Swiss Cheese: Main Types and Where to Buy in Zurich

Switzerland is a country famous not only for its chocolates but also for its delicious cheeses.

The country has more than 700 types of cheese, and in this article, you will discover the main types and suggestions for cheese shops in Zurich to include in your city itinerary.

6 Main Types of Swiss Cheese

1. Emmentaler

Photo Credit: Emmentaler

Emmentaler or Emmentaler is traditionally handcrafted to the highest standards. There is a list of requirements for its production, from the quality of the milk to the breeding and feeding of the animals to the number and quantity of holes.

Emmental cheese is medium hard and originated in the Emmental region in the canton of Bern.

Site: www.emmentaler.ch

2. Gruyère

Types of Swiss Cheese – Photo Credit: Gruyère

Gruyère is a type of hard cheese that is sweet but slightly salty and 100% artisanal, originating in the cantons of Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Bern in Switzerland.

Maturation time may vary.

Site: www.gruyere.com

3. Appenzeller

Types of Swiss Cheese – Photo Credit: Appenzeller

Appenzeller is a flavorful hard cheese produced in the Appenzellerland region of Switzerland.

This type of cheese is ready for consumption in 3 months, and the more mature, the spicier.

Site: www.appenzeller.ch

4. Raclette

Photo Credit: Seilerkaese

Raclette is a Swiss national dish consisting of grated melted cheese and is typically served with boiled potatoes.

Seilerkaese is a famous Raclette producer in the heart of Switzerland.

Site: www.seilerkaese.ch

5. Tête de Moine

Types of Swiss Cheese – Photo Credit: Tête de Moine

Tête de Moine is a semi-hard cheese produced in the cantons of Bern and Jura.

The cheese is aged for at least 2.5 months before consumption.

Site: www.tetedemoine.ch

6. Sbrinz

Types of Swiss Cheese – Photo Credit: Sbrinz

Sbrinz is a hard Swiss cheese with a natural rind and a dense texture. It is produced in central Switzerland.

In Swiss cuisine, this cheese is commonly used in place of Parmesan. Sbrinz cheese must mature 16 months before being sold, and its full flavor only develops after 24 to 30 months of storage.

Site: www.sbrinz.ch

Where to Buy Swiss Cheese in Zurich

Photo Credit: Azzedine Rouichi

Chäs-Chäller – Urban Food Store – a charming cheese shop in the historic center of Zurich. Niederdorfstrasse 46, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.urbanfoodstore.ch.

WELSCHLAND – a small deli offering a variety of cheeses and delicacies 15 minutes from the historic center by public transport. Zweierstrasse 56, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.welschland.com.

ChäsLaube Business Service – another excellent shop option in the city center with a range of around 300 different cheeses. Seefeldstrasse 27, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: chaeslaube-zuerich.ch.

BachserMärt Kalkbreite – a shop located 15 minutes by public transport from Central Station offering natural products and cheese options. Badenerstrasse 171, 8003 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.bachsermaert.ch.

Chäs+Brot – a specialized cheese and dairy shop in the residential district of Zürich-Wollishofen. Mutschellenstrasse 197, 8038 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.chaes-und-brot.ch.

Tritt Käse / Markthalle Viadukt – a shop located in the Markthalle Viadukt near the banks of the Limmat and 10 minutes by public transport from the Central Station. Limmatstrasse 231, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: tritt.ch.

Migros Supermarkt – a Swiss supermarket with a store at Zurich Central Station. Hauptbahnhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.migros.ch.

Coop Supermarkt Zürich Bahnhofbrücke – a Swiss supermarket with a store right in the center of Zurich, within walking distance of the Central Station. Bahnhofbrücke 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.coop.ch.

Featured Photo by Claudio Schwarz

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