Foodies Will Love This Delicious Swiss Alps Backpacking Adventure

Every European nation has its stereotypes. The British love tea, queuing, football (soccer), and complaining about the weather, while Germans are efficient sticklers for the rules and have a poor sense of humor. Swedes are all blond-haired and blue-eyed, drive a Volvo, and can't stop listening to ABBA. Some of these cultural cliches have an element of truth, but others are annoyingly inaccurate and can't possibly give a true representation of an entire country. Elsewhere, Swiss locals might tire of assumptions that everyone is rich, lives in the mountains, and eats cheese all the time, but they're pretty enviable as far as stereotypes go. The latter two cliches can combine to delicious effect for foodies on a top-rated mountain hike in Switzerland.

The Swiss are justly proud of their stunning mountains, which form part of the enormous range that extends across eight countries from France to Austria. Switzerland is home to nine of Europe's highest peaks, and the iconic Matterhorn is one of the majestic mountains everyone needs to see in their lifetime. Meanwhile, fondue — a tasty dish of molten cheese and dippable bites of bread and other morsels — traces its origins to Alpine living as a thrifty meal cooked up during harsh winter months in the 18th century. While the popularity of fondue has waxed and waned in other countries, it has never gone away in Switzerland, so it only seems like common sense that some enterprising companies provide a portable kit to take with you on your mountain adventures.

While some might prefer to indulge their cheesy cravings in the comfort of a warm restaurant, al fresco fondue experiences are very popular in Switzerland. Just Google "Swiss Alps fondue" and you'll get plenty of smiling people in ski gear and chunky sweaters enjoying the delicacy with a spectacular Alpine backdrop. The fondue backpack gives you the chance to get similar snaps without having to find a lodge with a suitable terrace.

For less than the cost of a cheap meal out, you can rent a pack loaded with all the equipment required for an outdoor fondue spree. A camping stove, fondue pot, skewers, paper plates, napkins bread, spices, and, of course, cheese are packaged up and ready to enjoy. A more decadent option of truffle fondue costs a few dollars more and you can also add a bottle of something to wash it down with. Traditionally, the Swiss prefer a crisp white wine, a dash of kirsch (cherry brandy), or herbal tea to go with their national dish.

Once you've rented your fondue backpack, you are free to roam and set up wherever you please. The temptation to start cooking in a glade or on a rock beside a footpath might strike you, but things will be a lot easier if you find a picnic area with a table first. In the mountains near Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland, there are even designated wooden benches shaped like giant fondue pots!

Fondue backpacks are a great way to enjoy the delicacy outdoors in the Swiss Alps. Arguably the best place to experience it is Gstaad, a quietly luxurious mountainous region that has taken to the concept so well that it calls itself "Fondueland." The beautiful village has a long and proud tradition of cheesemaking and several local dairies offer fondue backpacks for rent. Book in advance for your rucksack packed with all the equipment you need for a fondue treat for two people or more. Costs may vary, but at the time of writing prices at Gstaad Dairy start at 18 Swiss francs ($20) per person, with extra-tasty truffle fondue set at 48 Swiss francs ($53) for two. Raclette backpacks are also available.

Once you've got your backpack, there are a few cooking tips and rules of etiquette. A common rookie mistake is to overcook the cheese, which can cause the mixture to separate and congeal into an unappealing lump. Once the cheese is heated to a nice consistency, don't get distracted by the scenery and leave it sitting on the heat — the blend must be stirred constantly to remain at its best. If you find yourself sharing a bench or designated spot with locals, there are a few silly fondue mistakes you should try to avoid. Chief among them is keeping control of your piece of bread while dunking or you could end up facing a playful forfeit.