Tourism & Activities in the heart of the Gruyère region in Charmey
In the heart of Switzerland, in the canton of Fribourg, the Gruyère region is an open-air picture postcard featuring mountains, pastures, rivers and unspoilt, emerald green landscapes.
With its varied cultural programme, deep-rooted traditions, wide range of outdoor activities and mouthwatering gastronomy, it offers a boundless playground of taste and exploration. Relax and switch off in the great outdoors.
Charmey, a family resort with mountain traditions
A delightful village of traditional mountain architecture. With its wooden chalets charmingly topped with their distinctive tiled roofs, picturesque narrow streets and traditions that are still very much alive, Charmey exudes a gentle way of life.
A small family resort situated between 900 and 1,600m, the ski lifts take you up the Vounetz mountain range in winter and summer alike, giving you a chance to gain some height and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. The Désalpe - the time when the herds return to or descend from the mountain pastures - takes place in early spring and summer and is the occasion for some not-to-be-missed folk festivals where traditions and gastronomy are the order of the day.
All year round
- Les Bains de la Gruyère
- Charmey Museum: a look at the region's heritage and artistic expression
Charmey in winter
- A nursery slope
- 12 ski slopes
- A freestyle area with Box & Rails
- A competition piste for slaloms and super Gs
- Dog-sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
- Ice skating
- Snowtubing
- Night-time tobogganing
Charmey in summer
- Hiking
- Trail
- Mountain biking and e-bike
- Paragliding
- Via Ferrata
- Zip-line
- Tree climbing adventure park
Must-do activities in Gruyère
GastronomyWho thinks Gruyère, thinks cheese! In Gruyères, the Maison du Gruyère is the place to head if you want to find out all there is to know about the making of this AOP cheese. Offering an insight into its history, the savoir-faire behind its production, and live cheese-making sessions every morning, the discovery tours are sure to whet your appetite. And you're in luck as the centre also features its own restaurant and gourmet Gruyère Market shop.
And gastronomy in Gruyère doesn't stop at cheese with Cuchaule AOP, Bénichon mustard, Poire à Botzi AOP and double cream and meringue being just some of the specialities to try during a stay at the Hotel Cailler, which of course offers a seamless segue into chocolate! In Broc, Maison Cailler, Switzerland's oldest chocolate brand, offers a cocoa-flavoured immersion complete with a guided tour and tasting workshops.
In Broc, Gruyères, Bulle, Moléson-sur-Gruyères or Jaun, culture, heritage and tradition offer the perfect excuse for a leisurely visit. Take a stroll through the museums, get lost in the castles, wander through the narrow streets of the historic town centres, soak up the natural sights, and much more besides.
- The medieval castle of Gruyères in Gruyères
- Electrobroc in Broc, an immersive experience into the heart of a hydroelectric plant
- HR Giger Museum in Gruyères, a journey into the world of fantastic art
- Musée gruérien in Bulle, the art and history of Gruyère
- Tibet Museum in Gruyères, a collection of sacred Himalayan Buddhist art
- The Witch's Hole Waterfall in Jaun
- Funicular and cable car from Moléson-sur-Gruyère to the summit of Moléson at 2002m with 360° views
- Lake Gruyère