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Emmental Dairy Industry

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Emmental in the Canton of Bern is the global epicenter of traditional Swiss cheese production and a symbol of sustainable mountain farming. The region's economic significance is based on dairy farming, with the production of the famous Emmentaler AOP (PDO) at its heart. In over 100 small village dairies, milk from local farms is processed according to strict quality guidelines. The characteristic holes in the cheese are formed by a natural fermentation process during maturation in climate-controlled cellars. In addition to farming, specialized companies for agricultural machinery and packaging technologies have established themselves to support the sector. Agritourism is another vital economic branch, offering visitors insights into traditional cheesemaking. Despite modernization, the region preserves its identity with typical, expansive Bernese farmhouses and well-maintained pastures. The Emmental thus combines ecological responsibility with global export strength.

Location: Switzerland
Top sights: Burg Spitzenberg · Ruine Wartenstein · Chüechlihaus
Nearby: Burgdorf (15 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	-1	3	7	11	16	17	17	13	9	3	-1
Rain mm	94	75	96	98	150	146	152	158	101	100	93	100

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Emmental dairy industry is the heart of Swiss cheese production, specialized in industrial processing of dairy products for the world market. It deeply shapes the landscape and economy of the Emmental region.

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Visiting

Many cheese dairies and creameries offer guided tours where the cheese-making process can be observed. Production facilities often have visitor centers with tasting opportunities.

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Where to view it

From the hills around the Emmental, one gets a pretty view of green pastures and scattered farmsteads. The viewpoint on Napf or Lueg features a panoramic view over the entire cheese landscape.

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Local products

The Emmental is famous for its Emmental cheese (with holes). Local markets and farm shops also offer other dairy products like butter, yogurt, and cream.

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Active season

Cheese production is active year-round, with seasonal peaks during the grazing season in spring and summer when milk quality is best. Traditional cheese festivals and markets occur in autumn.

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Nearby

Combine a visit with the town of Burgdorf and its medieval castle. The region also provides hiking trails through the gentle hills of the Emmental.

Geography

Coordinates

46.96670, 7.76670

Facts

An average wheel of Emmental cheese weighs between 75 and 120 kilograms.
Production of a single wheel requires approximately 1,200 liters of raw milk.
Emmentaler AOP is exported to over 60 countries worldwide.
The region encompasses about 40 municipalities with a strong agricultural character.
The Emmentaler Show Dairy in Affoltern welcomes around 300,000 guests annually.
It takes at least 4 months for the cheese to reach maturity for sale.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Emmental10 km · NExplore →

Burgdorf15 km · NWExplore →

Muensingen19 km · SWExplore →

Muri bei Bern21 km · WExplore →

UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch21 km · EExplore →

Ostermundigen22 km · WExplore →

Belp22 km · WExplore →

Heimberg24 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Emmental Dairy Industry (7)

Burg Spitzenberg 🏰 castle

Burg Spitzenberg is a medieval castle ruin on a hill overlooking the Emmental.

Ruine Wartenstein 🏰 castle

The remains of a historic castle ruin in the Emmental region.

Chüechlihaus 🏛 museum

The regional museum in Langnau, housed in a historic wooden building.

🌐 regionalmuseum-langnau.ch🕒 2023 Nov 20-2024 Mar 17 Fr,Sa 13:30-17:00, 2023 Nov 20-2024 💶

Musikschule Langnau 🎭 culture

A venue for musical performances and education in Langnau.

Kellertheater 🎭 culture

A small theatre in Langnau used for various cultural performances.

Kupferschmiede Langnau 🎭 culture

A cultural and event venue in a historic building in Langnau.

Erdburg Zwingherr 🏺 historical

Historic earth castle Zwingherr in Agri Dairy Emmental.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see Emmental cheese production?

At the Emmentaler Show Dairy in Affoltern im Emmental.

Are there tastings?

Yes, at the show dairy you can taste different stages of maturation.

Can you make your own cheese?

Yes, workshops are offered for groups where you can make cheese over a fire.

Are the dairies open daily?

The show dairy is usually open daily all year round.

What makes Emmentaler AOP so special?

The large holes and the traditional production from raw milk.

Emmental Dairy Industry: where is it located?

Emmental Dairy Industry is located in Switzerland.

Emmental Dairy Industry: what is there to see?

Highlights include Burg Spitzenberg, Ruine Wartenstein, Chüechlihaus.

Emmental Dairy Industry: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Emmental Dairy Industry: why is it worth visiting?

The Emmental in the Canton of Bern is the global epicenter of traditional Swiss cheese production and a symbol of sustainable mountain farming.

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