Attractions and Places To See around Gruyères - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Gruyères include a rich blend of historical landmarks, unique cultural sites, and stunning natural beauty. This medieval town in Switzerland is known for its cheese, chocolate, and enchanting atmosphere. The region offers diverse landscapes, from the Fribourg Pre-Alps to Lake Gruyère, providing a variety of experiences for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Gruyères
- The most popular attractions is Le Moléson Summit, a summit that is easily accessible via funicular and cable car, offering panoramic views of the Fribourg Pre-Alps and Lake Geneva region. It is a popular peak with an elevation of 2002 meters.
- Another must-see spot is Montsalvens Dam, a man-made monument. Visitors can experience a wide, open view over the lake from the dam, which was built between 1918 and 1920.
- Visitors also love Gruyères Old Town, a settlement located on a hill. This small, pretty medieval town offers views of the Freiburg mountains and the surrounding area.
- Gruyères is known for historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. Visitors can explore medieval architecture, unique museums, and scenic natural landscapes.
- The attractions around Gruyères are appreciated by the komoot community, with 80 upvotes and 48 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
La Berra summit
Highlight • Summit
The Berra is also easily accessible from the Grau car park (accessible only in summer from Le Mouret) or from the Plasselbschlund. If you like it a little further, you can hike to the summit from the Schwarzsee via a high-altitude hike or from the charterhouse (monastery) of La Valsainte (municipality of Val-de-Charmey). The summit of La Berra can therefore be reached from completely different directions.
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Montsalvens Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Chalet du Soldat
Highlight • Mountain Hut
The chalet is open continuously in summer from June 1 to the end of October and every weekend in winter between mid-December and the end of May. There is also a charging station for electric bikes.
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Le Moléson Summit
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Gruyères Old Town
Highlight • Settlement
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Tips from the Community
Steep path to the chalet, but the view of the Gastlosen is worth it
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allow time to walk up if you are coming from the Jaun Bergbahn
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The Soldier's Chalet is an idyllic place to stock up on supplies and enjoy the panoramas of the Gastlosen. The chalet is open between May 15 and November 1.
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This is the oldest double arch dam in Europe, built in the early 1920s. It creates a beautiful artificial lake that you can walk around in around 3 hours. With its calm waters on one side and the magnificent and exhilarating waterfall on the other, this is an event not to be missed.
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From here it climbs sharply to Wolfs Ort.
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Superb hike to climb to the Chalet du Soldat by Jaun. Magnificent arrival at the foot of the Gastlosen, a great climbing spot. The welcome is special but very friendly. If you follow the instructions, everything will go smoothly. The evening meal and breakfast are hearty and you may be treated to a small Alphorn concert. No shower. Also note: the water up there is not drinkable. You can buy bottled water but we preferred to take aquatab to purify the tap water. The objective is to limit plastic consumption. We had an 8-person dormitory (for 7). There is no space to hang things up, so bring a cord.
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Immerse yourself in the world of the king of cheese and discover the secrets of its production. Let yourself be guided through the production steps, from the lush meadows where the cows graze to the traditional maturing of the cheese wheels. Your senses will be stimulated by the beguiling aromas that fill the air and the tasting of delicious cheeses that melt in your mouth. https://www.lamaisondugruyere.ch https://bike-revolution.ch/events/gruyere/gusto-rides/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Gruyères?
Gruyères is rich in history. You can visit the magnificent Gruyères Castle, a 13th-century fortress offering a journey through eight centuries of history and art, with panoramic views. The Gruyères Old Town itself is a significant attraction, with its charming cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval ramparts.
Are there any unique museums to visit in the Gruyères area?
Yes, Gruyères hosts two unique museums. The HR Giger Museum is dedicated to the surrealist artist H.R. Giger, creator of the 'Alien' creature, showcasing his works, sculptures, and film sets. Directly opposite, you'll find the unexpected Tibet Museum, which displays a collection of Buddhist artifacts and Asian art.
Where can I learn about the famous Gruyère cheese?
You can learn all about the renowned Le Gruyère AOP cheese at La Maison du Gruyère, located just below the town. This cheese factory offers live demonstrations and an interactive exhibition on how the cheese is made, and you can also purchase local specialties there.
What natural attractions are there around Gruyères?
The region boasts several natural attractions. You can visit Le Moléson Summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the Fribourg Pre-Alps and Lake Geneva. Lake Gruyère is ideal for water sports or relaxing, with a 44km trail circling it. Other notable spots include the Gorges de la Jogne and Jaun's Waterfall.
Can I go hiking near Gruyères?
Absolutely! The Gruyères region offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find various trails, including moderate options like the 'Sentier de la crête du Moléson' or the 'Fromageries trail'. For more detailed routes and options, explore the Hiking around Gruyères guide.
Are there family-friendly activities in Gruyères?
Yes, Gruyères offers several family-friendly options. The Le Moléson Summit is easily accessible via funicular and cable car, making it suitable for families to enjoy the views. Exploring the medieval Gruyères Old Town and its castle is also a great experience for all ages. Additionally, the interactive exhibition at La Maison du Gruyère is engaging for children.
What are the best viewpoints in the Gruyères region?
For stunning vistas, head to Le Moléson Summit, which offers panoramic views of the Fribourg Pre-Alps and Lake Geneva. The La Berra summit also provides a wonderful panorama of the Lac de La Gruyère and the pre-Alps. Even walking along the ramparts of Gruyères Old Town provides lovely views of the surrounding mountains.
Is there a chocolate factory nearby that I can visit?
Yes, the famous Maison Cailler chocolate factory is located a short drive from Gruyères in the town of Broc. It offers fascinating tours, workshops, and opportunities to purchase their chocolates.
What kind of outdoor activities are available on Le Moléson?
Moléson-sur-Gruyères is a popular mountain destination. Beyond the scenic funicular and cable car ride to Le Moléson Summit, the area offers various hiking trails, a via ferrata, and in winter, opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing.
What is special about Gruyères Old Town?
The Gruyères Old Town is a small, picturesque medieval settlement perched on a hill. It's known for its well-preserved traditional Swiss architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and the historic Gruyères Castle. Visitors appreciate its unique atmosphere and the wonderful views of the Freiburg mountains and surrounding area.
Are there opportunities for mountain biking around Gruyères?
Yes, the area around Gruyères is excellent for mountain biking. You can find routes like 'Around the Moléson' or 'Gruyères Old Town – Saane River Trail loop'. For a comprehensive list of trails, check out the MTB Trails around Gruyères guide.
What is the Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park known for?
The Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park encompasses diverse landscapes, including wide valley basins, Alpine pastures, forests, and rock faces. It's renowned for its rich biodiversity and is considered the 'cradle of Alpine cheese making'. The park offers numerous activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, and various workshops.
Where can I see a dam with scenic views?
You can visit the Montsalvens Dam, a man-made monument built between 1918 and 1920. From the dam wall, you have a wide, open view over the beautiful Lac de Montsalvens, making it a super beautiful location for a visit.
Are there any other notable summits to visit besides Le Moléson?
Beyond Le Moléson Summit, another popular peak in the region is La Berra summit. Standing at 1719 meters, it offers a wonderful panorama of the Lac de La Gruyère and the pre-Alps, and is one of the most popular peaks in Freiburg.
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