Showcase cheesemakers are places where the history of Swiss cheesemaking comes to life before the eyes of visitors. One of the most impressive facilities of its kind is the Emmentaler Schaukäserei in Affoltern im Emmental. This authentic cheesemaking facility, located in the heart of the region that gave its name to the famous cheese with holes, offers an unforgettable experience for all cheese lovers. Visitors can observe the entire Emmentaler production process - from heating the milk in huge copper cauldrons, to molding and ripening. Interestingly, in 1930 there were as many as 933 dairies in Switzerland, which produced more than 25,000 tons of Emmentaler per year, and the peak of production was in 1985, when as much as 58,000 tons of the cheese were produced.

The Emmentaler Schaukäserei is not only a production site, but also an educational center where you can learn about the history of this iconic cheese. The facility also includes a museum, a restaurant serving traditional cheese dishes and a store where you can purchase fresh products directly from the manufacturer. There are special attractions for families with children, including a mini farm with animals. Admission prices are at an average level, but the educational value and tasting opportunities fully compensate for the cost.

A slightly smaller, but equally authentic attraction is Schaukäserei Alp Heubühlen in the picturesque village of Habkern. This Alpine cheesemaker offers a more intimate experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of traditional mountain cheese making. Located at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters above sea level, the cheesemaking facility uses milk from cows grazing in the surrounding alpine meadows, giving the cheeses a unique, herbal flavor. Unlike the larger facilities, Schaukäserei Alp Heubühlen maintains a more rustic character, with the production process taking place almost unchanged for centuries. Visitors can not only watch the cheesemakers at work, but also take part in workshops where they can make their own cheese. Prices are lower than at the Emmentaler Schaukäserei, making this an attractive destination for those looking for an authentic experience without overspending.

Rounding out the trio of most interesting show cheese factories is the Swiss Cheese Factory in Ganterschwil. This is a modern facility that combines traditional methods with innovative solutions. The cheese factory specializes in producing a variety of cheeses, not limiting itself to just one type, giving visitors a broader picture of Swiss cheesemaking. Swiss Cheese Factory is distinguished by its interactive approach to visiting - visitors can not only observe the production process, but also actively participate in it under the guidance of experienced cheesemakers. The facility also offers comparative tastings of different types of cheeses to better understand the subtle differences between varieties. Prices are similar to those at the Emmentaler Schaukäserei, but the wider range of experiences makes a visit well worth the price.

Switzerland is famous not only for its cheese production, but also for the unique stores where these delicacies can be purchased. One of the most charming is Chäsbueb - cheese and delicatessen, located in the heart of historic Bern at Kramgasse 83. This small, family-run store offers an impressive selection of local cheeses, including rare varieties that are hard to find elsewhere. The owners talk passionately about each product, and their knowledge of the ripening process and the best ways to serve each cheese is invaluable. Chäsbueb also distinguishes itself by offering cheeses in various stages of ripening, allowing customers to experience how the taste and texture of the cheese changes over time. Prices are higher than in supermarkets, but the quality and authenticity of the products fully justify the difference.

In Zurich, visit Chäs-Chäller - Urban Food Store at Niederdorfstrasse 46. This modern store combines tradition with urban lifestyle, offering both classic Swiss cheeses and international varieties. Chäs-Chäller is distinguished by a carefully selected range of wines that pair perfectly with the cheeses, and a wide selection of accompaniments - from traditional jams to modern pastes and sauces. The store regularly holds tastings and workshops, where you can deepen your knowledge of cheese and learn how to compose perfect cheese sets. Prices are at an average level, and the professional staff will be happy to advise you on the choice of products to suit your individual preferences and budget.

Lucerne, meanwhile, is home to Cheese Store - Cheese Barmettler, a true institution for cheese lovers. This family-run store, which has been in business for generations, offers more than 200 different types of cheese, including local specialties from central Switzerland. Cheese Barmettler is famous for its cave-ripened cheeses, which have an exceptionally rich and complex flavor. The store also offers special sets for fondue and raclette, traditional Swiss cheese dishes. Prices are higher, but the quality of the products and the possibility of tasting before buying make a visit here a real feast for the palate.

For those looking for a luxury cheese experience, Chees Gourmet GmbH in Tafers is the ideal place. This boutique store specializes in premium cheeses and rare varieties that are aged under special conditions. The owners work directly with small, family-run cheesemakers, providing top-quality products that are often unavailable elsewhere. Chees Gourmet also offers exclusive gift sets and organizes private tastings led by experts. Prices are high, but for true cheese connoisseurs, this is a must-visit place on Switzerland's culinary map.

A somewhat surprising but noteworthy place is the British Cheese Deli in Zurich. Despite its name suggesting a focus on British cheeses, the store also offers an excellent selection of Swiss products, creating an interesting dialogue between two great cheese traditions. The place is especially popular with expats and tourists who can compare different styles of cheese making. British Cheese Deli also hosts events pairing cheeses with craft beers, an interesting alternative to traditional tastings with wine. Prices are mid-range, and the friendly atmosphere is conducive to exchanging culinary experiences.

The western, French-speaking part of Switzerland has its own unique cheese-making tradition, which differs from the German-speaking regions of the country. One of the best places to explore these differences is Fromagerie Dupasquier in Geneva. This elegant store, located at 1 Rue de Cornavin, specializes in cheeses from the Romandie region (French-speaking Switzerland), offering such specialties as Gruyère, Vacherin Mont d'Or and Tête de Moine. Fromagerie Dupasquier stands out not only for the quality of its products, but also for the aesthetics of its presentation - the cheeses are arranged with artistic precision, creating true culinary works of art. The store also offers ready-made sets for raclette, a traditional dish from western Switzerland in which cheese is melted and scraped directly onto the plate. Prices are higher than average, but the quality and presentation of the products justify the difference.

In Lausanne, on the other hand, visit Macheret Fromage at Rue Pré-du-Marché 3. This family-run store, run by the third generation of cheesemakers, offers an authentic shopping experience away from the tourist trails. Macheret Fromage is famous for its seasonal specialties, such as Vacherin Mont d'Or, available only during the winter months. This creamy cheese, served in a wooden box and often baked with wine, is a true culinary treasure of the region. The store also offers local goat and sheep cheeses, which are less common in other parts of Switzerland. Prices are moderate, and the friendly staff is happy to share knowledge about the best ways to serve and store cheese.

It is worth noting that the cheese-making tradition in western Switzerland is strictly regulated. For example, Gruyère cheese can only be made in certain cantons, such as Freiburg, Waadt, Neuenburg, Jura and Bern. This famous cheese is aged for at least five months at 13-14 degrees Celsius and 95% humidity, which gives it a distinctive nutty flavor. Unlike Emmentaler, Gruyère does not have characteristic holes, due to differences in the production and maturation process.

Comparing the offerings of cheese stores in different parts of Switzerland, there are clear regional differences. Stores in the German-speaking part of the country often focus on Emmentaler and Appenzeller cheeses, while in French-speaking Switzerland Gruyère and Vacherin dominate. These differences reflect not only taste preferences, but also the historical and cultural backgrounds of each region.

An interesting development worth noting is the growing competition from imported cheeses. In 2023, for the first time in Swiss history, imports of foreign cheeses exceeded exports of Swiss cheeses. This phenomenon is due to the lower prices of imported cheeses compared to Swiss products. At the same time, the number of dairy farms in Switzerland is declining twice as fast as in other agricultural sectors - from 1950 to 2022, the number fell by 87%, from 138,380 to just 17,603. These figures show the importance of supporting local cheese producers to preserve Switzerland's centuries-old cheese-making tradition for future generations.

Regardless of the region, Swiss cheese stores have one thing in common - a passion for cheese and pride in local traditions. When you visit these places, you don't just buy a food product, you become part of the culinary history that has shaped Switzerland's identity for centuries. Each piece of cheese tells the story of the region from which it comes, the tradition that created it, and the people who have passed down the secrets of cheesemaking from generation to generation.