Peaks, Plates, and Pours: Savoring the Flavors of the Bernese Oberland
- ashley5035
- Dec 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Pairing Swiss White Wines with Alpine Cheeses:
As the summer sun casts its golden glow over the Bernese Oberland, there's no better way to unwind after a day's trek than by indulging in Switzerland's culinary treasures. Picture this: savoring the nutty richness of Berner Alpkäse—a hard cheese crafted from full-fat raw cow's milk, infused with the essence of Alpine herbs—paired with a crisp glass of Chasselas, a light-bodied white wine that embodies the terroir of western Switzerland.
The Bernese Oberland is renowned for its artisanal cheeses. Berner Alpkäse, produced during the summer months, offers a taste that's both robust and evocative of the lush pastures where the cows graze. Another delight is Berner Hobelkäse AOP, a cheese aged to perfection, delivering a unique aroma owed to traditional production methods and special storage.
Complementing these cheeses are the exquisite white wines from western Switzerland. Chasselas, also known as Gutedel, is the region's signature grape, producing wines that are light, crisp, and subtly nuanced. Sipping a chilled Chasselas while gazing at the towering peaks is fabulous way to unwind after a full day on the trail.
Traditional Swiss Alpine Cuisine:
Traditional Swiss cuisine is a delightful blend of hearty, seasonal ingredients and rich flavors, influenced by the country's diverse regions and neighbors (Germany, France, and Italy). Here are some plates you might try on our Bernese Oberland Trek:
Raclette: A traditional Swiss dish named after the semi-hard raclette cheese used to prepare it. The cheese is melted and scraped onto accompaniments like boiled potatoes, pickled vegetables, and pearl onions. Often enjoyed during winter months, raclette is a social meal served with a special grill, allowing everyone to melt their cheese and customize their plate.
Schnitzel Bernese Style: A Swiss adaptation of the classic Wiener schnitzel, this dish features a breaded and fried schnitzel stuffed with ham and cheese, lending a rich, gooey interior. Known as a Cordon Bleu variant, the Bernese style highlights Swiss cheese for a distinctive regional twist.
Wild Game Stews (Wildgerichte): In the fall, dishes featuring venison, boar, or rabbit are popular, often paired with red cabbage, chestnuts, and spätzli (egg noodles).
Alpine Herbs: Many dishes incorporate local, seasonal herbs from the Swiss Alps, enhancing their fresh and earthy flavors.
Cheese Fondue: A mix of melted Swiss cheeses (like Gruyère and Emmental), wine, and kirsch (cherry brandy), served with bread cubes for dipping.
An Experience of Traversing the Land and Tasting Along the Way:
At Mountain Kora, we believe that travel is as much about tasting the land as it is about traversing it. Our Bernese Oberland Traverse offers not only breathtaking trails but also opportunities to immerse yourself in the local gastronomy. Sharing stories over a platter of regional cheeses and a bottle of Swiss white wine transforms a meal into a memorable experience.
So, as you lace up your hiking boots and set your sights on alpine adventures, remember that the journey is enriched by the flavors you encounter along the way. Here's to trails that challenge, views that inspire, and Swiss delicacies that delight.
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