striking it rich at Aeschbach Chocolatier in Root
I wished I’d had more time to explore Weggis, Switzerland–the scenic village along the shores of Lake Lucerne where I had my first exposure to a cow parade! But it was time for me to make my way to the town of Root, where I would learn about Aeschbach Chocolatier, and how this Swiss favourite makes the chocolate coins coveted by children around the world.
Aeschbach Chocolatier in Root, Switzerland, is located about 50 minutes (via bus and train) from where I was staying in Weggis–also within the canton of Lucerne. I am pictured here with the massive chocolate bar I decorated by hand in Aeschbach’s Choco World inter-active chocolate workshop.
Because Aeschbach is known for its gold foil chocolate coins, the chocolate workshop and factory tour is a popular field trip for Swiss school children. I happened to arrive via the same train as a class of children from Zurich filled with excitement to be exploring the world of chocolate.
School children anxiously await the chocolate coins that will be spit out by the donkey at Aeschbach Chocolatier in Root, Switzerland.
aeschbach chocolatier has treats for children of all ages
But Aeschbach Chocolatier is definitely not just for kids! They have an amazing selection of liquer-filled chocolates and artisanal truffles to please the refined palate.
I wish I would have had more time to do some sipping and sampling of this unique line of Aeschbach chocolate and liquor pairings.
Aeschbach Chocolatier of Switzerland makes a wide assortment of very unique chocolate offerings including this Marroni bar made from chestnuts.
Aeschbach Chocolatier does not work directly with cocoa beans. They have Chocolat Suchard source and process their cocoa beans in Lausanne, Switzerland. The beans are made into a custom couverture that is transformed into the Aeschbach line of delicious chocolate products in Root. Aeschbach primarily focuses on the domestic Swiss market, which is why those of us in North America likely haven’t heard of it before. Just one more reason to embrace the idea of chocolate tourism, and hit the air, road, or rails in search of memorable chocolate experiences. Your life will be sweeter for it!
The trains in Switzerland are fast, clean, efficient, and almost always on time.
This is the last of my series of posts about chocolate travel to Switzerland. I hope you’ve enjoyed it, and that you’ll take the opportunity that the Swiss Travel Pass gives you to reach some of these smaller cities and villages I have talked about, like Gruyères, Broc, Vevey, Montreux, and Lucerne. Thanks again to Swiss Tourism for making this trip possible. I’ve been to Switzerland three times now, but I still haven’t got to ride the Chocolate Train due to its seasonal operation schedule. At least this time I saw it!
The logo of the Swiss Train du Chocolat depicts just how important cows are to the chocolate industry in Switzerland. No cows, no milk chocolate!
I also find that looking after yourself can also do a lot of wonders in your productivity.
Thanks.
Your posts always make me crave for chocolates. This one now gets me wanting for more of those connoisseur ones – I would be keen on both the liqueur as well as the kiddie ones. Sigh! Thanks for sharing these …enjoying them online
Thanks, Ami. As long as I’m getting you thinking about chocolate in new and different ways … I’m doing my job! 🙂
I have never been to Switzerland, but I would really like to go one day. These photos reflect what a lovely time you must have had.
Thanks, Cheryl. I hadn’t realized just how many posts I’d done from this trip (about a dozen!) until I counted them. That reflects just how much I enjoy Switzerland. If you’ve never been, I strongly suggest you think about it, as it truly is a country that does not disappoint.
Oh, I will miss Switzerland!
Must say, definitely loved your journeys, will be waiting eagerly for the further journeys you share 😀
Thanks, Sushmita. I can’t believe I did a dozen posts on the Swiss trip! Each village I visited was so very different, I couldn’t help but highlight each of them–and all the great Swiss chocolate! Have a wonderful weekend, and stay tuned, as the next post is on the Dominican Republic!
Definitely, dear! Loving your Adventures! 🙂
Ha! Liquor-filled chocolate for me and my hubby and chocolate coins for my kids. That sounds like one heck of a tour to me. Sign me up. Love your pics too.
Hi Jen. Indeed! Aeschbach Chocolatier appeals to all ages and tastes. And I forgot to mention the on-site cafe!
I enjoyed this post very much Doreen.
Thanks, Tammy! Nice to have you drop by and share your thoughts.
Your photos are like eye candy Doreen! That’s a great shot of you, and the presentation of chocolates is just beautiful. Always a treat to travel with you. 🙂
Thx so much for your kind words, Marty. I really feel the photos are an integral part of every post. Glad you’re enjoying them! 🙂
The chocolate coins just bring me back to when I was younger and always got so excited when I saw my grandma with a handful of them. I knew I was in for a treat!
You have left me tempted for chocolates here. I am going to hunt Aeschbach Chocolatier when I am in Switzerland next. So no prizes for guessing where I will head to in Switzerland!
I would be as excited as those kids to visit Aeschenbach. It sounds amazing. The liquor filled chocolates and pairings are especially interesting. We’d have to make time for that. Thanks for introducing this hidden gem.
Sign me up for the chocolate train and those gold coins, Doreen! It seems like when I was in Switzerland a few years ago, I didn’t get nearly enough chocolate. Just a trip the Migros Supermarket, and that was it. I obviously have to make them more of a priority next time.
HI, Janice & thx for your comment. Well, I perfectly understand that not everyone is as obsessed with tge chocolate quest as I am, but definitely put chocolate on your radar if you return to Switzerland. It is unsurpassed.
A good place to visit in Switzerland! First time I’ve a heard of chocolate trains.
Now it makes me thought back that I should had stopped by one of places like this in Costa Rica since I personally love chocolate. Aeschbach Chocolatier Morroni looks really good! I should try that when I visit in the future 🙂
And there I am, wishing for another Swiss trip due to your chocolate enticement. I still love those gold coins and buy them every Christmas!
Thank you for sharing your adventures in Switzerland – think I mentioned in one of your other posts that it looks so clean in comparison to London!
The large chocolate bar you are holding looks delicious. I like chocolate at the best of times. I would be in my element at a chocolate making factory!
Hi Phoenicia. Yes, Switzerland is indeed a very clean and safe country. I don’t recall seeing any roadside garbage and litter in any of the places I visited or traveled through.
A chocolate train! Of course it had to be found in Switzerland. But it’s still a great idea for other countries to contemplate. They could follow suit with trains that promote their main exports. Every little effort counts as your picture of the train shos. If you had not spread it online I would not know that such a train existed.
Thanks for your comment, Catarina. Yes, I am amazed at the many ways Switzerland promotes their chocolate industry. As they are the biggest producers and consumers of their fine chocolate, I think the Swiss government and tourism industry really values the contribution chocolate has made to the country’s economy.
At Hanukkah we used to get milk chocolate coins (made in Israel I think). I still remember the excitement of receiving, opening and eating them. Thanks for sharing the Swiss story of chocolate coins.
Hi Suzanne and thanks for your comment. Yes, I think that children around the globe really love those foil covered chocolate coins. I enjoyed watching the children’s faces, as they waited for the donkey to spit out more coins!
Great post! I still covet those chocolate coins! Thanks for sharing your chocolate experience.
Another great post Doreen. Really interesting to read about your Swiss travels. Such an interesting life you lead!!
Thanks so much for your continuing interest and support, Kathy. Without great readers like you, it would be a lonely place here on the blog. 🙂
I enjoy reading your articles, Doreen! That is very unique of a donkey spitting out chocolate coins!
So glad you’re enjoying my posts, Flora. It’s really fun writing them, and the collection will form part of volume II of Chocolatour, so the blog is actually helping me write the next book!
I love the idea of a donkey spitting out chocolate coins. I want to meet that donkey!
The chocolate train looks very impressive. Where does it travel to?
Hi Bev: The Swiss Chocolate Train actually travels pretty much the same route that I did, only it is done in a vintage rail car vs the high speed trains. And I believe it only operates April through early September. A good option for a leisurely summer visit.
I will look for Aeschbach chocolate any time I get to Europe. I love the idea of the chocolate train – sounds like fun. Looks like you may need to schedule another trip.
Donna, Switzerland is a superb chocolate destination. But right now, I’ve got a more tropical chocolate destination on my mind. Stay tuned for details of a delicious small group itinerary to celebrate Valentine’s week, 2018. I hope you can join us!
Yep, that’s pretty amazing. Now I have a huge hankering for a really good chocolate bar.
I hope you found one, Susan. You really do have some great chocolatiers and chocolate makers in California. Have a super wkend.