All season
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut - The history of the town of Gruyères is intimately tied to that of the family of counts of the same name. Mentioned for the first time in the 12th century, they distinguish themselves by their title (very few held this title amongst the counts of Savoie) and by their chronic money troubles which brought bankruptcy in 1555.
Paradoxically, the poverty of this area is what preserved it through the centuries. The different landlords did not have disposal income to modernize their buildings. The first homes were built inside the castle walls, and the village then spread along one main street.
All season
The trials leads to Châtel-sur-Montsalvens in a superb course that is listed in the inventory of historical traffic routes in Switzerland. Afterwards the trail descends to the Broc chocolate factory and to Gruyère.
From the middle of the village the trail descends to the Lac de Montsalvens, then along the lake to the dam of Châtel-sur-Montsalvens - the first arch dam in Europe. The trail then leads to the little town of Gruyère.
The trail leads from the little town of Gruyère past the Maison du Gruyère and then further in the direction of the Saane valley. Then it ascends again between forest and meadows to the village of Estavannens.
The trail leads from the little town of Gruyère past the Maison du Gruyère and then further in the direction of the Saane valley. Then it ascends again over meadows to the village of Neirivue.
Between nature, culture and heritage
