When in Zürich, there’s one sweet stop that simply can’t be missed – the Lindt Home of Chocolate. This immersive, mouth-watering experience brings Switzerland’s rich chocolate heritage to life in the most delicious way possible.
- Don’t miss the world’s largest Lindt Chocolate Shop and its exclusive sweet treasures.
- Book chocolate-making classes early – they’re a highlight and sell out fast.
- The nine-meter chocolate fountain is as impressive (and Instagrammable) as it sounds!
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
There are a few things you simply must do when visiting Zürich. Stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, take a boat ride on Lake Zürich, and – without a doubt – surrender yourself to the ultimate indulgence at the Lindt Home of Chocolate. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of those irresistible Lindor balls or just someone with a curious sweet tooth, this state-of-the-art chocolate haven is a feast for the senses, young and old alike.

Just 20 minutes from the heart of Zürich – reachable by train, bus, car, or even boat – you’ll find this Willy Wonka-esque world nestled next to the famous Lindt & Sprüngli factory in Kilchberg. Designed by Swiss architects Christ & Gantenbein, the Lindt Home of Chocolate is more than just a museum – it’s a multi-sensory experience that celebrates one of Switzerland’s greatest cultural exports.

The moment the sliding glass doors part, you’re hit with that unmistakable aroma: warm, velvety chocolate flowing somewhere nearby. To your left, the Lindt Café tempts with waffles drizzled in the good stuff, and to your right, phones are out and shutters are snapping – the nine-meter chocolate fountain in the grand atrium is a sight to behold. This gravity-defying centrepiece circulates 1’400 kg of real chocolate through a system of 94 meters of pipes at a rate of one kilo per second. Yes, it’s as impressive as it sounds.

Before you get too excited, here’s a word of advice: book in advance. The museum and its chocolate-making classes fill up fast – sometimes weeks or months ahead – so don’t bank on picking up tickets at the door. Public transport will take you right to the doorstep, and from there, it’s a self-guided chocolate adventure.

Your journey begins at the interactive chocolate museum, where visitors explore the global history of chocolate. Wander through expertly designed exhibits tracing cocoa’s journey from its ancient Mesoamerican origins to its spread across Europe and eventual transformation into the creamy, dreamy Swiss variety we know today.

Meet the pioneers of Swiss chocolate – people like Rodolphe Lindt, whose innovation gave birth to the smooth melting quality Lindt is famous for. Watch as cocoa beans go through roasting, grinding, and conching in real test facilities, where the chocolate-making process unfolds in front of your eyes.

The museum includes audio guides in multiple languages and plenty of multimedia installations. And yes, there’s chocolate tasting throughout. Lots of it. Don’t be surprised if you leave with more chocolate in your system than you intended (or needed).

Now for the highlight – the hands-on chocolate-making course. Donning a proper chef’s hat and apron, we entered the Chocolateria for what can only be described as adult (and child) candy land. Guided by one of Lindt’s real-life Master Chocolatiers, we set about making our own sweet creations. From chocolate lollipops to personalised ‘Schoggi-Bärli’ or chocolate bear, this is where your inner artisan comes to life.

One of the most popular courses allows you to make your own “Lindt Dubai Chocolate” – a luxurious chocolate bar infused with exotic touches inspired by the Middle East. Or for something even more decadent, try the Champagne Truffle course, where you’ll mix, fill, and coat your own batch of melt-in-your-mouth truffles, beautifully packaged to take home (or devour en route).

While the chocolate cools, the master chocolatiers share nuggets of fascinating cocoa knowledge, from harvesting techniques to flavor pairings, all in an inspiring, cocoa-scented setting. Public courses are released monthly and must be booked online. Whether you’re a solo traveler, with a group, or planning a family outing, there’s a workshop suited to every kind of cocoa enthusiast.

Before leaving, you’ll want to set aside some serious time (and luggage space) for the Lindt Chocolate Shop – the largest in the world at 500 square meters. It’s a chocolate fest bursting with every Lindt product imaginable, including exclusive items and seasonal flavours you probably won’t find anywhere else.

From classic milk chocolate bars to obscure Lindor variations and specialty gifts, it’s a shopping experience as immersive as the museum itself. Keep your eyes peeled for live demonstrations, where a Master Chocolatier delicately hand-finishes pralines and truffles with precision worthy of a Swiss watchmaker.

The Lindt Home of Chocolate isn’t just another museum or factory tour – it’s an immersive, edible journey into one of Switzerland’s proudest traditions. Whether you’re indulging in chocolate-laced waffles, marvelling at a three-ton chocolate fountain, or crafting your own sweet masterpiece in a real Chocolateria, it’s an experience that stays with you long after your last truffle has melted.

For families, it’s an educational adventure. For couples, it’s a deliciously romantic day out. And for solo travellers – well, there’s no one to judge just how much chocolate you’re sampling along the way.

So, if you find yourself in Zürich next, follow your chocolate heart straight to Kilchberg. The Lindt Home of Chocolate is calling – and it’s impossible to resist.
Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.
Advertise on The Sandton Times today!
Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.


