Cheese lovers need to visit these 21 places in Europe

If you’ve ever sprinkled a bit of parmesan on your pasta or pizza, your taste buds have taken a short trip to Parma! This lovely city in the Emilia-Romagna part of Italy is a favorite among foodies. Not only will you be served fresh parmesan with almost every meal, but you’ll also be able to try local prosciutto, torta fritas (sweet fried dough), and Malvasia, a local sparkling wine.

Gouda has become a favorite on charcuterie boards around the world. And if you visit the Dutch village where it originates, you’ll be delighted. Sample artisan products (not just Gouda) such as Stroopwafels and Drop (salt black licorice). The town puts on a giant cheese market every week, so don’t miss it!

Nope, this favorite melty cheese isn’t French! It comes from their next-door neighbors, known for varieties that melt perfectly into their signature fondus. However, the town itself is great for strolling around. A medieval mountain village, Gruyères is perfect for nature and cheese lovers alike.

Roquefort-sur-Soulzon is another town that lends its name to an internationally-loved cheese. It's the perfect destination if you love that distinct cheese. Located in southwestern France, you’ll always have decent weather. And you’re in the heart of the mountains, should you fancy a hike.

Even if you consider yourself a cheese connoisseur, you might not have heard of Paški sir, produced on the Croatian island of Pag. This sheep's cheese is clotted when cold, but usually, you’ll find it cooked on menus. And hey, an island in the Mediterranean is always a good idea!

This small Swiss hamlet in the mountains is a popular escape for outdoors enthusiasts throughout the seasons. It’s also where Emmental, which Americans often just refer to as “Swiss", cheese originates.

One of France’s most famous stinky cheeses shares its name with the village where it was created. Camembert is in northwestern France, just a few hours from Paris.

Zurich might not produce any cheese (farms in the countryside and smaller villages are where the Swiss do that), but it is home to some of the best fondue restaurants in Europe. Make sure to make a reservation, as the Swiss and visitors will fill up tables quickly!

The Alps are known for chalet restaurants, where you can enjoy some of the best fondue in the world. Choose from a bunch of different types of combinations, some of which include veggies or even truffles. It’s the ideal meal after a day of skiing or hiking in the mountains.

Americans might love cheddar, but we can’t take credit for it. The Brits have been producing this popular cheese since the 15th century when it was first created in the village of Cheddar. Located not far from Bath, it’s a great addition to any trip to the area.

You’ve probably had gorgonzola before, in a salad or on a charcuterie board. But did you know it’s also a lovely destination in Italy? Located just east of Milan. You’ll delight in all the ways Italians use the cheese.

Spain might be a surprise as it’s a fantastic place for foodies but not exactly known for cheese. However, La Mancha, in the central part of the country, not far from Madrid, makes manchego, a special sheep cheese. It’s commonly served with local wine or used on pizza.

The land of feta would, of course, be included in this list! However, that’s not the cheese that’s made here. The island produces Kefalotyri, a nice fatty cheese served with bread or wine, but it also cooks down well in pasta.

In Norway, a popular cheese is brunost, or Norwegian brown cheese. It looks and tastes a bit like dulce de leche and is produced all over. However, for a special experience, go to the Gudbrandsdalen Valley and visit a farm restaurant where it is made.

Croatia isn’t the only Balkan country with amazing cheese. The capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina has great restaurants where you’ll find a local favorite — livno is on most menus. 

Beer, waffles, and fries might be the Belgian holy trinity, but the country also has a cheese capital. Liege, in the east of Belgium, produces herve, a strong and tangy cheese with a sticky crust sure to please your taste buds.

Germany might not be known for amazing cheese, but you’ll find plenty of great options in Munich. The Bavarian capital is full of artisan cheese shops and fondue restaurants for the dairy enthusiast in your life.

You’ll find plenty of feta in this northern Greek city. But other varieties are produced here, such as graviera or pichtogalo, a spreadable white cheese.

Olomoucké tvarůžky, or tvargle, is a Czech cheese in the eastern part of the Czech Republic. The soft cheese can be a bit strong in smell but tasty and perfect with local beer.

Fërgesë Tirane is a local Albanian specialty that comes from the capital region. This salty cottage cheese is usually served with vegetables and then baked. You’ll find it served in restaurants all over the city.

Azeitão, a popular Portuguese cheese, hails from the capital region. Due to strict regulations, only cheese produced here can be called azeitão, sort of like champagne in France.