Cheese is one of Switzerland’s most famous culinary exports, with Swiss varieties being sold in supermarkets around the world. Learn how this much-loved dairy product is made and enjoy delicious samples when you book a cheese-tasting tour in Lucerne.

Discover the tricks of the trade from experienced cheesemakers as you taste popular varieties of Swiss cheese, such as Emmental, Gruyère and Sbrinz among others.

Here's all you need to know about cheese tastings, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Lucerne.

What are the best cheese-tasting tours in Lucerne?

Most cheese-tasting tours in Lucerne are combination tours, which means that you’ll get to enjoy other activities during your excursion, such as sightseeing, hiking or wine-tasting depending on the type of tour you choose.

Walking tour with chocolate and cheese tastings in Lucerne

Indulge in Switzerland’s two main culinary exports, chocolate and cheese, and discover the fascinating historical attractions of Lucerne’s Old Town when you join this fun-filled guided walking tour.

The tour begins by meeting your guide at the Torbogen Luzern before heading to your chocolate and cheese-tasting experience, which is also inclusive of a glass of wine. Next, you’ll take a stroll along the Reuss River, stopping to admire the many iconic landmarks along the way.

Follow your guide through the Old Town toward Lucerne Castle at the top of the hill, where you’ll learn more about Lucerne’s fascinating past as you admire the city below.

There is also the option to book an upgraded version of this tour, which includes a 1-hour boat ride on Lake Lucerne, which offers incredible views of the surrounding landscapes and allows you to see the city from a different perspective.

Mount Titlis, Engelberg and cheese tour from Lucerne

Escape the hustle and bustle of Lucerne and spend the day in Engelberg, a medieval village surrounded by the peaks of Mount Titlis. Accompanied by a professional local tour guide, you’ll learn about the town’s fascinating history and sample delicious local cheese.

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Lucerne before making your way to Engelberg by train, enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way. Once you arrive in the small Swiss town, you’ll do some sightseeing with your guide.

You’ll also get to go up Mount Titlis with your guide, making use of the impressive cableway system. At the top, you’ll see incredible views of the village and the surrounding Alpine landscapes.

The highlight of the tour is Engelberg Abbey, where you’ll see Swiss cheese being made by artisan cheese makers before sitting down to enjoy a tasting. This tour offers a convenient and enjoyable way to see more of Switzerland and immerse yourself in Swiss culture.

Chocolate, cheese and wine tour in Lucerne

Immerse yourself in Switzerland’s rich culinary culture when you book this chocolate, cheese and wine tour in Lucerne. A private guide will show you around some of the region’s top-rated dairies, vineyards and chocolate shops, where you’ll enjoy delicious tasting experiences.

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Lucerne and take you to all the exciting locations on this full-day itinerary in a comfortable vehicle. You’ll get to meet cheesemakers, winemakers and chocolatiers as you taste their delicious artisan wares.

As this is a private tour, you and your travel companions will be the only tour participants and the itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences. Your tour guide is more than happy to offer advice regarding the best options available.

At the end of your full-day culinary experience, after you’ve tasted the best that Alpine cuisine has to offer, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Lucerne.

Which places are visited?

The places that are visited on a cheese tour in Lucerne will all depend on the type of tour you choose. As most of these experiences are combination tours, you could visit wineries, vineyards and chocolate shops in addition to the city’s historical landmarks and other attractions.

In most cases, the cheese-tasting portion of the tour will take place in a local cheese shop in the city center or at a dairy located on the outskirts of Lucerne.

There are also cheese tastings that take place in the nearby town of Engelberg, where you’ll get to sightsee in the Medieval village and go up Mount Titlis. Make sure that you read specific tour itineraries to get a clear idea of the places you’ll visit during your excursion.

How much do cheese tastings in Lucerne cost?

Walking tours that are inclusive of chocolate and cheese tastings in Lucerne usually cost around €155 per person for a shared group experience in which you’ll get to sample local produce and visit some of the city’s most iconic historical sites.

Cheese-tasting tours that take place in the nearby village of Engelberg typically cost around US$720 per person including transport, although this price can fluctuate depending on how many people there are in your group.

Private cheese, chocolate and wine tours in Lucerne generally cost about €600 per person for a full-day, customizable excursion that visits some of the best wineries, dairies and chocolatiers in the region.

What is included?

Cheese tastings in Lucerne are usually inclusive of at least three or four samples of different cheese varieties. In addition, you should be provided with transport between the various locations on the tour.

Some tours are also inclusive of wine tastings, chocolate tastings and admission tickets to local attractions. Make sure that you read specific tour inclusions before making a booking.

Where does it start?

While most tour operators offer hotel pickup services from your accommodation in Lucerne, others require that you meet your tour guide at an easy-to-find landmark in the city, such as the Torbogen Luzern.

Whether you’re getting picked up from your hotel or meeting your guide somewhere in the city, make sure you are ready on time so that you don’t keep anybody waiting.

How long does it last?

Basic cheese-tasting tours in Lucerne usually last between 2 and 3 hours and are typically also inclusive of one or two other activities. For those looking for a more comprehensive experience, there are plenty of full-day combo tours available that last as long as 7 or 8 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Most cheese tastings in Lucerne offer wheelchair-friendly experiences that are suitable for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. However, not all excursions are wheelchair friendly, so just make sure that you check accessibility details before making a booking.

When is the best time for a cheese-tasting tour in Lucerne?

The best time for a cheese-tasting tour in Lucerne is from April to June during spring and, autumn from September to October when the weather is mild, and the lush landscapes provide an excellent backdrop for exploring local dairy farms and enjoying the flavors of Swiss cheese.

Travel tips

Plan and look for tours that offer authentic experiences and a variety of local cheeses.
Engage with the hosts or guides to gain a deeper understanding of the Swiss cheese tradition. Familiarize yourself with the Swiss cheese varieties and their unique characteristics, their production, and the local cheese culture.
Pace yourself during the cheese tasting. Take smaller bites and sips to savor the flavors and avoid overwhelming your taste buds. Remember, it's about quality, not quantity.
Follow the etiquettes of the tasting, such as using appropriate utensils and refraining from touching the cheese directly. Show appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in creating these delicious cheeses.

Cheese Tastings in Lucerne