Männlichen: Cheese and Chocolate Tasting on Mountain Summit

If you’re exploring the Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland, the Männlichen Cheese and Chocolate Tasting tour is one of those experiences that can make your trip feel both delicious and memorable. While I haven’t personally tried this exact tour, I’ve looked into what it offers, and it seems like a wonderful way to combine spectacular scenery with tasting some of Switzerland’s best flavors.

What caught my eye? First, the stunning panoramic views of iconic mountains like Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch, all from a comfortable picnic setting. Second, the informative guide-led experience that promises insights into Swiss cheeses and exclusive chocolates. One thing to consider is that this tour isn’t suitable for those afraid of heights or with mobility issues, given the nature of the mountain walk.

Overall, I think this tour would suit travelers who love scenic vistas, tasty treats, and a relaxed pace — especially those curious about Swiss culinary traditions or looking for a manageable, engaging activity on their mountain visit. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect.

Key Points

• Panoramic Mountain Views: Enjoy a 360-degree vista of some of Switzerland’s most famous peaks and valleys.
• Gourmet Tasting: Sample five exclusive Swiss chocolates and a variety of cheeses, including cold cuts, fruits, and bread.
• Light Hike & Picnic: An easy guided walk up to the summit leads to a scenic picnic spot perfect for savoring your snacks.
• Expert Guide: Learn about Swiss cheeses, their origins, and aging process from a knowledgeable guide.
• Convenient & Flexible: The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, with flexible scheduling and options for discounts if you have a Swiss Travel Pass.
• Family-Friendly & Accessible: Suitable for most, but not recommended for those with mobility issues or afraid of heights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Is All About

This experience is all about combining flavor with scenery. Starting at the Männlichen cable car station, you’ll meet your guide and begin an easy walk to the mountain’s summit, where a spectacular 360-degree view awaits. From the top, you’ll see Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Jungfraujoch, Mürren, and numerous other iconic sights—all in one breathtaking glance.

The guided walk is described as “pretty easy,” making it accessible for most, though you’ll want comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sunblock. The walk itself is not strenuous—more of a pleasant hike with plenty of time to take photos and soak in the views.

Once at the peak, you’ll be taken to a secret picnic spot—a cozy, scenic place to indulge in your Swiss cheese tasting. The guide provides insights into the origin of Swiss cheeses, differences in high-altitude milk, and aging processes. It’s a chance to learn while you nibble, making the tasting not just delicious but also educational.

Cheese & Chocolate Tasting

The highlight for many is the cheese tasting, featuring five types of Swiss cheese, paired with cold cuts, fresh fruit, and crispy bread or crackers. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to taste cheeses that are specific to Switzerland. Reviewers note that the cheese tasting is “delicious” and “very informative,” making the experience feel authentic and more meaningful than just snacking.

For dessert, you’ll try five different types of Swiss chocolates—each one exclusive to Switzerland. The chocolates are described as “famous,” and many are only available locally, making them perfect souvenirs for friends or family. The guide’s tip to buy chocolates before you leave is a handy one, especially if you’re looking to bring back a true Swiss treat.

Views & Photos

The views are often highlighted as spectacular, with “breathtaking” scenery, especially during the scenic photo stops. Some reviews mention that the views in the photos look even better in real life. The combination of mountain vistas and delicious snacks makes this a memorable experience, even for those who aren’t avid hikers.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Do

Start at the Männlichen Gondola station—easy to reach from Wengen or Grindelwald, although there’s no car access directly to the meeting point. Once there, your guide leads you on a gentle walk to the summit. The walk, approximately an hour long, is leisurely and offers plenty of opportunities for photos and enjoying the landscape.

Next, you’ll stop at a photo spot with panoramic views for about 30 minutes, perfect for capturing the scenery and relaxing with your snacks. This is a prime moment for those unforgettable mountain selfies.

Then comes the picnic at the secret spot, where you’ll settle in with your selection of cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, and bread. Here, you’ll learn about Swiss cheese making and get some insider tips from your guide—adding a layer of local knowledge to your tasting.

Finally, you’ll return to the starting point, completing your approximately 2.5-hour excursion. The entire experience is designed to mix light activity with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and your tastings.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour includes everything you need for a great experience: a local guide, the cheese and chocolate tastings, and a scenic picnic with a selection of cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, and bread. The spectacular mountain views are a given, part of the natural backdrop.

However, tickets to the meeting point aren’t included, and transportation up to the summit (via gondola) is your responsibility. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll enjoy a 30% discount on the gondola tickets, which is a nice perk. Keep in mind, there’s no parking available at the station—your best bet is the gondola from Grindelwald Terminal or Wengen.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for a gentle hike.
• Bring sun protection and water to stay hydrated.
• A camera or smartphone is essential for capturing the views.
• If you have food allergies, it’s worth mentioning to the guide beforehand.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most, but not for those with mobility impairments or afraid of heights.

The Pros & Cons

Pros:
– The stunning mountain vistas truly make this experience special.
– The knowledgeable guide adds depth to the tasting and scenery, making it more than just a snack stop.
– The delicious Swiss cheeses and chocolates are exclusive and high quality.
– The easy walk means you don’t need to be an avid hiker to enjoy it.
– Being able to combine tasting with sightseeing makes it a well-rounded activity.

Cons:
– The tour’s reliance on gondola transportation means you need to plan accordingly and buy tickets separately if you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass.
– It’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges or a fear of heights.
– The timing may not fit all schedules perfectly, so check availability carefully.
– If you’re expecting a long, extensive hike, this might feel more like a brief walk with a picnic.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travellers who love scenic views but prefer a relaxed pace. It’s especially great if you’re a foodie or curious about Swiss cheese and chocolates, wanting to learn more about their origins and unique qualities. It’s a wonderful activity for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a memorable but manageable mountain outing.

Those with a sense of adventure but less inclination for strenuous activity will find this just right. However, if you or someone in your group has mobility issues or a severe fear of heights, this might not be the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to know how to hike to enjoy this experience?
No, the walk is described as “pretty easy,” making it accessible for most people with moderate mobility. Just wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a gentle ascent.

Are tickets to the meeting point included?
No, tickets to the gondola and transportation are not included. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you get a 30% discount, which helps with costs.

Can I bring children or families?
While the tour is not specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s suitable for most ages given the easy walk and scenic setting. Just consider children’s comfort with heights and walking.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera. It’s also a good idea to have some cash or a card for souvenirs or extras.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 2.5 hours, including the walk, tasting, and scenic stops.

Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities?
It is wheelchair accessible, but the walk and mountain setting may still pose challenges for some. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a combination of breathtaking scenery and delicious local flavors, this Männlichen cheese and chocolate tour hits the spot. The views alone might be worth it, but the added experience of tasting Swiss cheeses and chocolates elevates it into a memorable, flavorful outing. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours soaking up the beauty of the Swiss Alps while indulging in some of the country’s finest edible treasures.

For those who appreciate a relaxed, engaging activity that’s more about enjoying than exerting, this is a very solid choice. Just plan your transportation ahead, come prepared, and you’re set to enjoy an authentic Swiss experience with a view.

You can check availability for your dates here: