As it is my birthday tomorrow, Stefano asked what I’d like to eat for dinner and my choice was Swiss Fondue. Naturally, one of the best places to enjoy this traditional Swiss dish is in the medieval village of Gruyères in Fribourg.

Day 1242 – July 26th, 2017

Gruyeres is not too far from Bern, as are most places in this tiny country, but Bern is certainly a well-positioned base to explore Switzerland.

You can see the Gruyeres castle on the hill (top left of the photo) where we are headed.

Gruyères, Switzerland

The car park was very full and even a number of coaches on this evening.

View from Gruyères

The weather certainly is wonderful and naturally most people will take full advantage of it and explore these tourist spots. The village was bustling and we could see that there was a large group having some event here.

The village of Gruyères

Chalet de Gruyères

We were lucky to get a table in the Chalet de Gruyeres. We wanted to sit upstairs in the more rustic setting of the chalet but it was already full. Next choice was either the terrace or downstairs.

Le Chalet at Gruyères

We chose to sit inside downstairs. Outside would have been great for a while but when the sun goes down it cools off considerably.

The ground floor of the chalet is much lighter in decor and ambience but this didn’t affect the Fondue…

Chalet de Gruyères

Fondue in Gruyères

The fondue comes with baby potatoes pickled onions & gherkins and bread of course.

Fondue AOP Chateau de Gruyères

We also ordered some thinly sliced dried meats.

Dried meat with the fondue

Let’s not forget the wine…

Petite Arvine from Fin Bec

Did someone say ice cream? A visit to Gruyères is not complete without having some of the delicious thick cream.

Ice cream coupe & fresh berries with Gruyères cream

And to finish with a friendship coffee. This is coffee and schnapps of some sort served in a wooden bowl with four spouts.

Each person takes a sip and passes it to the next…

This was my second friendship coffee experience and this one tasted not so good… Not sure if it was the actual wooden bowl or the mix, but it wasn’t as good as my previous memory of this.

Friendship cafe

Cafe de L’Amitié

Anyway, we passed it around till it was dry and had a laugh in the process.

Really crazy people

HR Giger Museum in Gruyères

After dinner, we wanted to have a drink in the HR Giger bar but unfortunately, it was already closed.

Odyssey note; Get here early and visit the Giger museum and then head to the bar for a drink before having dinner, as the bar closes at 8.30pm and the museum at 6 pm.

HR Giger Museum in Gruyères

Lucky for us, we had been here many years ago and seen some of the art from HR Giger. Even if you don’t know of him, you will most certainly recognise some of his creations, especially the aliens from the movie Alien 1978.

The HR Giger museum is just a bit further up past the Le Chalet and under the archway.

Looking up at Le Chalet de Gruyères

Gruyere is a pretty medieval village in the day and night

Gruyères panorama at night

Medieval Gruyères in Fribourg

After walking down past the castle walls to the car park we made our way home.

The party continues at home… Thanks to my wonderful wife & friends.