Fondue Train: Cheese Please!

Switzerland has a habit of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary and the Fondue Train, operated by TPF, is no exception. It’s a culinary time capsule on rails. One moment you’re in the bustling town of Bulle, the next you’re gliding through the postcard-worthy hills of La Gruyère and the Pays-d’Enhaut, with a fork in one hand and a cube of bread in the other.

The Fondue Train runs aboard the Train Rétro, a collection of vintage coaches that look straight out of a 1920s travel poster. We’re talking polished wood interiors, classic upholstery and an electric motor coach that’s been faithfully ferrying passengers since 1922.

The star of the show? A traditional fondue moitié-moitié, made with Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois. It is bubbling, aromatic and ready to be devoured as the landscapes roll by. And just when you think it can’t get any more indulgent, out comes dessert: a local legend in its own right, meringue with La Gruyère’s signature double cream.

Whether you opt for the midday journey or the evening departure, the experience is designed for pure Swiss-style relaxation. No rush, no fuss, just hearty food, heritage railcars and windows framing some of the most enchanting views in the country.

So yes, you’ll leave full. But more importantly, you’ll leave with a smile, a story and a lingering craving for another ride.

Fondue Train Itinerary

Bulle to Montbovon

This isn’t just a train ride. It’s a full-bodied plunge into Swiss nostalgia, served warm and gooey with a side of meringue. Welcome to the Fondue Train, where the only thing more decadent than the view is the cheese. This retro rail journey departs from Bulle and glides through the landscapes of La Gruyère and the Pays-d’Enhaut.

Bulle

Your journey kicks off in Bulle, a charming town that smells faintly of melted Gruyère and old-world elegance. It’s the heart of the Fribourg region and proudly claims cheese as a lifestyle, not just a food group. At Platform 7, the Train Rétro awaits. This is where fondue dreams are born and bread cubes meet their gooey fate. Board early, loosen your belt discreetly and prepare for a journey that’s equal parts scenic and sinful.

Montbovon

Roughly an hour later, the train pulls into Montbovon, a sleepy village tucked between lush pastures and dramatic peaks. You won't be doing much exploring here because the real star of the show is on your plate. While the train gently rests, you're served a meringue so light it might float off your fork, paired with Gruyère’s legendary double cream, which is basically whipped gold. As the train prepares for its return, so do your taste buds... for round two.

Where to Stay

Bulle

• Hotel Rallye: Smack in the center of Bulle, Hotel Rallye is the go-to for those who like their stays with a side of convenience and a bit of fun. The rooms are modern, the staff is friendly and there’s even a restaurant downstairs if you haven’t quite had your fill of Swiss indulgence.

• Hotel D Bulle - La Gruyère: Modern, sleek and dressed in neutral tones that whisper “Swiss sophistication,” Hotel D Bulle is where clean design meets creature comforts. Located in the heart of the action. Yes, Bulle does have action. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore by day and unwind in a cloud-like bed by night.
  
  

Montbovon

• Hotel la Croix de Fer: Don’t let the modest exterior fool you. Hotel la Croix de Fer is a cozy alpine gem with authentic character and a price point that’ll make your wallet breathe easy.

Where to Eat

Bulle

• Du Cheval Blanc: If walls could talk, these would whisper secrets of countless cozy meals and clinking glasses. This historic restaurant and inn is a local classic. It serves hearty Swiss cuisine in a timeless setting. Think slow-cooked meats, creamy sauces and dishes that feel like a warm hug from a Gruyère grandmother.

• Le Fribourgeois: Fondue fans, this one’s for you. Known far and wide for its bubbling pots of molten cheese, Le Fribourgeois is a mecca for anyone serious about their dairy devotion. Nestled right in the heart of Bulle, it’s the go-to for traditional Fribourg-style fondue.

• Mahalo coffee shop: Aloha in the Alps? Mahalo brings island-style sunshine to the Swiss plateau. Known for its artisan coffee and superfood latte, this chic café is the perfect stop for a laid-back breakfast or a post-fondue detox.

Montbovon

• La Maison du Gruyère Restaurant: Okay, it’s not technically in Montbovon (just 10 minutes away in Pringy) but skipping this would be a federal offense against Swiss cheese. This culinary institution is attached to the actual Gruyère cheese factory, so yes, your fondue here is practically royalty. Watch cheesemakers at work, then devour their masterpiece.

• Buvette Les Seythours: This rustic alpine gem feels like your favorite flannel blanket. It’s cozy, unpretentious and wonderfully Swiss. Located above Montbovon in the pastures, it’s a seasonal mountain hut serving simple local fare with panoramic views that pair beautifully with every bite.

• Croix de Fer: This charming restaurant-hotel combo is a quiet standout in the heart of Montbovon. Here, the food is homey, the ambiance relaxed and the welcome warm. It’s the kind of place where hikers, bikers and train-lovers refuel over rösti and surprisingly delightful desserts.
  
  

Other Things to Do

Bulle

• Step back in dairy time at La Maison du Gruyère: Cheese lovers, this one’s your temple. Just a short trip from Bulle, this working show dairy in nearby Pringy lets you see (and sniff) every step of the Gruyère AOP-making process. Bonus: tastings are encouraged. Yes, that’s your cue.

• Hike the Chemin du Gruyère: For those who like to earn their cheese, this scenic trail connects Bulle to Gruyères. Expect rolling green pastures, moody Alps in the distance and a whole lot of cows.
  
  

Montbovon

• Ride the train toward Pays-d’Enhaut: If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a connecting train and head toward Château-d’Oex or Rougemont. These postcard-perfect villages are known for alpine beauty, hot air ballooning and authentic mountain living.

• Soak up the quietness at Église Saint-Grat de Montbovon: This little church perched above Montbovon is simple, serene and surrounded by meadows. It’s the kind of place where time slows down.