Le Gruyère AOP” cheese

La Maison de Gruyère means “The home of Gruyère”. Cheese that’s called “Le Gruyère AOP” is made here. It’s named after the district La Gruyère in the canton of Fribourg. The medieval town here is called Gruyères, spelled with an “-s”.

History of the Gruyère cheese

The production of cheese in this region can be traced back to the 12th century. Local inhabitants already turned their herds’ milk into cheese, which was sold even in France and Italy. Knowledge and techniques improved over the centuries.

The Gruyère cheese was granted the AOP label in 2011. This stands for “Protected Designation of Origin” and ensures the protection of goods and their origin. Ever since it’s called “Le Gruyère AOP”.

Other websites of interest

Dates and times

Prices

Other activities close to the cheese museum Copy link to clipboard

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.