Gruyères one of CNN's top destinations to visit in the world in 2023
By Jan de Boer
While there is certainly no shortage of stunning cities, mountains and historical sites to visit in Switzerland, one place, at least as far as US broadcaster CNN is concerned, is a cut above the rest: the Swiss town of Gruyères has been named one of the best destinations to visit in the world in 2023.
Gruyères one of the world's top destinations in 2023
“Rolling hills, medieval buildings... Welcome to Gruyères, Switzerland”, are the opening words of CNN’s review which named the town one of the best destinations to visit in 2023. Gruyères is among impressive company, as the list also included top global destinations, from Laos and Rwanda to Thessaloniki and Manaus.
CNN’s Francesca Street praised the town for its cute streets, rolling hills, imposing castle and medieval market. It was also recognised for its chocolate making and Gruyère, Switzerland’s and indeed the world’s favourite fromage.
Swiss town praised for picture-perfect views
"Everywhere you look in this tiny, hilltop town, there's a different picture-perfect view... a doable day trip from Geneva, summer promises hiking opportunities aplenty,” Street said, adding that the local Christmas market and nearby ski resorts makes Gruyères one of the best places in Switzerland to visit in winter too.
Along with the "magical" appearance of the town, Street also enjoyed the contrast brought about by the quirky local museums. For example, “The surreal HR Giger Museum celebrates the work of the acclaimed Swiss artist behind the eponymous alien in the 1979 film Alien. A drink at the museum's bar, designed by Giger in an eerie skeletal style, offers an antidote to Gruyères' fairytale atmosphere,” Street noted.
Want to see the rest of the list? Check out the official website.
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more