Emmental Show Dairy

How do they get those holes in the cheese? The answer to this question awaits you at the Emmentaler Show Dairy in Affoltern. The popular Emmentaler AOP is produced in the charming village located in the midst of the hilly Emmental region.

The show dairy has been open 365 days a year since 1989. Inside, visitors get to see firsthand how around 8,000 liters of milk are turned into cheese each day. In addition to fascinating facts and the story behind this traditional Swiss product, you can also learn how to make cheese yourself!

As of April, visitors can watch and lend a hand as fresh cheese is made daily. Combined with the “King’s Way” tour, it is a truly cheese-y experience that can also be booked for groups.

The “King’s Way” is the latest attraction at the show dairy. During the indoor-tour you will learn many interesting facts about the history of the Emmentaler AOP brand and how the famous cheese is made. The tour, which blends digital technology and traditional farmer’s love to create an overall sensational experience, shows the entire process of transforming top-quality raw milk into delectable cheese and takes visitors on a journey into the depths of the impressive cellar, where the Emmentaler AOP wheels are stored and ripened. The highlight of the tour is a special tasting session of the original Emmentaler AOP. Sampling it in the heart of the production facility makes the experience even more authentic.

The “Stöckli”, dating back to 1741, is one of the last production facilities where cheese is still made over an open fire – just like in the olden days. It’s no surprise, then, that it is also a popular film location and has been showcased on television in many countries. As part of a group, you can all help to prepare the “Stöckli” cheese – making it an ideal accompanying activity for a celebration, seminar or team outing. After a four-month ripening period, the participants’ own cheeses will be mailed to their homes. A visit to the Emmentaler Show Dairy is also highly recommended as an excursion with technical specialists from the agricultural, dairy, cheese and retail sectors. Courses and seminars can be booked ahead, and a farm tour is also possible with an advance reservation.

The dairy’s own restaurant serves up a lovely green view as well as seasonal and regional dishes. The cheese specialties such as cheese pie and cheesy macaroni are particularly popular. You can also treat yourself to a delicious breakfast that is served daily, and on Sundays a hearty “Senne brunch” can be enjoyed out on the garden terrace when the weather is fine and in the heated winter garden on cooler days. Local products are given top priority in the kitchen, with the bread coming from the Mätteli bakery right across the road, for example. The specialty cheese shop offers a wide selection of Emmentaler AOP aged from four to 30 months, meaning there is something to suit every taste from mild to sharp. There are also more than 100 other varieties of Swiss cheeses to choose from. Our tip: The fresh Ziger cheese is especially tasty! If you are already full of cheese, you can search for the perfect souvenir among the other regional specialties.

The show dairy has a playground and small petting zoo for children. If you want to explore the Emmental valley on two wheels, you can rent an e-bike onsite.

Another attractive option is to combine a visit to the Emmentaler Show Dairy with a beautiful hike – for example from Högern to Chrächen or to the Lueg lookout point.

The entire premises of the Emmentaler Show Dairy is wheelchair accessible.