Gruyeres

Gruyères with its rolling green landscape and the peaks of the Fribourg Pre-Alps is a town in the district of Gruyère in the canton of Fribourg in Switzerland. The medieval town is an important tourist location in the upper valley of the Saane/Sarine river, and gives its name to Gruyère cheese.

Gruyères is 810 m (2,660 ft) above sea level, 4.5 km (2.8 mi) south-south-east of the district capital Bulle. The historical town is placed on top of an isolated hill north of the alps, in the foothills of mount Moléson. It is also the location where the Saane river (French name: Sarine) leaves the Fribourg alps. The 13th century Castle of Gruyères, visible from a distance, dominates the town. A multimedia show takes the curious on a captivating journey through time.

Several charming hotels welcome you for a pleasant stay in the heart of the medieval town, crowned “the most beautiful village in the French-speaking part of Switzerland in 2014”. Enjoy an unforgettable stay at the foot of Moléson and the surrounding mountains.

In the center of the region, Bulle is the only city in Gruyère. At the foot of its castle is the Gruérien Museum which presents the history and heritage of this district rich in traditions in an interactive and modern way. On the other side of the region, just 15 minutes by car, in the Intyamon valley, everything seems to be dedicated to the Alpine tradition in Estavannens, Villars-Sous-Mont, Grandvillard and Lessoc. These typical villages, witnesses of the rich heritage of the region, are easily visited and are part of a magnificent valley shaped by life on the mountain pastures.

1. HR Giger Museum

The museum is located in St-Germain castle, in the centre of the medieval town of Gruyères. It contains the biggest existing collection of the works of HR Giger: paintings, sculptures, furnishings, film sets. The HR Giger bar, opposite the museum, is also well worth visiting. Guided tours in French, German, Italian, Spanish and English, upon request.
The HR Giger museum is located a few metres away from Gruyères Castle.

2. Gruyères Castle

Gruyères Castle has stood proudly atop a verdant hill on the threshold of Fribourg’s imposing Alpine foothills since the 13th century. Today, the medieval fortress houses prestigious collections that bear witness to its long and eventful history. 

You are welcome to explore the castle on your own with the free handout guide (available in 12 languages) or discover its history with a fascinating multimedia show (in eight languages, 20 min., included in the price of admission). We can also organise special tours tailored to your needs on request. Our multilingual guides will share with you the long history of the site and the people who have lived there. Storytellers in medieval costume will recount the legends of the castle and the region on guided walks.

The Castle is open from Monday to Sunday, Christmas and new year’s eve included. Access for the disabled at ground level as well as to the multimedia show. Please contact us concerning access to the Chateau. Guided tours in French, German, English, Italian, Spanish or Russian upon request.

3. Musée gruérien

The museum traces the history, art and traditions of the Gruyère region. Its permanent exhibition presents an important collection of Folk Art from the area (poyas, bells, cream spoons…). Objects, costumes and documents reveal the richness of a traditional culture based on the farming of mountain pastures and trading of the famous Gruyère AOP cheese.

Guided visits, animations, Sundays in Family.

4. Sports and Adventures

• Walks with horses
• Guided horse hikes for beginners and advanced riders from 2 hours up to several days. Private horses accepted.
• Fondue coach of Gruyères

Let you drive in a coach lifted by horses and enjoy the landscapes of La Gruyère while eating a fondue.

The coaches rides are also available with various options:
– Aperitif coach: 1 or 2 hours in a carriage while enjoying an aperitif composed of meat and cheese. 

– Breakfast coach: take your breakfast while admiring our beautiful views at the pace of our horses. 

– Picnic coach: Bring along your picnic and enjoy it in a horse drawn carriage, equipped with plates, glasses and cutlery while admiring the views around the town of Gruyères.

• Skijoring and sledge

Skijoring is a winter sport where a person on skis is pulled by a horse.
In Pringy (Rte de Saussivue 47), when snow is sufficient, a special slope (1 km) is prepared for skijoring.

Horse-drawn sledge rides are also available in a quiet or sporty version.