Swiss Fondue

Fondue is an iconic Swiss dish consisting of melted cheese & wine served in a communal pot over a portable stove, where diners dip bread cubes with a long fork.

Fondue (from the French word "fondre," meaning "to melt") is made by melting cheese in a ceramic pot called a caquelon, which sits over a small flame at the table to keep it warm throughout the meal. Diners dip cubes of crusty bread into the cheese using long forks, twirling them to pick up a good coating. Different regions of Switzerland have their own traditional fondue blends, and Swiss people take these distinctions quite seriously. The most classic and widely known is moitié-moitié ("half and half"), which combines Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois cheeses. Gruyère alone (dubbed fondue fribourgeoise) is another common style, with a slightly nuttier flavour. Appenzeller is sometimes added for a more pungent, complex taste. The cheeses are typically grated and melted with white wine (usually a dry Swiss variety), a splash of kirsch (cherry schnapps), and a little cornstarch to keep the mixture smooth and velvety.

Fondue originated as peasant food in the Swiss and French Alps, where hard mountain cheeses and stale bread were staples through the long winter months. Melting the cheese with wine was a practical way to make tough, aged cheese more palatable and to use up bread that was past its best. It has become a national symbol of Switzerland, partly through a deliberate campaign by the Swiss Cheese Union in the mid-20th century, which promoted fondue internationally as the definitive Swiss dish

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Zurich
Lucerne
Lucerne is a compact city in central Switzerland known for its gorgeous landscapes and medieval architecture, including the iconic Kapellbrücke footbridge.
Mount Rigi
Located in the Schwyzer Alps in central Switzerland, Rigi is a picturesque mountain peak surrounded by lakes, known as the "Queen of the Mountains".
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne is a stunning glacial lake in Central Switzerland surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, quaint villages and the city of Lucerne.
Rigi Railways
The Mount Rigi cogwheel railways are a triumph of Swiss engineering, designed in the 19th Century to ascend steep terrain using a geared pinion-and-rack system.
Mount Titlis
Mount Titlis is one of central Switzerland's most spectacular peaks and offers one of the most accessible high-alpine glacier experiences in the country.
Engelberg
Engelberg is a charming Swiss alpine town and mountain resort that sits in a high valley south of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by dramatic peaks like Mount Titlis.

Related Tours

Lake Lucerne Hike & Fondue Experience: Private Tour from Zurich

Right in the heart of Switzerland, Lake Lucerne is a truly idyllic place surrounded by iconic mountain peaks like Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. The combination of incredible scenery and easy access makes these mountains the ideal spot for a hike. Our private excursion from Zurich offers the chance to embark upon a scenic drive towards the lake, followed by a relaxed ascent by cable car to the lesser-known Klewenalpen to enjoy a spectacular guided hike. After a healthy dose of fresh mountain air and stunning views from the summit, you’ll top it all off with a fabulous fondue experience at a private residence overlooking the lake, making for a tantalising combination of classic Swiss nature, gastronomy and culture.

On this full-day private tour, you will:

  • Embark on a hiking adventure around the stunning Lake Lucerne;
  • Set off directly from your hotel in Zurich with convenient pick up and drop off;
  • Enjoy the undivided attention of your experienced local driver-guide and comfortable private transport to take you between sites;
  • Cruise to the top of Klewenalp mountain on an exhilarating cable car ride;
  • Take in incredible panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding countryside;
  • Head out on a super scenic guided hike;
  • Savour the best of Swiss cuisine with a delicious fondue experience overlooking the lake.


Escape Zurich for the day and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and authentic flavours of central Switzerland on this unforgettable private excursion to Lake Lucerne. Your experienced local driver-guide will pick you up directly from your hotel, whisking you away in comfortable private transport to one of the country's most spectacular alpine settings

Your adventure begins with an exhilarating cable car ascent to the summit of Klewenalp above the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne. You’ll watch the landscape unfold below as you glide upward, from the lake's deep blue waters to the patchwork of valleys and forests, and the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps stretching to the horizon. At the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views that capture the very essence of Switzerland's mountain majesty.

From there, your guide leads you on a scenic hike through pristine alpine terrain, tailored to your pace and interests. Whether you're traversing meadows dotted with flowers in the summer or winter snowscapes (complete with snowshoes when conditions call for them), you'll experience the tranquil beauty and fresh mountain air that make the Swiss Alps so enchanting. Along the way, your guide can share insights into the local landscape, culture, and traditions as you walk, bringing the region to life with stories of Lucerne across the centuries.

The perfect conclusion to your mountain adventure awaits at a private residence overlooking the lake, where you'll savour Switzerland's most beloved culinary tradition: authentic cheese fondue. In this intimate setting with stunning lake views as your backdrop, you'll indulge in rich, perfectly melted cheese paired with crusty bread, local wines, and warm Swiss hospitality. It is an opportunity to experience one of the most emblematic Swiss culinary rituals, sharing a hearty meal in remarkable surroundings.

With cable car tickets, snowshoes if needed, and seamless door-to-door service all included, this private tour offers the ultimate combination of alpine adventure, spectacular scenery, and genuine Swiss culture.

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