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What to eat in Switzerland? Top 25 Swiss Hard Cheeses

Last update: Fri Mar 14 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Swiss Hard Cheese Types

01

Cheese

GRUYÈRES, Switzerland
4.4
Gruyère
Gruyère infographic
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Gruyère is a cooked and pressed cheese made from raw cow's milk. On the exterior, the cheese has a grainy yellow to brown rind, while the interior is ivory to pale yellow in color. The Swiss version (AOP), a hard cheese with a salty and nutty flavor usually has no holes, while the French version (IGP) is required to have them, ranging in size from a pea to a cherry.


Gruyère must mature for at least 120 days in cellars so that it develops delicate aromas of caramelized apples, hazelnuts, and brown butter. It melts well, making it ideal for classic fondues, or, alternatively, sliced and consumed on its own and paired with a glass of light red wine. 
THE BEST Gruyère Cheeses
1 Le Gruyère Aop Réserve
Mountain Dairy Fritzenhaus
Le Gruyère Aop Réserve

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Gold 2024

2 Gruyère D'alpage Aop Caves De La Tzintre
Le Gruyère
Gruyère D'alpage Aop Caves De La Tzintre

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2022

3 Gruyère Aop Corsé 12 Mois
Le Gruyère
Gruyère Aop Corsé 12 Mois

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2022

4
Käserei Niedermuhren
Le Gruyere AOP Premier Cru

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2024

5 Gruyère AOP Margot Alpage
Margot Fromages
Gruyère AOP Margot Alpage

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2024

02

Cheese

CANTON OF VAUD, Switzerland
4.4
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L'Etivaz is a traditional cheese produced in Canton Vaud. It is said that l'Etivaz is made just as Gruyère was made a long time ago, without compromising its original flavor profile. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk from the summer months.


It is heated in copper vats over an open wood fire, and some of the ashes might fall into the open vats, resulting in just a hint of smokiness when eating the cheese. L'Etivaz is very fragrant and its texture is dense and creamy, while the flavors are fruity and nutty with a hint of smokiness. 
03

Cheese

APPENZELL, Switzerland
4.2
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Appenzeller is a Swiss cheese from Appenzell. It's made from raw cow's milk, and while the cheese is maturing, it's regularly washed with a secret herbal brine. After 3 months, it's ready for consumption, and the longer it matures, the spicier it will become.


This hard cheese has a firm, open, and smooth texture, while the flavors are tangy, spicy, and fruity. There are three types of Appenzeller: Classic, aged 3 to 4 months, Surchoix, aged 4 to 6 months, and Extra, aged 6 months or longer.

THE BEST Appenzeller Cheeses
1 Appenzeller
Kaltbach
Appenzeller

5.0

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World Cheese Awards - Super Gold 2023

2
Appenzeller Käse
Appenzeller® Silver Label

4.8

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World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class 2024

3
Appenzeller Käse
Appenzeller® Black Label

4.8

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World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class 2024

04

Cheese

SWITZERLAND
4.2
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Sbrinz is a Swiss extra-hard cheese made from raw cow's milk. The cheese has a natural rind, and it's texture is dense and flaky. The aromas are slightly spicy, while the flavors are full, intense, tangy, spicy, and nutty, with notes of butterscotch.


Sbrinz is traditionally aged for at least 18 months, and the more it ages, the more aromatic it becomes. It can be consumed in 3 ways: when it's aged for 18 months, it is sliced or shaved into thin rolls, from 24 months and up it's broken into smaller pieces called möckli, and finally, it can be grated and used in a wide array of dishes.

05

Cheese

CANTON OF BERN, Switzerland
4.0
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Berner Alpkäse is a traditional cheese originating from the Bernese Oberland. This hard cheese is made during summer from full-fat raw cow's milk that's flavored with Alpine herbs on which the cows graze. It's usually left to age from 6 to 18 months before consumption.


Underneath its washed rind, the texture of this cheese is hard, brittle, and with no eyes (holes) that are typical for Swiss cheeses. The flavors can be mild or strong, depending on the maturation period. The cheese is usually planed into thin rolls or crumbled into smaller pieces because its brittle texture makes it unsuitable for cutting with a knife.

06

Cheese

BELP, Switzerland
3.9
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Produced in Belp, hence the name, Belper Knolle is a unique Swiss hard cheese that's shaped into a small ball. The word Knolle translates to tuber, referring to its shape and style – it's mostly used as a grating cheese.


The cheese is made from raw cow's milk, and it was created in 1993 by Herr Glauser. It's infused with garlic and Himalayan salt, then rolled in ground Oberland black pepper. Belper Knolle is typically aged in caves for about 10 to 15 weeks, the latter one becoming firm, flaky, crumbly, and extremely hard in texture, which is the reason why it's almost impossible to slice it, so use it shaved or grated instead. 
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07

Cheese

CANTON OF VAUD, Switzerland
3.8
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Le Maréchal is an artisanal French cheese hailing from Vaud in Switzerland, where it's produced by the Rapin family. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's aged for a minimum of 130 days. Underneath its herb-rubbed edible rind, the texture is dense and creamy.


The aromas are buttery, herbaceous, and barnyardy, while the flavors are intense and herbaceous with notes of roasted almonds and salted caramel. The cheese also melts well, so it's often used in fondues or raclettes. It's recommended to serve Le Maréchal with olives and figs. 
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08

Cheese

GLARUS, Switzerland
3.2
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Schabziger is a traditional cheese produced in Glarus. It dates as far back as the 8th century when it was made in a monastery. The cheese is also Switzerland's oldest protected brand – in 1463, there was a council meeting and the locals had decided that the cheese should be stamped with a seal representing its authenticity – and the same seal is still being stamped on Schabziger today.


This lime-green, zero-fat cheese is made from cow's milk and the skimmed milk curds are aged for 8 weeks, after which they're ground and combined with ground fenugreek seeds. The cheese is then pressed into a small cone called stockli, which is wrapped in silver foil. 
09

Cheese

CANTON OF ST. GALLEN, Switzerland
n/a
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Translating to sitting in the cellar, Challerhocker is a Swiss cheese that's aged for at least 10 months in the region of Saint-Gallen. It was created by Walter Rass, who based the recipe on Appenzeller, but made some changes such as the temperature the curd is cooked at, aging time, and the fat that is left intact, e.g. it's not skimmed off of the milk.


The cheese is made from cow's milk, and during the aging period, the rind is regularly washed with brine, which is the reason why it has aromas of roasted peanuts, caramel, and aged meat. Its texture is dense, smooth, and silky, while the flavors are reminiscent of leeks, brown butter, and salted caramel as a finish. 
10

Cheese

SWITZERLAND
n/a
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Piora is a Swiss cheese originating from the Piora Valley, hence the name. It's made from raw cow's milk coming from a combination of two milkings done in consecutive days. The cows feed on rich fodder on the pastures, resulting in rich aromas of the cheese.


It's pressed in molds for half a day, and then the cheese is left to age for 4 to 5 months. This mountain cheese has a smooth and hard texture underneath its natural rind, while the flavors are slightly sweet, herbaceous, milky, and well-rounded.

11
Cheese
KÜSSNACHT, Switzerland
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Swiss Hard Cheese Producers

01

Cheese

DÜDINGEN, Switzerland
4.7
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Walo von Mühlenen specializes in the production and maturation of Swiss cheeses, working with affineurs to age cheeses in optimal conditions. The company highlights traditional methods and regional cheese varieties, maintaining close relationships with small-scale dairies to ensure high-quality products.


They are known for promoting lesser-known Swiss cheeses alongside internationally recognized varieties.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

02
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Lustenberger & Dürst, a Swiss company, specializes in the production and aging of premium cheeses. They utilize traditional methods along with innovative techniques to mature their products. The company works closely with local farmers to source high-quality milk, which is essential for their distinct cheese flavors.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024, 2023

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

BEST Lustenberger & Dürst Cheeses
03

Cheese

PRINGY, Switzerland
4.7
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Interprofession du Gruyère, located in Pringy, Switzerland, is responsible for the protection and quality control of Gruyère cheese, ensuring compliance with AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) specifications. The organization plays a key role in promoting Gruyère cheese internationally and supports the local cheese-making industry through technical and marketing assistance.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2022

04

Cheese

AMRISWIL, Switzerland
4.7
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Käserei Müller Thurgau operates in Switzerland, specializing in the production of Swiss cheeses using local ingredients. The company utilizes traditional cheese-making techniques that have been passed down through generations. Additionally, Käserei Müller Thurgau places a strong emphasis on sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices throughout its production processes.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

BEST Käserei Müller Thurgau Cheeses
05

Cheese

FRIBOURG, Switzerland
4.6
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Cremo is a dairy company based in Switzerland, primarily known for producing cheese, milk, and other dairy products. It was established in 1927 and is headquartered in Villars-sur-Glâne. The company operates in the competitive Swiss dairy industry, serving both local and international markets.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

06
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Urnäscher Milchspezialitäten is a cheese producer located in Urnäsch, Switzerland. They specialize in producing a variety of dairy products, including traditional Swiss cheeses. The company utilizes milk from local farms to ensure the quality and authenticity of their products.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class

2016, 2014, 2012

BEST Urnäscher Milchspezialitäten Cheeses
07

Cheese

LÜTISBURG, Switzerland
4.6
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Güntensperger Käse is a Swiss cheese producer located in Zürchersmühle, a region known for its dairy production. The company specializes in crafting traditional Swiss cheeses using milk from local farms, reinforcing a commitment to regional and sustainable production practices.


Güntensperger Käse offers a variety of cheeses, including both classic and specialty types, catering to differing consumer tastes and preferences.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022

BEST Güntensperger Käse Cheeses
08

Cheese

LUCERNE, Switzerland
4.6
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Our refinement process is a unique interaction between man and nature. The KALTBACH Cavemasters take care, feel, turn and check the Cheese with great attention to detail, until they reach the perfect ripening time - this is how they get their exceptional taste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2021

09

Cheese

BITSCH, Switzerland
4.6
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Walker is a Swiss cheese producer located in the mountainous region. The company specializes in producing traditional alpine cheeses using milk from local cows that graze on natural pastures. Their product range includes well-known varieties such as Gommer cheese, aged Emmental, and Raclette.


Established in 1956, Walker puts a strong emphasis on maintaining artisanal methods and sustainable agriculture practices.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024, 2023

BEST Walker Bergkäserei Cheeses
10

Cheese

MÜSTAIR, Switzerland
4.6
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Chascharia Val Müstair is a Swiss cheese producer located in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It specializes in producing organic cheese using milk from local farms. This dairy operation is known for its sustainable practices and contributes to the preservation of regional agricultural traditions.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2022, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024

BEST Chascharia Val Müstair Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Swiss Hard Cheeses

01
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024, 2023

International Cheese Awards - Gold

2024, 2019

02
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

03
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

04
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Affineur Walo Jura Mountain cheese is a product created by Walo von Mühlenen, a company renowned for its expertise in aging and refining cheeses. The cheese is made from cow's milk and reflects the rich traditions of Swiss cheesemaking. It is aged to develop a complex flavor profile, with creamy and nutty undertones and a smooth texture.


The aging process takes place in specialized facilities to ensure the cheese attains its characteristic depth of flavor and unique aroma.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

05
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

06

LUCERNE, Switzerland
5.0
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Kaltbach Appenzeller is a distinctive cheese produced by the Emmi Group, a renowned Swiss dairy company. This cheese is aged in the Kaltbach caves, where the unique climate contributes to its complex flavor profile. The maturation process in these natural sandstone caves enhances the robust, tangy characteristics of the Appenzeller cheese.


This product is part of Emmi's premium line, targeting connoisseurs who appreciate the traditional craftsmanship and nuanced taste of high-quality cheese.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

07
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Kaltbach Engadiner Bergkäse is a type of Swiss cheese made by Emmi Group. The cheese is known for its distinct, robust flavor and is aged in the Kaltbach caves, which are a unique feature contributing to its flavor profile. The specific microclimate of these caves, along with traditional methods of aging, result in a rind with a fine patina and a firm, yet creamy texture.


This cheese is also noted for its nutty and slightly tangy taste, making it a popular choice for cheese connoisseurs.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2023

08
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Vorderfultigen Gourmino Surchoix is a high-quality cheese produced by Interprofession du Gruyère. This Swiss cheese is renowned for its exceptional flavor and texture, which is achieved through traditional cheese-making methods. It carries the AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) certification, ensuring that it meets strict standards of origin and quality.


The'surchoix' designation indicates that it is a premium selection, often aged longer to develop a more complex flavor profile.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2022

09
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024

10
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024

11
12
13
Cheese
FRIBOURG, Switzerland
4.9
14
15
LUCERNE, Switzerland
4.9
16
17
18
19
Cheese
CANTON OF VAUD, Switzerland
4.9
20
21
22
23
24
25

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Swiss Hard Cheeses