Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast Episode 22
Podcast Episodes

Episode 22: Scenic and culinary highlights of Canton Fribourg (including Gruyères)

June 16, 2021 Last Updated on September 20, 2022

Interview with Lisa Nyffeler of Fribourg Region Tourism

Chocolate and cheese are synonymous with Switzerland and the medieval village of Gruyères is widely regarded as one of the best places in the country to experience the best of these culinary treats.

However, the entire canton in which Gruyères is situated, known as Fribourg, is home to a wealth of both gastronomic and scenic delights.

In this episode, Lisa Nyffeller of Fribourg Region Tourism takes us on a tasty interlude through the canton. She introduces us to the highlights of the capital city, Fribourg, and the charming towns and villages dotted throughout the canton.

And then there’s all the culinary treats!

After listening to Lisa talk passionately about the canton that she describes as ‘Mini Switzerland’, you’ll be packing your bags to explore the region, too.

Warning: Don’t listen to this episode if you’re feeling hungry!!

Topics discussed in this episode include:

  • Where is canton Fribourg?
  • The customs and traditions of Fribourg that are still practised today
  • Fribourg’s capital city, also called Fribourg (or Freiburg in German)
  • Charming villages to visit in Fribourg region
  • The medieval village of Gruyères, including its chocolate and cheese
  • Where to enjoy the great outdoors in Fribourg
  • More gastronomic delights of Fribourg

Click the green arrow below to listen:


Show Notes

In this episode you’ll hear Lisa mention:

>> Poya: the annual event when farmers move their cows up to the alpine pastures

>> Désalpe: the parade when cattle return from the alpine pastures for the winter

>> Benichon: a thanksgiving meal held in conjunction with désalpe

>> Charmey: a charming mountain village in the Pre-Alps

>> Les Paccots: a small resort in the Pre-Alps, popular for outdoor activities and skiing

>> Murten: a picturesque town with an idyllic location overlooking Lake Murten

>> Vully: situated on the opposite side of the lake to Murten, Vully is known for its sunny location and vineyards

>> Estavayer-le-Lac: a small medieval town on the south bank of Lake Neuchâtel

>> Gruyères: a picture-perfect medieval village famous for its chocolate and cheese production

>> Moléson: a mountain near Gruyères that offers panoramic views of the Fribourg Pre-Alps


Useful Resources

The Fribourg Region website has plenty of information to help you plan a visit to the region.

The following articles on Holidays to Switzerland will also be helpful:


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