The Swiss have sworn by the holistic properties of cheese and whey – a liquid by-product of cheese production – for centuries, and over 475 unique varieties of cheese are produced in Switzerland and the traditional cheese fondue are must-tries for tourists looking to get the full Swiss experience.
However, is it true that one can enjoy a cheese bath in Switzerland?
VERDICT:
TRUE
“Cheese juice” might not evoke the image of a luxurious spa experience, but a cheese bath (or more accurately, whey bath) is indeed one of the unique experiences offered by Swiss dairies.
According to the Insider’s Guide to Spas, tourists began flocking to Switzerland as early as the 1800s for healthy, protein-rich whey drinks. Grand hotels would even offer whey baths as a “skin-softening beauty regimen”, similar to modern spa treatments.
Today, whey baths are more of a novelty than a luxury, but reviewers swear that the whey works wonders on skin, leaving it silky and baby-soft.
Surprisingly, they also claim that the bath does not leave one smelling like cheese; instead, the scent has been described as anything from warm milk to fresh wildflowers.
However, the whey drinks which often accompany whey baths have been roundly described as a bit of an acquired taste – a little like yellowish-green, watery yoghurt.
According to Switzerland Tourism, those interested in taking a cheese dip of their own can join organised whey bath offerings at the Gerschnialp alpine cheese dairy in Engelberg.
Otherwise, visitors can look to family-run dairies that still produce their own cheese the old-fashioned way.
The next time you’re in Switzerland, consider trying out this unique form of Alpine therapy!
Sources:
1. https://www.
2. https://www.myswitzerland.com/
