Aeschbach Chocolate Factory is a family favorite and our go-to Swiss chocolate factory. We’ve visited over a dozen times, and our kids are always excited to return. Located just a short 10-minute train ride from Lucerne, this chocolate paradise is a must-visit for families. The chocolate is delightful, and the factory is less crowded than the larger well-known Swiss chocolate brands, making for an enjoyable family experience.
ChocoWelt, the interactive chocolate museum, envelops guests with the irresistible aroma of cocoa. The self-guided tour teaches about the history of chocolate-making while offering amazing white, milk, or dark chocolate samples, including my favorite, the chocolate fountains. There are so many samples to try, so we strongly advise pacing yourself to taste all they have to offer. The kids are always thrilled by the interactive experience stations, especially exploring the ship, smelling different ingredients, and pressing a button on a donkey that spits out chocolate coins.
A highlight of visiting Aeschbach is creating your own 200g chocolate bars. For an extra 10 CHF, guests can select the chocolate type and decorate with an array of toppings. Our kids love making the bars, and it makes for a fun handmade gift. The mold is the iconic Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. When purchasing tickets to enter ChocoWelt, make sure to include tickets for the chocolate bars. The bars need to cool in the chiller, so I wouldn’t recommend doing this as the last part of the tour.
After your chocolate-making adventure, relax at the ChocoCafé. The café offers a variety of sweet and savory treats, including pastries. I recommend enjoying a pinsa or ice cream on the new patio. If the weather isn’t great, sit inside next to the window overlooking the factory. My kids love watching chocolate being made. Make sure to use the 5 CHF vouchers (included with admission to ChocoWelt) towards some delicious snacks at the café or the chocolate store.
Before leaving, we always browse the ChocoBoutique. They have a large variety and offer different chocolates for holidays, such as bunnies for Easter or Santas for Christmas. My favorite is the Criolloro Grand Cru 66% dark chocolate bars. My kids love the milk chocolate coins or bugs.
After all that sugar, my kids need to run around. Across the entrance is a bridge to some walking paths in the nearby forest. This is a great opportunity to let the kids burn off the chocolate.
Aeschbach Chocolatier offers a perfect blend of education and indulgence. It’s an ideal destination for families, providing a more intimate and less crowded experience compared to larger chocolate factories. Additionally, it’s easy to reach by train or car (free parking). Every visit to ChocoWelt is filled with sweet memories!