If you’ve ever wanted a business trip that ends in a cheese‑fuelled celebration, Fribourg has you covered.

From 6–11 October 2026, the city hosts the 14th Swiss Cheese Awards, with the big, unmissable moment — the Super Jury finale on 8 October — turning a centuries‑old craft into a national spectacle.

Held in Fribourg, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the event transforms the city into Switzerland’s most delicious meeting point: part competition, part festival, part cultural deep‑dive into the country’s most iconic export.

What Actually Happens?

The week begins with a qualifying round on 6 October, where around 1,000 cheeses across 33 categories are judged by a 200‑strong international jury in the historic Salle St. Léonard. It’s serious business: each cheese is assessed against strict criteria, and only one winner per category makes it through to the next stage.

Then comes 8 October — the day you want to be there.

All category winners face the Super Jury, a panel tasked with selecting the ultimate Swiss Champions in three major groups:

  • Extra‑Hard/Hard Cheese
  • Semi‑Hard Cheese
  • Soft/Fresh Cheese

It’s the cheese world’s equivalent of a grand slam final: intense, meticulous, and oddly thrilling.

On 9 October, things get playful with the Cheeseboard Competition at L’Atelier, where participants build the most beautiful cheeseboards imaginable and yes, this part is open to the public, making it perfect for a post‑meeting wander or a team outing that doesn’t involve another PowerPoint deck.

The week culminates in the Awards Night, where all winners — including the three Swiss Champions — are announced and celebrated. Expect pride, applause, and a lot of cheese‑driven joy.

Why It Matters

Switzerland’s cheese heritage is not just culinary; it’s cultural, agricultural and economic. The Awards recognise craftsmanship across the entire industry — from alpine producers to innovative newcomers — and highlight the diversity of Swiss cheese, from Gruyère and Vacherin to blue cheeses, goat’s cheeses and experimental creations.

For travellers, it’s a rare chance to see how tradition and innovation coexist in Swiss gastronomy — and to taste the results.

Why Go (Especially for Bleisure)?

Because it’s the perfect blend of culture, food and fun. Fribourg itself is a beautiful medieval city with bridges, cobbled streets and excellent restaurants. Add a cheese festival and you’ve got a trip that balances meetings with meaningful downtime.

Attend on 8 October for the drama of the Super Jury, stay for the cheeseboards on the 9th, and enjoy Fribourg’s gastronomy in between. It’s business travel with flavour — literally.