Medieval time travel in Gruyeres

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The world may have evolved into a more sophisticated lifestyle where almost anything and everything can be done with a swipe of a finger. While we have emerged on top of the old ways, there are still some places where time seems to stop and the beauty of the era where it’s confined has been preserved to be praised and admired by the current time.

Gruyeres may not be known to most tourists, but this town in Switzerland is definitely a place to visit because of the sights and architecture that would pull you back to when Marco Polo and Martin Luther were dominating the world with their ideas and expertise. Be enchanted by this old-age town and get a taste of its flavor from beautiful tourist spots to restaurants that you must try.

Location

The place got its name from the famous cheese produced in the very same town. Located in the beautiful foothills that provide the outstanding scenery of nature, Gruyeres has become one of the favorite tourist spots of locals and is slowly gaining the interest of international wanderers.

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The town covers an area of 10.96 square miles with a population of over 2000.

Climate

Gruyeres experiences significant rainfall every year measuring 946 mm per annum. The average annual temperature is around 7.9 °C while the climate is generally described as warm and temperate.

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The driest month is April while the month that experiences the most rain is August. July is the warmest and January is the coolest.

Transportation

The town can be reached by going through nearby cities such as Lausanne, Vevey and Fribourg. From these destinations, you may even drive a car trailing Bulle, then Gruyeres.

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There’s also a train from Bulle that stops directly at Gruyeres. Those who come from Geneva will need to travel via train for an hour and a half.

Attractions

Castle of Gruyères

Built around eight centuries ago, this castle has been a silent witness of the long history that transpired in the town.

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The previous home of counts in Gruyeres is now a museum. See the influences of the town’s past through exhibits and works of art.

The Château de St. Germain

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Also called St. Germain castle, this tourist spot is another heritage destination as it provides a good view of the town’s hailed artist, H.R. Giger. See his surrealist paintings and sculptures and admire the genius behind the man that has been deemed a proud son of Gruyeres.

Hiking and Biking

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Due to its nice location, Gruyeres is a town ideal for hiking and biking. See the beautiful plains adorned by greenery and have a dose of nature tripping. Challenge your stamina as there are varieties of steepness that would cater to those who have a strong appetite for anything that includes some serious physical activity.

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Images:

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(2) http://images.gadmin.st.s3.amazonaws.com/n50445/fribourg/detail800/planmoleson-1.jpg
(3) http://aftermathenterprises.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GruyereSwitzerland.2.jpg
(4) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVUY1RV1AdM2HsGSmkfgCwjQsylF7hQRvOaibjRqBJAN2rshz9BM3fD60W-LRO290Z8q0FWr7Mn5dLB7qyo6U82kQ4Ivg2GsGAYHJWCiOTRuZ0GGmHmzagYWLWtiKdPFDNNvdPQ016eAM/s1600/IMG_3651.JPG
(5) http://www.historvius.com/images/original/Gruyeres-Castle-2041.jpg
(6) http://www.dpeck.info/pictures/chateaux/gruyeres09.jpg
(7) http://www.travellingbackflip.com/typo3temp/pics/7a90bffb03.jpg