When most people hear “Swiss cheese” they picture cartoon slices with big round holes. But that stereotype really only comes from one variety. Switzerland actually has over 450 different cheeses, and the majority of them are completely smooth. Let’s clear up the hole story once and for all.
Emmental Cheese – The Classic With Holes
Emmental is the original holey cheese and the one that created the famous image of “Swiss cheese.” It comes from the Emmental valley in the canton of Bern and is protected by the AOP label.
Emmental wheels are enormous, often weighing over 70 kilograms, and have a mild nutty flavor that makes them perfect for sandwiches and melting.
So how do the holes appear?
It all comes down to bacteria that produce carbon dioxide during the fermentation process. As the cheese matures, gas bubbles form and create the characteristic “eyes.”
The size of the holes can vary, but this look is what made Emmental famous around the world.
👉👉 VISIT SOME OF SWITZERLAND’S BEST CHEESE FACTORIES
Swiss Favorites Without Holes
Now here is where the myth starts to unravel. Some of the most beloved Swiss cheeses are completely smooth. Gruyère is perhaps the most famous example.
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It is a firm cheese with a complex nutty flavor that develops even more character as it ages. No holes in here, yet it is absolutely essential for fondue and for the French classic croque monsieur.
Oh, and another interesting fact – some Swiss migrated to the USA and took Gruyere with them, but the Gruyere you typically see in the US is nothing like the awesome stuff we have in Switzerland – try Gruyeres Surchoix! it’s amazing.
👉👉 SEE THE HOME OF GRUYERE CHEESE (A STUNNING MEDIEVAL TOWN)
Another favorite is Appenzeller, a cheese with a centuries old tradition. It is known for its aromatic rind that is regularly washed with a secret herbal brine. This gives it a strong and slightly spicy flavor profile. Again no holes, but plenty of personality.
Then there is Sbrinz, one of the oldest cheeses in Switzerland. It is very hard and aged for a long time, often grated like Parmesan. This cheese is all about bold taste and long shelf life, with no eyes in sight.
And of course Raclette, the melty star of Swiss winter evenings. Its smooth surface and creamy interior are perfect for heating and scraping over potatoes and pickles. Delicious yes, holey no.
Why Some Cheeses Have Holes And Others Do Not
The difference all comes down to cheese making methods. Emmental uses specific bacterial cultures that release gas during fermentation, which leads to the signature eyes. Cheeses like Gruyère or Raclette are pressed and treated differently so that no bubbles remain. It is not that one way is better than the other, they are just different traditions producing very different results.
Final thoughts…
So next time you think of Swiss cheese, remember that holes are only part of the story. Emmental may have given the world the iconic look, but Gruyère, Appenzeller, Sbrinz, Raclette and many more prove that Swiss cheese is about variety, flavor, and tradition. If you really want to taste Switzerland, skip the stereotype and explore the smooth side of Swiss cheese too.
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more 
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums. 
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland. 
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland. 
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland. 
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring! 
I want to see cheese being made up in the alps on a farm. Where can I go?