This journey of gastronomic discovery is a feast for all the senses.
You’ll discover the finest local flavours and delicious regional specialities in enchanting settings. Browse the stalls of Lucerne’s colourful market, pick the freshest fruit in lush orchards, explore the secrets of organic farming and brewing and cheese- and chocolate-making, and taste an abundance of authentic, traditional delicacies along the way. Join gourmet tours, guided walks or simply follow your nose: you’re promised a mouth-watering adventure.
Here you find detailed information on the route: PDF Gourmet tour
Hereafter, we present 10 suggestions for excursions along the tour.
Tipp 1: Willisau Ringlis
This irresistible biscuit made with honey and lemon has been copied extensively, but the original comes from picturesque Willisau. The prestigious confectionery Amrein in the heart of the historic town has been baking them to the same recipe since 1850. Connoisseurs use an elbow to break each Ringli into four pieces, and then place them on the tongue one by one to melt slowly and release all their flavours.
Tipp 2: Experience Agrovision
This attractive project invites you to explore healthy nutrition with all your senses. The 40-hectare farm in the rural community of Alberswil produces, processes and sells a range of top-quality organic food. Join a guided tour or simply stroll around the site: discover the world of eco-friendly, sustainable farming through a venture that reinterprets traditional agriculture as a contemporary craft.
Tipp 3: Hochstamm Seetal AG
A high-stem tree is one with a tall trunk and high crown, the kind familiar from traditional orchards. The landscape around the Seetal valley and Lake Sempach boasts an abundance of such trees, which create a picturesque sea of blossom in spring. As well as producing a mouth-watering variety of fruit, these trees provide a diverse habitat for wildlife including nearly 50 species of breeding birds.
Tipp 4: Lucerne market
Lucerne’s market, held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, is one of the most attractive in Switzerland. Stallholders sell everything from regional specialities and Mediterranean delicacies to flowers and crafts, all against the pretty backdrop of the Old Town. The stalls are laid out along the River Reuss: on the Rathausquai and Unter der Egg (right bank) and the Jesuitenplatz and Bahnhofstrasse (left bank).
Tipp 5: Aeschbach Chocolatier, ChocoWelt
For enthusiasts, the words Aeschbach Chocolatier conjure images of earthly bliss. At the company’s headquarters in Root, near Lucerne, visitors can see how the divine specialities are made by hand. The interactive ChocoWorld tells the mouth-watering story from cocoa bean to finished product – with tastings, of course. And at the ChocoCafé, ChocoBistro and ChocoShop, chocoholics are in seventh heaven.
Tipp 6: Gastronomic walks Obwalden
Two gastronomic trails in the Obwalden region bring you from one traditional restaurant to the next, either on foot or by bike. Along the Giswil Historical Trail, you’ll not only enjoy the regional specialities ordered in advance, you’ll also find ancient farmhouses, old wells and the only water-powered “hammer” sawmill in Switzerland. On the walk along Lake Sarnen, pristine nature takes pride of place.
Tipp 7: Cheese dairy, Abby Engelberg
Switzerland’s only visitor cheese dairy located in a working monastery is famous for its “Engelberger Klosterglocke”, shaped like one of the monastery’s bells. Visitors can watch the cheese being made by hand. The attractive restaurant serves dishes made with the delicacy as well as other specialities – from cheese tarts and fondue to raclette prepared at the table and a range of delicious desserts.
Tipp 8: Suvorov House, Altdorf
General Suvorov was the commander of the Russian army fighting French revolutionary forces in Switzerland in 1799, and during his retreat over the Alps to Russia he made his quarters in this building. It is the oldest town house in canton Uri, and the most important historically. The beautifully restored interiors are full of charm: an ideal setting in which to enjoy wine and delicacies from the region.
Tipp 9: Distillery "Dettling Kirschwelt", Brunnen
The region around Brunnen is famous for its cherries and kirsch – cherry brandy. The ideal place to discover the secrets of this spirit bursting with flavour is the visitor centre of Dettling, six-time winner of the “World Class Distillery” label. A guided tour through “Dettling Kirschwelt” offers a sensory journey through the world of the legendary drink, with opportunities to taste selected varieties.
Tipp 10: Gingerbred museum, Einsiedeln
The “Schafbock” is a kind of gingerbread originally intended as nourishment or a souvenir for pilgrims to the famous baroque monastery at Einsiedeln. Today the delicacy is famous throughout Switzerland, and even has its own museum: the Schafbock and Gingerbread Museum, located beside the nostalgic Goldalpfel bakery shop. The whole premises have been restored to the style of their late-19th-century heyday. Information
Careful planning is a prerequisite for an enjoyable tour. Please inform about the weather and road conditions beforehand at the local information point. According to the season and the weather conditions, the route might be closed or interrupted.
