Alpine Cheese-Making

Alpine Cheese-Making

A Family Experience - See, taste & enjoy fresh Swiss cheese

How Swiss Alpine Cheese is Made

Switzerland is famous for its cheese, and what better way to experience it than by visiting an Alpine show dairy? Families can watch traditional cheese-making up close, learn about the process and even try their hand at making their own cheese.

In the heart of the English countryside, nestled among rolling hills and lush pastures, stood a small dairy farm. The cows, a motley crew of Herefords and Friesians, grazed contentedly, their milk destined for a higher purpose: cheesemaking.

The cheesemaker, a wizened old man named Thomas, had been working with cheese for over fifty years. He knew the secrets of the trade, passed down through generations of his family.

Each morning, Thomas would rise early to milk the cows, the rhythmic squeal of the pump a familiar sound in the quiet countryside. He'd then carry the milk to the cheese room, a cool, dark space where the magic happened.

First, he'd warm the milk in a large vat, stirring it gently with a wooden paddle. Then, he'd add a special ingredient: rennet. This enzyme, found in the stomachs of young calves, would cause the milk to curdle, forming a thick, custardy mass.

Thomas would then cut the curd into small pieces, releasing the whey, a watery byproduct. The whey would be drained off, and the curd would be pressed into molds, each one destined to become a different type of cheese.

The cheeses would then be aged in a dark, damp cellar, where they would slowly ripen and develop their unique flavors. Some would be ready in a few weeks, others would take years.

Thomas would tend to the cheeses each day, turning them, wiping them down, and tasting them to make sure they were just right. He knew each cheese intimately, its history, its personality.

And so, the cycle of cheesemaking would continue, day after day, year after year. The cows would graze, the milk would flow, and Thomas would work his magic, transforming simple milk into a culinary masterpiece.

Interactive Dairy Farms – A Hands-On Experience

A visit to an Alp-Schaukäserei is a fun and educational experience for both children and adults. Skilled cheesemakers demonstrate how fresh Alpine milk is transformed into delicious, high-quality cheese, using traditional methods passed down for generations.

Cheese Tasting & Farmhouse Delights

After the demonstration, families can enjoy a cheese tasting, sampling a variety of local specialties such as Alpkäse and Bergkäse. Many dairies also offer freshly baked bread, homemade butter and traditional Engadin delicacies, making it a true culinary delight.

Children will love seeing farm animals up close, and some cheese dairies even allow them to help feed the cows or try milking! With breathtaking Alpine views and the delicious aroma of fresh cheese, this is an experience the whole family will remember.

Next Activity: Looking for more authentic Alpine traditions? 
Enjoy a horseback ride or a scenic carriage tour!