Swiss Chocolate For Tourists Visiting Switzerland, take the chocolate train!
Is Swiss chocolate the best there is? Many think so and no doubt, the quality is exceptional and when visiting Switzerland, you should definitely have a taste of it. And why not join the Chocolate Train?
The reputation of chocolate makers in Switzerland is flawless, but how did this come to be?
Chocolate first arrived in Switzerland in 1819. François-Louis Cailler opened chocolate production facilities in Corsier. His brand is still in existence today.
Other chocolate factories soon began to spring up. One of these was founded by Daniel Peter in 1867. It was his idea to try mixing milk with the chocolate for the very first time, thus making milk chocolate.
Swiss chocolate productions really took off as tourism began to boom in Switzerland. Nearly 75% of the chocolate being manufactured was also being exported. The quality of the chocolate was clearly standing out to the rest of the world.
During the economic crisis in the 1920’s and 30’s a ration was put on sugar and cocoa imports, making chocolate production wane. However, since 1950 the chocolate industry has been revived and is thriving better than ever before.
Since Switzerland is not only famous for their chocolate, but also their trains, they have developed the Swiss Chocolate Train.
This train ride offers incredible views through scenic countryside as well as stop along the way to tour the Cailler-Nestle Chocolate factory.
New from april 1st, 2010 in Broc-Gruyère!
Get the new experience in the new opened Maison Cailler in Broc-Gruyère.
After Nestlé has spent a few millions francs, it will be opened to the public from the 1st of April 2010, where you can visit the following places; The Cailler Show, The Production, where you can taste the freshly made "Branche Cailler", The "Atelier du Chocolat", what are the secrets of making the finest chocolate, and much more.
Usually the train makes a stop at Gruyère where travelers can take a short bus ride to the castle and small village of Gruyère, the home of the world famous cheese, than later to the chocolate factory in Broc.
There are a number of other chocolate factories that can be toured as well.
Chocolat Alprose SA in Caslano not only offers factory tours, but also houses a small museum as well.
Chocolats Camille Bloch SA in Coutelary can arrange visits, but only by written request.
Chocolat Frey AG in Buchs has tours available for at least 15 people at a time, but this also has to be prearranged in writing.
Maestrani Schweizer Schokoladen AG in Flawil offers both guided and self-guided tours of their factory. There is also a room with a video that outlines chocolate production for visitors.
Nestlé Suisse SA in Vevey in the Lake Geneva district has a guided interactive and audiovisual tour for its visitors. This showcases exactly how the original Cailler Swiss chocolate is manufactured. Timed cameras show tourists that actual process of chocolate being made. The best part of the tour is the free samples that are given out at the end!
If you love chocolate, then Switzerland is the vacation spot for you. For years, they have been known for making the best. You will not be disappointed!
During the economic crisis in the 1920’s and 30’s a ration was put on sugar and cocoa imports, making chocolate production wane. However, since 1950 the chocolate industry has been revived and is thriving better than ever before.