Zurich Open Top Bus, Chocolate and Cheese Factory Tour Appenzell

If you’re considering a day out exploring Zurich and beyond, this tour combining a city overview, Swiss chocolate, and cheese experiences might catch your eye. It’s designed for those who want a bit of everything — city sights, tasty treats, and scenic Swiss villages — all in one day.

What works well here? First, the open-top bus tour gives you a fun, relaxed way to see Zurich’s major landmarks without feeling rushed. Second, the visit to both the Chocolarium and Appenzeller Schaukäserei offers genuine, hands-on insights into Swiss culinary traditions.

However, there are some considerations. The tour’s duration (8 to 9 hours) can feel long, especially if some attractions are less engaging or when timing doesn’t align perfectly, like closing hours at certain sites. Plus, for those who dislike lengthy bus rides, the trip through Swiss countryside might be less appealing.

If you’re after a family-friendly, scenic, and foodie-rich experience, this tour can be a good fit. Just keep in mind it’s a day packed with travel and activity, so it’s best for those prepared for a full day on the move.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines city sights, chocolate, cheese, and a charming village.
• Good value for the price: Includes multiple visits and a city tour.
• Longer day, longer bus rides: Expect around 8-9 hours total, with some travel time.
• Mixed reviews on guide quality: Some praise the guides, others find the commentary lacking.
• Seasonal considerations: Some shops and attractions may be closed, affecting the experience.
• Ideal for those who like a structured, all-in-one tour with a variety of experiences.

If you’re thinking about spending a day in Zurich with a twist, this tour offers a way to get a broad taste of Swiss culture and scenery — all in one package. It’s marketed as a combo of city sightseeing, culinary discovery, and scenic villages, and it hits many of those marks. But as with any tour, the details matter, and understanding what to expect can help you decide if it’s your kind of day.

Starting with Zurich — Seeing the City from a Red Open Top Bus

The tour kicks off at Zurich’s main railway station, a bustling hub that’s also home to ShopVille, a shopping center open every day. From here, the open-top bus takes you on a 1-hour city tour with audio guides, passing some of Zurich’s key landmarks and sights.

We loved the relaxed way this allows you to get your bearings without the fatigue of walking. Traveling through the city streets, you’ll see the Zurich station, the historic Urania Observatory, and the lakeside views of Lake Zurich. The bus also passes by notable sites like the Schwizerische Kreditanstalt (what’s now Credit Suisse) and the Wensendonck and Rieter villas, which are points of historical and architectural interest.

Several reviews praise the city tour’s organization and the views it provides. As one traveler noted, the city tour was “well organized” with a “good balance between travel time and site visits.” And if you’re into photography, this part of the trip gives you good opportunities to snap Zurich’s iconic sights.

But not everyone was thrilled. A few reviews mention that the guide didn’t offer much commentary during the bus ride, which can make the experience feel a little flat if you’re expecting in-depth insights. Still, the scenery and landmarks make for a decent introduction to Zurich.

Transitioning from City to Countryside — The Scenic Drive to the Chocolarium

After the initial city tour, you’ll hop back onto the bus for a scenic drive through the Swiss countryside, lasting about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This part of the journey sets the stage for the day’s culinary adventures, with rolling hills, quaint villages, and a sense of Swiss rural charm.

While some travelers feel that this drive might be a bit long, it’s also where the tour’s value begins to shine — you get to see a different side of Switzerland, away from the urban hustle.

Sweet Moments at the Chocolarium — The Factory of Happiness

Arriving at the Chocolarium (the “Factory of Happiness”) in Flawil, you’re greeted with a lively, interactive environment that aims to showcase Switzerland’s renowned chocolate craftsmanship. The visit lasts about an hour and includes guided or self-guided exhibits that reveal the secrets behind Swiss chocolate-making, from bean to bar.

You’ll see demonstrations, learn about the history, and, best of all, sample a range of chocolates. Many guests appreciate this part as a highlight, with one reviewer calling it “delightful” and praising the “interactive exhibits.” It’s a fun, sensory experience designed to appeal to all ages, especially if you love chocolate.

However, some note that the tour is more about showcasing the brand and offering tastings than an in-depth look at production. Since hygiene measures limit the ability to see production lines in action, the focus is on the finished product and storytelling.

Cheese Time in Appenzell — The Appenzeller Schaukäserei

Next, it’s time for cheese. After about 30 minutes of driving, you arrive at the Appenzeller Schaukäserei. This is a cheese dairy that offers visitors an inside look at the traditional cheese-making process, although it’s worth noting some reviews mention that the actual cheese production isn’t visible during the visit.

You’ll get to see the cheese being handcrafted, learn about the unique techniques and ingredients used, and sample the cheese at various stages of maturity. The experience lasts about an hour and a half, and many find the tasting part especially enjoyable. It’s a chance to taste the famous Appenzeller cheese in a genuine setting, rather than just buying it in stores.

One reviewer appreciated the chance to experience the “centuries-old tradition of cheese-making” firsthand, while others pointed out that the site functions more like a museum or showcase rather than an active production line.

The Charm of Appenzell — Swiss Village Vibes

After cheese, you’ll have some free time to explore the picture-perfect village of Appenzell. Its cobblestone streets, colorful frescoed buildings, and welcoming cafes make it a delightful spot to stroll and soak in local culture. Sites like Landsgemeindeplatz give a sense of Swiss tradition, and the surrounding Alps offer excellent hiking and views.

Travelers often mention the village’s charm and hospitality. It’s a chance to walk at your own pace, grab a coffee or some Swiss snacks, and take photos of the lovely scenery.

Return Journey to Zurich — Scenic and Relaxed

From Appenzell, the bus heads back to Zurich, a drive of around 1 hour. Many reviews comment on the scenic nature of this return trip, with the Swiss landscape passing by comfortably. When you arrive back in Zurich, the tour concludes, having covered a lot of ground in a day.

On paper, this tour seems packed with variety — city sights, chocolate, cheese, and scenic villages. For those who want a taste of everything without planning multiple trips, it offers convenience and a shared group experience. The price of around $125 may seem steep, but it includes several entrance fees, guided experiences, and transportation, which can make it seem reasonable for a full day of activity.

However, the mixed reviews highlight that the experience isn’t perfect. Some travelers found the guides lacked depth, especially during the city tour, or felt that certain attractions, like the cheese factory, didn’t fully live up to expectations about seeing production. The timing of visits can also be an issue; if certain shops or production lines are closed, it might diminish the experience.

That said, if you’re someone who appreciates a well-organized schedule, enjoys food and scenic drives, and doesn’t mind a long day on the bus, this could be a fun, memorable way to spend your day in Zurich and nearby.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who want a structured, all-in-one experience that combines sightseeing, culinary treats, and picturesque villages. It’s a good way to get an overview of Zurich’s highlights and see some of Switzerland’s famous food traditions in a relatively short time.

While it won’t satisfy everyone, especially those seeking a deep dive into Swiss culture or active production experiences, it delivers a friendly, engaging introduction to parts of Swiss life. Be prepared for a full day, some bus travel, and varying guide commentary, but also for the chance to taste some excellent chocolate and cheese.

If you’re on a budget, or prefer more personalized, less structured tours, you might want to explore other options. But if this itinerary aligns with your interests, it’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to see a lot in one go.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours, including travel, site visits, and free time, so be ready for a full day.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Zurich Bus Station (Ausstellungsstrasse 5) and returns there after the day’s activities.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included. You’ll need to find your own during the free time in Appenzell or elsewhere.

What attractions are included in the city tour?
You’ll see Zurich station, Urania Observatory, Lake Zurich, the Schwizerische Kreditanstalt, Wensendonck and Rieter villas, and more.

Can I see the chocolate or cheese production?
You’ll visit the Chocolarium and cheese dairy, but actual production lines may not be visible, as some are closed for hygiene or safety reasons.

Is there free time in Appenzell?
Yes, the tour includes some free time, allowing you to explore the village at your leisure.

How is the guide?
Reviews are mixed; some praise the guides for their friendliness, others wish for more informative commentary.

What is the cost, and is it worth it?
The price is around $125.66 per person, including entrance fees and transportation. Whether it’s worth it depends on your interest in a structured, full-day experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a jacket for outdoor walking, and some cash or cards for souvenirs or snacks.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly aimed at children, the experience could work for families interested in food and scenic villages. Check the specific attractions’ suitability for kids beforehand.

This Zurich combo tour offers a varied day blending city sights, Swiss delicacies, and charming villages. It’s a decent choice if you’re after a mix of sightseeing and tasting, especially if you enjoy guided group experiences.