One of the most memorable experiences you can have while visiting Zurich would have to be attending a chocolate making class at the Lindt Chocolate Factory. They do not host tours, but they do have some pretty amazing workshops. How many times in your life will you be able to say that you’ve learned to decorate and make chocolates in a world famous, premiere chocolate house?

I’ve been to two different courses. One was a praline decorating course. We decorated pralines for Mother’s Day (which felt particularly special, as I was pregnant with our third baby, and was making chocolates with our eldest), and placed them in a heart box that we’d made with chocolate. My daughter was 6 at the time, and she absolutely loved it. I really enjoyed watching her be creative, and Laela really loved her first true introduction to what she affectionately calls Switzerland- “The Land of Chocolate!”.

Upon entering the factory, you are shown where to change into your uniform- a professional chef jacket, apron, and hat. Once you are dressed, you enter the most gorgeous chocolate making classroom. You pick your work station and prepare to learn how to decorate chocolates. After a short demonstration, the chocolatiers walk around and assist you with making a box of chocolates to take home. You also get to taste various varieties of chocolate during the lesson.

My second experience at Lindt was around this time last year. I accompanied many parents from our daughters’ school for a special class in English. We were even filmed by CNN! I made some new friends and laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. It’s one of the most fun events I’ve gone to. It was definitely the most “I Love Lucy” day of my life, and trust me, I’ve had a lot of “Lucy” days!

Things to know when visiting the chocolate factory…

Unless otherwise indicated, all classes are for ages 14 and up.
Book early! Classes fill up quickly- especially for Mother’s Day, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.
There are NOT tours of the factory. People will tell you there are. There are NOT. The Lindt website clearly states this. Many travel sites state otherwise. They’re very wrong.
Classes are not always offered in English. This is an experience worth doing regardless of language!! There is always someone who speaks English, even if it’s just a bit. Learning to make chocolate really is more of a visual experience, and the people that work there know how to teach- regardless of language ability. Go, have fun, and try something new!!
There is a shoppe by the factory where you can take some fun photos, buy some discounted chocolate, and stock up on some rare chocolate varieties that you can’t get everywhere.
Even if you aren’t really a chocolate person, I would give this class a go. It’s a ton of fun, and it’s truly a once in a lifetime experience!