While 7-July maybe World Chocolate Day, there is no denying the fact that, if you are a chocolate lover, everyday can be chocolate day! And this is especially true if you are in the home of chocolate, aka Switzerland. On my last visit to Zurich, I had the chance to visit the absolutely delightful, Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg near the city.
Inside Lindt Home of Chocolate
An initiative of the Lindt Chocolate Competence Foundation that was founded in 2013, this one is an ode to the ingenuity of the Swiss when it comes to making chocolate. A state of the art chocolate experience for all chocolate aficionados, this aesthetically designed building houses an insightful museum, a sneak peek into a section where delectable chocolate is manufactured as well as the largest Lindt shop in the world! Apart from this you can sign up for chocolate workshops, guided tours and the like. Here are some captures from my visit.
Arguably the best part about the place is something that you cannot miss as soon as you enter the reception area. This is the awe inspiring chocolate fountain that is 9.3 meters high with close to 1500 kg of chocolate that flows at a speed of one kilo per second. A picture of sheer magic indeed!
Visitors can opt to take an interactive chocolate tour and experience the entire gamut of operations associated with chocolate production and manufacture. From the history of chocolate to the latest technological innovations in the industry, the museum is highly interesting and engaging. The origin of chocolate i.e. the cocoa beans with roots in Ghana and Central America is depicted along with the commendable work done by cocoa farmers. The journey of chocolate from Central America to Spain and finally Europe is well depicted.
The growth and evolution of the chocolate industry in Switzerland is awe inspiring with several pioneers bringing about revolutionary changes while taking the industry to the next level in terms of flavours, taste as well as standards of production.
The nuances of chocolate production is beautifully displayed with interactive boards, movies and tasting sessions. Some of the most common ingredients paired with chocolate like oranges, almonds, strawberries etc are also neatly lined up making it a treat for the visitors. The museum also touches upon the future of the industry with a focus on fair trade, ethical sourcing and sustainability.
Yet another exciting part of the whole complex is the largest Lindt shop where one literally get lost like a kid in a candy store and shop till you drop.
A perfect day trip from Zurich, this one is sure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike!
