While chocolate is a major player in Swiss dessert culture, there are tons of alternatives. In the unlikely event of a chocolate overdose, turn to this list of 22 iconic Swiss snacks, desserts, comfort foods, and general treats to mix things up a little.
Swiss Snacks:
1. Magenbrot
What is it?
Literally translated, Magenbrot means “stomach bread.” It’s an awkward-looking pastry that, apart from cocoa, contains various stomach-friendly spices—hence the creative name. But you know what they say: don’t judge a book by its cover.
Where can you buy it?
While you can find Magenbrot in supermarkets, it’s more common to buy it on the street. Every village and city has a festival, fair, or market sooner or later. That’s where the Swiss usually pick up these oddly shaped pieces of goodness in their flashy pink bags.
2. Gebrannte Mandeln
What is it?
Like Magenbrot, gebrannte Mandeln are staples at fairs and markets. These tempting, candied almonds are hard to miss—you’ll smell them long before you see them. A bit like Subway. But even unhealthier.
Where can you buy it?
Apart from every market, fair, or festival, you can also find gebrannte Mandeln in supermarkets.
3. Biberli
What is it?
Biberli are two slices of sweet gingerbread held together with a sticky honey-almond filling. Perfect as an energy boost on a hike.
Where can you buy it?
The best place is a bakery—especially in Appenzell, where they originated. But if you’re not in eastern Switzerland, check any supermarket or kiosk. Biberli are so popular that you’ll find them all across Switzerland.
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4. Basler Läckerli
What is it?
As the name suggests, Basler Läckerli come from Basel. They’re a dense and chewy sugar-glazed gingerbread with honey, candied fruit, and nuts.
Beware if you have a dental crown or a wobbly tooth—you wouldn’t be the first to visit the dentist after giving in to a Läckerli craving.
Where can you buy it?
Every city has a Läckerlihuus where you can try all kinds of Basler Läckerli. Their selection is massive. But if you’re fine with the original flavor, the supermarket will do the trick.
5. Kägi Fret
What is it?
These chocolate-covered wafers are another favorite hiking snack. Kägi Fret come in flavors like orange, coconut, and even Japanese matcha. Personally, I prefer the original over those fancy creations.
And yes—I realize this breaks my no-chocolate principle. Sorry.
Where can you buy it?
Almost everywhere: supermarkets, grocery stores, kiosks, and most mountain restaurants.
6. Weggli und Brügeli
What is it?
Every Swiss kid knows this iconic mid-morning or afternoon snack: a Weggli (white bread roll) paired with a Brügeli (chocolate bar). It’s lighter than a Biberli and makes a great snack.
Apologies for yet another chocolate mention—but Weggli und Brügeli had to be on this list.
Where can you buy it?
Supermarkets often stock Brügeli near the bread section. So do bakeries.
7. Berliner
What is it?
Berliner aren’t purely Swiss; they’re beloved in Germany and Austria too. They’re deep-fried balls of yeast dough filled with jam and dusted with icing sugar. Think jam doughnuts—only better.
Where can you buy it?
Supermarkets and bakeries sell Berliner. Needless to say, bakery versions taste better.
8. Birewegge
What is it?
Birewegge are puff pastry rolls filled with dried pear, concentrated pear juice, nuts, and plenty of sugar.
Where can you buy it?
Supermarkets, grocery stores, and certain bakeries.
9. Nussgipfel / Mandelgipfel
What is it?
Mandelgipfel and Nussgipfel are pastry rolls filled with nuts, cinnamon, vanilla, and other goodies. The difference? Mandelgipfel are filled with almonds, while Nussgipfel might contain any nut variety.
Where can you buy it?
For a good Nuss- or Mandelgipfel, head to a bakery. You can get them in supermarkets too, but bakery versions are usually superior.
10. Speckmocken
What is it?
Literally, Speckmocken means “chunk of bacon.” But don’t worry—it’s 100% vegetarian. The name comes from its appearance. If you use your imagination, it does look a bit like bacon. Apparently.
A Speckmocken tastes similar to a Nussgipfel, as the ingredients are almost identical.
Where can you buy it?
If you’d like to try Speckmocken, you’ll need to go to eastern Switzerland. It’s an Appenzeller specialty that’s hard to find elsewhere. Order a Speckmocken outside that region, and you might get an actual chunk of bacon instead!
11. Totenbeinli
What is it?
And we’re not done with quirky names yet. Totenbeinli means “legs of the dead.” Back in the day, people would have these nut bars after funerals, often with coffee to soften them up—they’re rock-solid and notorious for chipping teeth.
Yes, we’re weird sometimes.
Where can you buy it?
Some bakeries make their own Totenbeinli, but the supermarket versions work fine too.
12. Vogelnestli
What is it?
Vogelnestli (“little bird’s nests”) are short-pastry treats with jam surrounded by a hazelnut rim.
Where can you buy it?
Some bakeries make their own, but supermarket versions are tasty as well.
13. Spitzbuebe
What is it?
Spitzbueb means “cheeky boy.” These consist of two pieces of short pastry sandwiched with jam. Traditionally, the top piece has holes forming a face, but simpler versions exist too.
Where can you buy it?
Either at the bakery or supermarket.
14. Schümli
What is it?
There’s no exact translation for Schümli, so let’s call them “foamies.” They’re tiny chocolate meringues—not a dessert on their own, but a perfect topping for chocolate mousse, fruit salad, or whipped cream.
Where can you buy it?
At supermarkets and grocery stores.
15. Bärentatzen
What is it?
Bärentatzen means “bear claws.” These chocolate cookies are harmless apart from sticking between your teeth forever.
Oops—more chocolate. So much for that overdose break.
Where can you buy it?
Supermarkets and most grocery stores.
16. Willisauer Ringli
What is it?
Another tooth-chipper! Willisauer Ringli are rock-hard cookie rings from Willisau near Lucerne. To avoid dental damage, you have two choices:
- Dip them in coffee—safe but boring.
- Crack them like a pro. Place the Ringli in your palm, flex your arm so your elbow sticks out, and smash your elbow into the hole. It’ll look silly, but that’s the official way!
Where can you buy it?
Supermarkets, grocery stores, or the factory store in Willisau.
17. Bündner Nusstorte
What is it?
One slice of Bündner Nusstorte can revive you from starvation. Nuts, honey, and sugar wrapped in crumbly pastry—pure calorie bomb.
Where can you buy it?
This Grisons specialty is everywhere in that region, but supermarkets across Switzerland also carry it. In Romansh, it’s called turta da nusch grischuns.
18. Kambly Guezli
What is it?
Kambly is one of Switzerland’s biggest biscuit makers, dating back to 1906. Their range is huge: chocolate biscuits, pistachio cookies, orange-flavored treats, chocolate foamies, and their original “waffles.” Kambly’s fame stretches worldwide.
Where can you buy it?
Visit the Kambly factory in Trubschachen or their factory store in Lyss for free samples and discounted bags. Otherwise, supermarkets and grocery stores carry them.
19. Vermicelles
What is it?
Vermicelles is a chestnut dessert resembling brown spaghetti, served with meringue and whipped cream. It’s available year-round but dominates dessert menus in autumn.
Where can you buy it?
Practically everywhere: pastry shops, bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and supermarkets.
20. Cremeschnitte
What is it?
This dessert consists of puff pastry, vanilla custard, and sugar glaze. It looks innocent—but beware: it’s one of the messiest, trickiest desserts to eat. If you’re trying to impress someone, don’t order a Cremeschnitte!
Otherwise, dive in.
Where can you buy it?
Supermarkets, pastry shops, bakeries, and most traditional restaurants.
21. Cremerolle
What is it?
The Cremerolle is the Cremeschnitte’s sophisticated sibling. The ingredients are similar, but instead of layers, they come in a cone shape filled with vanilla custard—much easier to eat.
Where can you buy it?
Supermarkets, pastry shops, bakeries, and most traditional Swiss restaurants.
22. Luxemburgerli
What is it?
These famous meringue-based macarons come in countless flavors. Sprüngli, the inventor of Luxemburgerli, offers both classic and seasonal creations. Think Black Forest, mandarine, cinnamon, champagne, vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, raspberry—you name it.
They’re not cheap: a tiny box of four macarons costs around 4.80 CHF. But if you’re treating yourself, it’s worth the splurge.
Where can you buy it?
At every Sprüngli store in Switzerland—and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Luxemburgerli?
Luxemburgerli are delicate mini macarons made by Sprüngli in Zurich. They’re lighter and smaller than typical French macarons, with flavors like chocolate, champagne, and raspberry.
Why is Swiss chocolate so famous?
Swiss chocolate is known for its high-quality cocoa, smooth texture, and precise craftsmanship. Techniques like conching (invented in Switzerland) help produce exceptionally creamy chocolate. Famous brands include Lindt, Toblerone, Läderach, and Sprüngli.
What is Switzerland most famous for when it comes to sweet treats?
Switzerland is world-renowned for its chocolate, but it’s also home to delicious pastries and desserts like Nusstorte (nut tart), Luxemburgerli macarons, and creamy desserts such as Vermicelles or mousse au chocolat.
