Cheese Tastings in Zürich

Zurich is a luxurious city, often named one of the most expensive in the world. You can expect a trip to the city to be filled with fine dining, velvety Swiss chocolates and designer shopping.

A cheese tasting tour in Zurich should also be on your Swiss bucket list. From Emmental to fondue, you'll be able to experience the high-quality sumptuous delicacies that Switzerland is known for producing.

What are the best cheese tasting tours in Zurich?

There are several types of tours that take place both inside the city and in neighboring towns.

Swiss cheese fondue and wine tuk tuk tour

This Zurich cheese tasting tour combines flavorful treats with stunning views of the city, all aboard a tuk-tuk, making for a truly memorable experience. Starting in the center of the city, the tour leads you through the old town identifying points of interest along the way.

Embark on your own culinary journey at the same time, with local cheese fondue and Swiss wine.

Swiss cheese, chocolates and mountains small group tour from Zurich

Those with a sweet tooth and a longing to see more of Switzerland will enjoy journeying through the Swiss countryside to a traditional cheese factory.

On the way, you'll make a quick stop at a farm to enjoy a glass of milk, fresh from the cow.  Once you reach the factory in Stein, you'll be offered a mouth-watering selection of cheeses to taste.

Continuing on your Zurich cheese tasting tour, you'll have the opportunity to ride a cable car up to the summit of Mount Hoher Casten. Here you'll gain a panoramic view of the unique scenery that Switzerland is famed for.

The summit isn't just known for its breathtaking views — while there, you'll have the opportunity to dine at its revolving restaurant.

Once your feet are back on the ground, you'll make your way to the town of Appenzell for a walking tour. This is followed by a tasting session in one of the town's chocolate manufacturing boutiques, before heading back to Zurich and ending the tour.

Culinary tour from Zurich with traditional Swiss cheese fondue dinner

If you're dairy-obsessed, try a Zurich food tour with cheese tasting that includes a four course meal of Swiss cheese fondue.

The first stop of the day is at Kilchberg, one of Switzerland's many quaint towns. The difference with Kilchberg is that it contains the world's highest free-standing chocolate fountain inside the original Lindt factory. You'll be able to visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate and experience the life of a chocolatier.

Ambling through the countryside by bus, your next stop is a cable car experience up to Felsenegg, towering over the landscape at 800 meters high. While up on the mountain, you'll be guided on a hike through the deep forest, working up an appetite before your edible tour of Switzerland.

Dinner takes place on an idyllic terrace and includes Swiss fondue and wine among other delectable offerings.

Cheese fondue or raclette on Lake Zurich private boat excursion

Those wanting to take their Zurich cheese tasting tour to the next level can do so by taking a private boat excursion of Lake Zurich. You can watch the city pass by as you glide slowly through the waters with a glass of champagne in hand.

While on board you'll be served a dinner of fondue or raclette. The difference between the two is the way they're served — fondue with bread and raclette with small potatoes. Raclette dates back much further than fondue, all the way to the 13th century.

How much do cheese tasting tours in Zurich cost?

Fondue tuk-tuk tours cost CHF139 (US$145) and include transportation by tuk-tuk for 90 minutes, as well as fondue and Swiss wine.

Swiss cheese, chocolate and mountain tours take place with a small group of not more than 16 tourists. They include transportation, a full-day guided tour and visits to both Appenzeller dairy and a chocolate manufacturer where you'll enjoy tastings.

Also included are a cable car experience and an edible goody bag to the value of CHF40 (US$41). Tours start at CHF256  (US$268).

Culinary tours from Zurich include a four course dinner, transportation, a multilingual guide and a cable car ride. You can expect to pay around CHF130 (US$139).

Private boat excursions include a meal of Swiss fondue or raclette, boat transportation for 1.5 hours and a professional guide. Prices start from CHF558 (US$583).

What is included in a cheese tasting tour in Zurich?

There is a lot of variety between cheese tasting tours in Zurich. While some stay in the center of the city, most venture off to other nearby locations to showcase more of what the country has to offer.

However, all of the tours include round-trip transportation and at least one tasting of Swiss cheese or fondue.

Some of the best cheese tasting tours in Zurich also incorporate chocolate and wine tastings, as well as visits to various museums or factories. For those that venture up to the mountains, a cable car experience is generally included.

Where do cheese tasting tours in Zurich start?

Cheese tasting tours start from the center of Zurich, at a predetermined meeting spot.

How long do cheese tasting tours in Zurich last?

Tours last anywhere between 1.5 and 11 hours, depending on the type of excursion. Those that stay in Zurich city center typically last just a couple of hours, while those that travel to the mountains or remote villages tend to last all day.

Sunset tours and half day tours are also available, lasting around four hours.

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

A cheese tasting tour can be incredibly romantic and if you're trying to impress a loved one, book a sunset trip. This will allow you to soak in the atmosphere and see the city sparkle as the sun sets while devouring delicious fondue.

Cheese tasting is a big part of Swiss culture, so book your tour at the beginning of your trip to get a culinary insight into the country.

Are there any combo available with cheese tasting tours in Zurich?

Private day tour to Berne and to an Emmental cheese farm from Zurich

Explore the capital of Switzerland — Bern, where Albert Einstein once lived. You'll be taken on a guided tour of the historic city before visiting the town of Emmental, home of the namesake cheese eaten across the world. You'll take a trip to a local farm and learn how the cheese is made.

Are children allowed on a cheese tasting tour in Zurich?

Although cheese tasting tours may seem like an adult activity, children are welcome to join. The tours often feature wine tasting, but children can enjoy the rest of the experience and have fun gobbling up their dripping sticks of bread.

Travel tips

• Many of the cheese tasting tours in Zurich include wine. In Switzerland, the legal drinking age is 16 for wine and beer and 18 for spirits.
• Some excursions last all day and are quite active, including walking tours of forest hikes. Wear suitable clothing and shoes.
• Trips to the mountains are common on Zurich cheese tasting tours, in which case, bring an extra layer to prevent you from getting cold.