Outdoor fondue fun

Like no other dish, a cheese fondue represents tradition, community and conviviality. Fondue is a piece of Swiss culture. Stirring together in the same caquelon has something unifying about it. Fortunately, this is still possible.

The true origin of the cheese fondue is unclear. Both Switzerland and Savoy in France claim the origin of the fondue. Cheese fondue has only been considered a Swiss national dish since the 1950s. The dish became known throughout Switzerland when it was included in the army cookbooks. In the 1970s and 1980s, a broad advertising campaign was launched in Switzerland under the motto ‘Fondue is good and puts you in a good mood’ (FIGUGEGL). This involved the option to rent sets with a caquelon, rechaud and forks from almost every cheese dairy for a modest fee. Today, this service is no longer necessary, as most Swiss households have a complete set available.

The best fondue is always a matter of taste. Some like it creamy and mild, while others prefer it to be spicy and savoury or even outlandish. As with all classic dishes that require only a few good ingredients, a fondue can be added to according to preference. Fondue is wonderfully easy to prepare and is a very sociable meal. It is quick and easy to prepare, just what you need after a day spent outdoors. Gathered around the caquelon, the fondue will be the crowning finale of shared experiences and adventures in the wintery surroundings. But fondue is also at home in festive gatherings. Fancy a perfectly composed three-course meal with cheese fondue? Enjoy a beef consommé with Swiss vodka or lamb's lettuce with Bündnerfleisch as a starter, delicious fondue varieties, for example with truffle and chives, and serve side dishes according to your taste: balsamic shallots, roast potatoes or semi-dried tomatoes. For dessert, how about a festive champagne jelly with nutmeg sabayon or a sorbet?

Melted cheese is also a delight with raclette. With raclette, each guest has their own private pan in which each piece of cheese melts according to the rules of social distancing. Either way, we enjoy being together! Long live togetherness – with respect and consideration.

Tips for a winter fondue experience:

Discover tips and recommendations for winter fondue experiences here!

Fondue and raclette boats on Lake Constance

A cosy fondue evening on a three-hour round trip.

How to get there: take the S4 to Rorschach, then the SBB to Romanshorn.

Outdoor fondue on the fire

In a large cauldron over the fire, the special cheese mixture of winemaker and woolly pig breeder Hampi bubbles away. Hampi welcomes guests to his farm in Quinten. The journey there is special: the only way to get to the small wine-growing village on Lake Walen is by boat.

How to get there: take the S4 to Murg, then take the boat to Quinten.

Winter Magic Terrace KKL, Lucerne

Wrapped in warm blankets, surrounded by festively decorated Christmas trees and with a beautiful view of the ice rink, the lake and the illuminated old town of Lucerne, you can enjoy a fondue or raclette.

How to get there: by Voralpen-Express to Lucerne

Fondue Chalet Fernsicht, Heiden

The Swiss Sunday newspaper SonntagsZeitung rates this chalet in Heiden as probably the best fondue spot in Switzerland. As early as summer, the star chef goes up to the alp together with his trusted cheese supplier. He buys large quantities of cheese here, which he then allows to mature until the winter season.

How to get there: take the Voralpen-Express to St. Gallen, then the bus to Heiden; or take the S4 to Rorschach, then the Rorschach-Heiden mountain railway to Heiden.

Fondue carriage rides in Toggenburg

A romantic horse-drawn carriage ride in a heated carriage is possible for groups of six or more. While you are comfortably driven through the landscape of the lower Toggenburg, you will enjoy a fine cheese fondue made according to a secret recipe. You will be the guest of a friendly farming family who have been running carriage rides for 25 years.

How to get there: take the S4 to Lichtensteig, then the SBB to Bütschwil.

Hire outdoor fondue sets

In the middle of the forest, where the fox and the hare bid each other ‘good night’, the fire crackles for the forest fondue. You can enjoy your fondue with extra-long fondue forks, dipping them in wherever you want. Everything you need for the forest fondue is delivered to the desired location and is also picked up again.

Information and bookings: you can find a range of providers for your chosen region online.