Bern Canton · Switzerland
Berner Alpkäse.
Berner Alpkäse opens with a gentle nuttiness that deepens into whispers of wildflower honey and fresh-cut grass—the taste of high-altitude pastures crystallized in semi-hard form. Its buttery paste yields a complex mineral finish, with subtle fruity notes that emerge as it warms on the palate. The aroma carries that distinctive cellar earthiness, grounding its alpine sweetness.
Origin
46.9°N · 7.5°E
The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Berner Alpkäse is made exclusively during summer on alpine pastures (alps) in the canton of Bern, using milk from cows grazing at altitudes above 1,000 meters.
The AOP, granted in 2004, also covers Berner Hobelkäse — the same alp cheese aged on for years until hard enough to shave into rolls. Each wheel is stamped with the date and alp of production.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Cow · raw
- Family
- Alpine
- Rind
- natural
- Age
- 4–24 mo
- Protected
- PDO · since 2004
- Intensity
- 3 / 5
- Texture
- semi-hard
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
These bars are a visual read of Berner Alpkäse's flavour and aroma notes, scaled by the cheese's overall intensity — a quick guide, not a lab measurement.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100 g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100 g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for alpine cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about 45–60 min before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Cut thin wedges from the centre out, so every slice gets its share of paste and rind.
Store
Wrap leftovers in cheese paper or wax paper — never cling film, which suffocates the rind — and keep them in the warmest part of the fridge.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Berner.
44 pairings across 6 categories.
Wine
Beer & Cider
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Berner Alpkäse are being verified. Check back soon.
Verified counter listings coming soon. Our team updates listings monthly.
Substitutes
No Berner Alpkäse at the counter?.
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
Take it with you
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