Perched on a hill overlooking the Saane Valley, Gruyeres is a picturesque medieval town renowned for its Swiss cheese. Its cobblestone streets are dominated by a 13th-century castle and home to museums dedicated to everything from Tibetan Buddhism to “Alien” art.
Things to do in Gruyères
Watching over the town is the hilltop Château de Gruyères, which is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland. Step inside to explore the multimedia exhibits and see the Order of the Golden Fleece capes captured during the 1476 Battle of Morat. The castle’s ornately decorated rooms are adorned with 19th-century landscape paintings by Jean-Baptiste-Camille and Barthelemy Menn.
Nearby is the HR Giger Museum, which celebrates the man behind the “Alien” films. Housed within a medieval castle, this surrealist museum was designed by Giger himself and boasts the largest collection of his works anywhere in the world. After taking in his often bizarre paintings, drawings and furniture, grab a drink in the bar that is designed like the interior of a ribcage.
For a taste of the Himalayas in the Bernese Alps, head to the Tibet Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into Tibetan Buddhism. Occupying a 19th-century chapel, it features ritualistic objects, paintings and silks, all of which can be explored with the help of an app. Don’t miss the fresco depicting Saint Francis of Assisi talking to the birds, which holds ties to the animal-loving Tibetan Siddha, Milarepa.
Getting around Gruyères
Gruyeres is a 30-minute drive from Montreux and 45 minutes from Lausanne. Geneva International Airport is just over an hour away. Regular trains connect to the Gruyeres railway station and buses travel through the town. The centre of Gruyeres is small enough to explore on foot.