Traveling through Switzerland has been an absolute delight! One of the highlights of my journey has been discovering the incredible farm-to-table experiences this beautiful country offers. Today, I want to share some of my favorite spots that not only provide delicious local produce and products but also align with our values of supporting local farmers and sustainable practices.
Le Chalet Gourmand in Ovronnaz
First on my list is Le Chalet Gourmand in Ovronnaz. Nestled in the picturesque Swiss Alps, this charming grocery store (just across the supermarket ehehe) offers a delightful selection of local produce. We particularly enjoyed their raclette cheese, which didn't last more than that same evening. Their locally made pesto added a fresh, aromatic touch to our meals, and the pear juice, produced right in the region, was a sweet and refreshing treat. Le Chalet Gourmand is a must-visit for anyone who loves high-quality, locally-sourced food.
https://www.chaletgourmand-ovronnaz.ch
Alti Molkeri in Leukerbad
Next up is Alti Molkeri in Leukerbad, this store is housed in a beautifully restored old dairy, offering a wide range of local products. We fell in love with their ready-to-use fondue cheese mix, which made for a perfect, hassle-free dinner after a day of exploring. The emphasis on organic and locally-produced goods at Alti Molkeri aligns perfectly with our zero waste values and ensures that every purchase supports local farmers and producers.
https://www.alti-molkeri.ch
51° Restaurant & Bar in Leukerbad
For an unforgettable dining experience, I highly recommend 51° Restaurant & Bar in Leukerbad. We had the most wonderful dinner there, and the staff was incredibly lovely and accommodating, especially with my wild children—they even have a playroom for them! The entire menu is vegetarian or vegan, with meat and fish offered as optional add-ons or side dishes. The food was absolutely marvelous and beautifully presented. I salute their effort toward our earth and our warming climate, and I wish more restaurants would follow their lead in offering meat or fish only as an option!
https://therme51.ch/startseite/restaurant-leukerbad
LOLA Lorraine in Bern
When I visited Bern, I couldn’t resist stopping by LOLA Lorraine. While it has a limited zero waste range (the other option "Palette" was closed when I visited the city), it offers a great selection of local produce and organic. We focused on fresh veggies, regular staples, and vegetarian products, all of which were fresh and of excellent quality. The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere makes LOLA Lorraine a great spot to shop sustainably.
https://lola.ch
Bern Unverpackt in Bern
Speaking of Bern, I also want to give a shoutout to Bern Unverpackt, a small zero waste store that operates on a self-serve and trust ethos (that's right, no shop owner or staff!). This approach is quite unique and noteworthy. While their stock was somewhat limited, and the self-checkout system (only in Swiss-German) was a bit tricky to navigate, I managed it with the help of a friendly local. It’s a fantastic concept that aligns perfectly with our zero waste values, and I encourage anyone in Bern to check it out.
https://bern-unverpackt.ch
Stay Tuned for More Adventures
Traveling and discovering these wonderful farm-to-table experiences has been incredibly inspiring. It’s a reminder of the importance of supporting local farmers, eating sustainably, and making choices that benefit both our health and the environment.
As my journey through Switzerland continues, I’m planning a trip to the Saturday farmers market in Lucerne tomorrow. I’m eager to explore more local produce and I’ll also be paying a visit to the zero waste stores in Lucerne. Stay tuned for more updates!