Switzerland is recognised for its mountains, cities, and beautiful chocolate, but there is so much more to discover. The country is full of culture, craftsmanship, and some of the world’s best cheese. I recently got to experience all of this on a press trip.

Day 1: From Zurich to Kaltbach, Cheese Heaven

We started the trip with breakfast at Radisson Blu. It was a classic hotel breakfast, featuring all the essentials and perfect for fuelling up before a day full of travel and tastings. By mid morning, we were on our way to Sursee for a light lunch at Restaurant iheimisch. The food was simple but satisfying, giving us the right boost before the adventure began.

Our first major stop was Käserei Kottwil, an Emmental dairy farm. Watching Thomas Schweisser and his team was fascinating. They turn fresh milk into finely crafted cheeses with a skill that only the Swiss possess. The highlight? Tasting the cheese right there on the farm. The textures and flavours felt like a private tasting just for us.

After that, we went to Kaltbach for the famous cheese cave tour. Walking through the cool, softly lit sandstone caves with Roland Ziswiler and Michu Iff was unforgettable. The air carried an earthy, tangy scent that made tasting the cave aged cheeses even better. I enjoyed each sample and noticed the subtle differences between the varieties. It was more than just cheese, it felt like art. And speaking of art, the walls of the Kaltbach cave, around 22 million years old, were absolutely fascinating. I would visit just for that.

By evening, we arrived in Thun, checked into Hotel Krone Thun, and then took a taxi to Schloss Schadau for dinner. Imagine this: a historic lakeside castle, a golden sunset, and dishes that tasted as elegant as the setting. It was a magical way to end a busy first day.

Day 2: Alpine Walks and the Chästeilet Festival

After breakfast at the hotel, we travelled to Sigriswil and took a shuttle to Grön for a scenic walk to Spycherberg. The Chästeilet Festival was in full swing, showcasing a centuries old tradition of dividing and sharing cheese. The energy was contagious, the locals were welcoming, and I loved seeing everyone gather to celebrate their heritage. Tasting festival treats with the Alps as a backdrop was pure bliss. Watching the cows come down the hills draped in flowers was an incredible sight, it felt like the hills had turned into their own runway. We were serenaded by a group of locals yodelling, this is something I have always wanted to witness – a true immersive treat – an artistary that actually left me speechless.

This trip reminded me of the stories and craft behind the food we often take for granted. From dairy farms to underground caves, from lively festivals to elegant lakeside dinners, Switzerland is filled with experiences that surprise and delight. And if you love cheese, this will feel like heaven.

Thank you to Emmi Cheese for hosting me.

@emmicheeseukq @northpruk

Kaltbach cave aged Swiss cheese is available to buy in the following places:

●        Kaltbach Creamy – just launched in M&S and Ocado in prepack, Waitrose (on cheese counters and in the No1 Waitrose brand), Booths cheese counters, specialist cheesemongers and fine food retailers.

●        Kaltbach Emmentaler AOP – Waitrose cheese counters, Ocado, specialist cheesemongers and fine food retailers.

●        Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP – Waitrose cheese counters, Ocado, specialist cheesemongers and fine food retailers.

●        Kaltbach Gouda – Available at Waitrose, specialist cheesemongers, and fine food retailers.

●        Kaltbach Appenzeller – Available at specialist cheesemongers and fine food retailers

●        Kaltbach Truffle – a seasonal line for winter.  Available at specialist cheesemongers and fine food retailers.