Switzerland may be better known for its fine chocolates, cheeses, and watches, but its craft beer scene has been quietly brewing up a revolution in recent years. Although the Swiss have a long tradition of beer-making, the craft beer movement is relatively new, taking off in the last two decades. With more than 1,000 breweries now operating across the country, many of them small, independent craft brewers, Switzerland is rapidly becoming a hotspot for beer lovers.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the best local breweries in Switzerland, offering a taste of the nation’s emerging craft beer scene, and introducing you to some of the most exciting and innovative brewers in the country.

1. Brauerei Fischer – Pioneers of Swiss Craft Brewing

Location: Basel
Founded: 1996

Located in Basel, Brauerei Fischer is one of the oldest and most renowned craft breweries in Switzerland. This small, family-owned brewery has been a pioneer in introducing craft beer to Swiss consumers. The brewery’s philosophy focuses on creating quality, traditional beers with a modern twist, using the best local ingredients.

Must-Try Beers:

• Fischer’s Pale Ale: A crisp, hoppy pale ale that is both refreshing and flavorful, offering a balance between bitterness and malt sweetness.
• Fischer’s IPA: A punchy, hop-forward IPA with citrus and pine flavors, showcasing the best of craft brewing innovation.

Why Visit:

Brauerei Fischer provides a fantastic introduction to Swiss craft beer with its diverse range of beers, from light lagers to bold IPAs. The brewery also offers regular tours and tastings, giving visitors an insight into the brewing process and the chance to sample some of their best offerings.

2. Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes – A Craft Brewery in the Jura Mountains

Location: Saignelégier, Jura
Founded: 2003

Located in the Jura Mountains in western Switzerland, Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes (BFM) is a standout brewery that has helped shape the Swiss craft beer scene. Known for its experimental approach to brewing, BFM pushes the boundaries of traditional brewing methods and flavors, producing innovative and unique beers that often reflect the character of the Jura region.

Must-Try Beers:

• La Canute: A Belgian-style saison with fruity, spicy notes, perfect for those who enjoy a more complex, rustic beer.
• Ambrée de la Brasserie: A malty amber beer with deep caramel flavors, balanced by a light hop bitterness.

Why Visit:

BFM is a true craft brewery with an adventurous spirit, often experimenting with wild yeast, barrel aging, and other techniques. Their beers are diverse, offering something for every palate, from complex and strong ales to lighter, more approachable options. Their taproom and brewery tours offer a chance to sample limited-edition brews and gain insight into the creative process behind their beers.

3. Brasserie de la Molière – A Modern Twist on Traditional Swiss Beers

Location: Cernier, Neuchâtel
Founded: 2006

Brasserie de la Molière has been crafting high-quality beers since its inception in the Neuchâtel region. With a focus on respecting traditional brewing methods while also introducing modern flavors, Brasserie de la Molière produces beers that are both accessible and distinctive. Their beers are brewed using only the finest Swiss ingredients, many of which are sourced locally.

Must-Try Beers:

• La Molière Blonde: A light and crisp lager with a slightly malty finish, perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing and sessionable beer.
• La Molière Brune: A darker beer with rich, roasted malt flavors balanced by a gentle bitterness, ideal for colder days.

Why Visit:

This brewery offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can sample their core beers as well as seasonal and experimental brews. Their commitment to local ingredients and sustainable practices adds to the appeal, making it a great spot for those interested in environmentally conscious brewing.

4. Trois Dames – A Trailblazer of Craft Beer in the Swiss Alps

Location: Sainte-Croix, Vaud
Founded: 2007

Trois Dames is a small craft brewery located in the Alps, specializing in unique and flavorful beers that reflect the region’s alpine terroir. This brewery is known for its attention to detail, combining traditional Swiss brewing with innovative techniques. Trois Dames has gained international recognition for its Belgian-style ales, including saisons, IPAs, and stouts.

Must-Try Beers:

• Saison de la Trois Dames: A classic farmhouse ale with earthy, spicy notes and a dry finish, perfect for those who appreciate Belgian-style beers.
• Triple des Alpes: A rich and complex Belgian-style tripel with a higher alcohol content, offering fruity and floral notes with a smooth mouthfeel.

Why Visit:

Trois Dames is a true craft brewery in every sense, producing a wide range of experimental and seasonal beers. The brewery is set in the picturesque Sainte-Croix area, making it a great destination for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts who also want to enjoy quality local beer. The brewery hosts regular tasting events, where visitors can sample new brews and learn about the brewing process.

5. Wild Brewing Co. – A Bold and Experimental Brewery

Location: Lausanne
Founded: 2013

Wild Brewing Co. is a relatively young brewery that has quickly made a name for itself in the Swiss craft beer world. Based in Lausanne, this brewery is known for its experimental approach to brewing, often incorporating wild fermentation, barrel aging, and unique ingredients into their beers. Wild Brewing Co. focuses on creating bold, adventurous flavors that challenge the status quo of Swiss beer culture.

Must-Try Beers:

• Wild IPA: A hoppy and citrusy IPA that balances bitterness with tropical fruit flavors.
• Barrel-Aged Saison: A farmhouse ale that’s been aged in oak barrels, imparting woodsy, earthy flavors that complement the beer’s natural fruitiness.

Why Visit:

For those interested in more experimental brewing methods, Wild Brewing Co. is a must-visit. Their beers are rich in flavor and complexity, often reflecting the brewery’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles. Visitors can sample their latest creations at the brewery’s taproom or join a guided tour to learn more about their unique brewing process.

6. Appenzeller Bier – A Regional Gem in the Swiss Craft Beer Scene

Location: Appenzell, Eastern Switzerland
Founded: 1996

While Appenzeller Bier is one of the older craft breweries in Switzerland, it has remained at the forefront of the country’s craft beer revolution. Known for its traditional brewing techniques, Appenzeller Bier crafts a wide range of classic Swiss beer styles, including lagers, pilsners, and bocks. The brewery is committed to using local ingredients, including water from the nearby Appenzell Alps.

Must-Try Beers:

• Appenzeller Lager: A smooth, golden lager with crisp malts and a touch of bitterness.
• Appenzeller Bock: A rich, malty bock with caramel notes and a robust body, perfect for colder months.

Why Visit:

Located in the picturesque Appenzell region, this brewery is a great place to experience the traditional flavors of Swiss brewing, while still exploring the country’s emerging craft beer culture. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours and tastings, and take home some local beer to remember their experience.

Conclusion

Switzerland’s craft beer scene is thriving, with many talented brewers pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing methods and creating unique and exciting beers. Whether you’re a fan of bold IPAs, Belgian-style ales, or experimental brews, Switzerland’s local breweries offer a diverse range of options to satisfy every palate. From the pioneering Brauerei Fischer in Basel to the wild and innovative Wild Brewing Co. in Lausanne, each brewery tells its own story and contributes to the growing craft beer culture in the country.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and want to explore the local beer scene, make sure to visit these standout breweries, enjoy the incredible flavors, and discover the new face of Swiss craft beer.