5 Unique Things To Do In Gruyères In Spring
Gruyères, a medieval town known for its cheese, castle and postcard-like landscape
Take a walk around the Lake of Gruyère
The lake of Gruyère is an artificial lake situated in the La Gruyère region in Canton of Fribourg. It is surronded by a trail that is 44km long from which you can have viewpoints of its 3 islands or surrounding mountains as close to the waters edge as possible. The «Sentier du Lac de La Gruyère», has been rewarded with the «Prix Rando 2012».
I highly recommend the first 15 km loop of the trail that starts in Broc Fabrique and loops at the Corbières bridge for warm spring days since it is partly shaded.
Insider tip : Do the loop clockwise if you want to start in the shade and without too much ascent
Estimated duration : 4 hours
2. Visit the medieval town
All the tourists are here for it, and so are you.
My favourites include :
Walking to the castle and visiting its garden
Taking a walk around the castle on the South side where the flowers are blooming during the spring next to the Saint-Théodule church
Enjoying the view of the castle from the platform behind La Fleur de Lys Restaurant
Taking a drink at HR Giger Bar Museum
Eating a meringue with double creem and strawberries at the Chalet de Gruyères
Estimated duration : 3 hours
3. Walk around the Lake of Lessoc
If you’re looking for a short escape from the crowd of this touristy town, Lake Lessoc is a great place to find a bit of peace. This short 4km trail has multiple benches and picnic areas.
Estimated duration : 1 hour
4. Eating local at a Swiss cabin
From the Gruyères medieval town, the route is fairly direct to the Mongerons restaurant. It is a 1 hour walk towards the Moléson mountain or you can take bus 263 from Gruyères town to Pringy, La Loue and walk 20 minutes. If you are using a car, there is also parking at La Loue.
Once you arrive, you can enjoy the view of the castle from the rustic chalet. This chalet doesn’t have electricity and everything it cooked using a fire.
My top menu picks would be Chalet macaronis or Vacherin fondue, well deserved after the steep ascent to get there.
Estimated duration : 3 hours
5. Hike up the Vanil des Cours (1562m)
You can start this 13km loop hike at the Cerniat church (accessible by bus) and start this scenic trail with multiple views of the Lake of Gruyère, the Moléson and the Gastlosen mountains.
Estimated duration : 5 hours
