Switzerland, Austria

A week in Switzerland and Austria focused on cheese and creameries sounds like a delicious adventure! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances your love for cheese with some stunning sights and experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich, Switzerland

Morning:

• Arrive in Zurich and check into your hotel. Take a moment to freshen up and get ready for your cheese journey!

Afternoon:

• Head to the Swiss National Museum to get a taste of Swiss culture and history. It’s a great way to kick off your trip!

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at a local Swiss restaurant. Try some traditional fondue or raclette to get your cheese fix right away!

Day 2: Zurich to Emmental

Morning:

• Take a train to Emmental, the birthplace of Emmental cheese. Visit the Emmental Cheese Factory in Affoltern, where you can tour the facility and learn about the cheese-making process.

Afternoon:

• After the tour, enjoy a cheese tasting session. Don’t forget to pick up some cheese to take home!

Evening:

• Return to Zurich and have dinner at a cozy restaurant. Try a cheese platter to sample different Swiss cheeses.

Day 3: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

Morning:

• Travel to Lucerne. Explore the charming old town and visit the Chapel Bridge.

Afternoon:

• Take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne to Mount Pilatus. Enjoy the stunning views and have lunch at the mountaintop restaurant, where you can often find local cheese dishes.

Evening:

• Return to Lucerne and enjoy dinner at a local eatery. Look for dishes featuring Swiss cheeses!

Day 4: Interlaken and Cheese Producers

Morning:

• Head to Interlaken. From there, take a short trip to Gstaad or Grindelwald to visit local creameries. Check out Gstaad Saanenland for artisanal cheese producers.

Afternoon:

• Tour a local creamery and learn about their cheese production. Sample some of their best cheeses and inquire about distributors and exporters.

Evening:

• Return to Interlaken for dinner. Try a local restaurant that features regional cheeses in their dishes.

Day 5: Travel to Austria - Innsbruck

Morning:

• Depart for Innsbruck, Austria. The train ride offers beautiful views of the Alps!

Afternoon:

• Once in Innsbruck, visit the Tiroler Milch dairy cooperative. They often have tours and tastings available.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner in Innsbruck. Look for Tyrolean specialties that incorporate local cheeses.

Day 6: Hallstatt and Cheese Exploration

Morning:

• Take a day trip to Hallstatt, a picturesque village. On the way, stop at a local cheese farm, like Käsealm in the Salzkammergut region.

Afternoon:

• Tour the cheese farm and enjoy a tasting. Hallstatt itself is stunning, so take some time to explore the village and its beautiful lake.

Evening:

• Return to Innsbruck and have dinner at a restaurant that features Austrian cheeses.

Day 7: Salzburg and Departure

Morning:

• Travel to Salzburg. Visit the Mozart’s Birthplace and explore the charming old town.

Afternoon:

• Before you leave, visit a local cheese shop or distributor in Salzburg. Ask about their products and any potential exporters.

Evening:

• Enjoy a farewell dinner in Salzburg, savoring the local cheeses one last time before your journey ends.

Tips for Your Cheese Adventure:

• Always ask about local specialties and any cheese festivals happening during your visit.
• Consider visiting local markets for artisanal cheeses and to meet producers.
• Don’t forget to take notes on your favorite cheeses and where to find them!

I hope this itinerary whets your appetite for a week filled with cheese, culture, and breathtaking scenery! Enjoy your trip! 🧀✨