Switzerland is famous for its high quality chocolate products, just like it is famous for Heidi, mountains and watches. The most infamous chocolate factories in the world reside in this small, beautiful country, imbued with history and tradition, making it the perfect destination for what is known as “chocolate tourism”. If you ever find yourself in Switzerland, it would be a shame to miss these places dedicated to the world’s favorite sweet treat. Here are a few places where you can have a little taste of how these delicious Swiss desserts are made:
The Cailler Chocolate Factory
François-Louis Cailler became the first Swiss chocolate producer after he tasted Italian chocolate and fell in love with it. Later on, Cailler was purchased by Nestle. You can now visit their factory in Broc and discover the secrets of chocolate manufacturing in an interactive tour. The tour traces the history of the factory from 1898 to present and at the end of the visit you can sample Cailler’s main products. In the Atelier du Chocolat, you can also discover the art of creating these tasty goodies and make your very own chocolates.
Alprose Chocolate Museum
At the chocolate factory in Caslano, established in 1957, there is a museum that exhibits the history of the famous dessert, from its origins to the present day. It also explores the traditions of Swiss chocolate making and you can witness the whole production process, from the production of liquid mass to the packaging of their products. All this while filling your nostrils with the amazing chocolate odor. The tour ends with tasting a wide variety of Alprose products.
Lindt & Sprungli Chocolate Factory Outlet
This factory is located just south of Zurich, in Kilchberg, and you can get there by train or by bus. Although the factory itself cannot be visited, you can shop at their Chocolate Factory Outlet Shop. It’s also worth travelling there to see where the famous Lindt chocolate is made and to smell the unique chocolate aroma.
Chocolat Frey AG
Chocolat Frey AG, located in Buchs, follows the production process from cocoa bean to the finished chocolate bar 100% in Switzerland, all this in order to control the high demands on quality. The newly opened visitor center of the Frey factory invites you to experience the world of cocoa beans and chocolate. Here you can meet employees, visit their aroma laboratory and get to know chocolate from a whole new perspective.
After the Rain Urban Day Spa
You must be tired after visiting all these chocolate factories, so you need a visit to the spa to relax your whole body. While you’re in Switzerland, how about a chocolate spa? That’s what you’ll find at After the Rain Urban Spa. This place in central Geneva offers a wide range of spa treatments, including chocolate massages, chocolate body wraps and chocolate baths.
If you love chocolate as much as we do, your ideal holiday destination is Switzerland, where you can eat the best chocolate and bathe in it too!
