Posted by The Bernese Oberland is not only known for its spectacular alpine landscapes, but also for its traditional Swiss cuisine. Swiss food has many similarities with German cuisine, but also shows influences from France and Italy. Especially in the Bernese Oberland, a historically rural mountain region, many dishes are hearty, rich and based on simple local ingredients.
Some of these dishes are well known throughout Switzerland, while others are very typical for the Bernese Oberland and hardly known outside the region. Restaurants in Switzerland are generally much more expensive than in Germany, but many visitors still try at least one or two traditional dishes during their stay.
Rösti
Description:
Rösti is one of the most famous Swiss dishes and is closely associated with the Bernese Oberland. It consists of grated potatoes fried in a pan until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Rösti is often served as a side dish, but can also be a main course.
In the Bernese Oberland, Rösti is frequently prepared with melted cheese, bacon or onions. Despite its simple ingredients, it is very filling and popular after hiking or skiing.
Bernese Platte (Berner Platte)
Description:
The Bernese Platte is a classic and very hearty meat dish. It consists of various types of meat such as pork sausages, smoked bacon, ham and sometimes tongue meat. It is served with sauerkraut, beans and potatoes.
According to legend, the dish was created in 1798 after a victory over French troops, when the people of Bern shared their remaining food supplies. Today, the Bernese Platte is considered a traditional dish for special occasions.
Älplermagronen
Description:
Älplermagronen is a traditional shepherd’s meal from the Swiss Alps. It consists of macaroni pasta, potatoes, cheese, cream and fried onions. It is often served with apple sauce, which creates a sweet contrast to the savory main dish.
This meal reflects the simple but energy-rich cuisine of alpine regions and is especially popular in mountain huts and rural restaurants.
Fondue
Description:
Cheese fondue is eaten throughout Switzerland, but it plays an important role in the Bernese Oberland, especially in winter. The classic fondue is made from several local cheeses, melted with white wine and garlic.
Bread is dipped into the warm cheese mixture using long forks. Fondue is typically eaten in a group and is considered a social meal rather than fast food.
Raclette
Description:
Raclette is another traditional cheese dish. The cheese is heated and then poured over boiled potatoes, vegetables and onions. It is especially popular during the colder months.
Like fondue, raclette is a social dish and is usually eaten together with friends or family.
Schnitzel Bernese style (Cordon Bleu)
Description:
One of the most popular meat dishes in the region is schnitzel Bernese style, often called Cordon Bleu. It consists of a schnitzel filled with cheese and ham, breaded and fried.
While similar to Wiener Schnitzel, the cheese filling gives it a typical Swiss character. In Switzerland, it is often said that Cordon Bleu originally comes from Switzerland.
Nidlechueche
Description:
Nidlechueche is a traditional cake from the Bernese Oberland. It has a shortcrust pastry base filled with a mixture of cream, sugar and eggs. The result is a rich, creamy dessert.
It is often served with coffee and is a popular dessert after a hearty meal.
Bernese Lebkuchen
Description:
Bernese Lebkuchen is a soft, spicy gingerbread flavored with honey and nuts. It is especially popular during the Christmas season, but can be bought throughout the year, particularly in Bern.
Zigerbrüüt
Description:
Zigerbrüüt is a simple traditional dish made from bread and Ziger cheese, a special whey cheese. The cheese is spread on bread and sprinkled with butter and sugar, creating a mix of sweet and savory flavors.
This dish reflects the rural roots of the Bernese Oberland and the traditional use of local dairy products.
Overall, the cuisine of the Bernese Oberland is simple, filling and closely connected to life in the mountains. Many dishes are high in calories and were originally designed to provide enough energy for hard physical work, hiking and alpine farming.