The journey to cheese nirvana is not for the faint-hearted. Participants of the sunset hike to a wine and cheese tasting face the elements, equipped with nothing but their winter gear and a burning desire for stinky cheese. The path is treacherous and the night sky is vast, but the promise of an exclusive cheese experience keeps spirits high. Guided by the flicker of torchlights, each step brings them closer to their goal, a quaint restaurant nestled into the mountainside.
Upon arrival at the host restaurant, Alpenblick, the weary but excited travelers are greeted by the aroma of hot bone broth and the warmth of a rustic fireplace. In addition to their broth and wine, guests can sample an array of cheeses, each a testament to Switzerland’s rich cheesemaking tradition. But this luxury comes at a price –- the experience is as exclusive as it is expensive, with stays at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel averaging over $800 per night, and other winter experiences, including a winter walk with campfire, and outdoor fondue and snowshoe hike requiring an additional reservation.