[2024 Vevey Attraction] Travel Guide for The Fork (Updated Nov)
No.4 of Best Things to Do in Canton of Vaud
Statues/Sculptures
Address:
Quai Perdonnet, 1800 Vevey, Switzerland
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
20-30 minutes
Phone:
+41-21-9244111
The Fork Alimentarium
#europetrip
Standing tall at 8 meters, this stainless steel marvel is more than just a utensil—it’s a symbol of culinary history and art. Nestled in the serene waters of Lake Geneva, the Fork was created by artist Jean-Pierre Zaugg to celebrate the Alimentarium’s 10th anniversary. Since its installation, it has become a beloved landmark, capturing the imagination of visitors from around the world. Snap a photo, strike a pose, and let this giant fork inspire your culinary adventures!
Travela-dic
The town of Vevey on Lake Geneva is home to a giant fork.
This time, I truly experienced the vastness and beauty of Lake Geneva.
After two days, I was still wandering around the lake, seeking beauty in every spot.
Lake Geneva is located in the southwestern part of Switzerland. It is pronounced "Lake Leman" in English or German, but it is more widely known as "Lake Geneva". Lake Geneva is the largest lake in the Alps, with the northern part belonging to Switzerland (slightly larger) and the southern part belonging to France.
There are many famous towns along the lake in Switzerland.
Lausanne, the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, is a must-visit for sports fans like me. I also had to climb up to take a few photos of the special stained glass windows of Lausanne Cathedral.
Vevey, a town that is not very famous in the travel industry, but has a lot of history: Chillon Castle, Nestlé headquarters, Charlie Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn, and a giant fork in Lake Geneva.
Vevey is not only a famous resort and tourist destination, but also a popular retirement destination for celebrities.
Charlie Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn (actor), Ernest Hemingway (writer), Gustave Courbet and Bartis (painters). These great artists in history have all stayed in the Lake Geneva area and found peace of mind. The peace of mind allowed the artists to return to their true selves, inspired them, and brought out their greatest creativity.
Vevey's food processing industry is also famous. In fact, it has a very sweet nickname: Chocolate City.
Walking along the lakeside, you will definitely see the giant fork, standing straight in the lake, shining beautifully against the blue sky and water.
There are also a few white chairs near the fork (see below). Walk over and sit down, and you will instantly have the most beautiful dining view by Lake Geneva. It would be even better if there were more tables.
The 8-meter-high giant fork created by a Swiss artist seems a bit abrupt, but it feels very harmonious with Lake Geneva. It's a strange, indescribable harmony. The fork is located opposite the Chaplin statue by the lake, which is very interesting. It is said that the inspiration came from Chaplin's play: In "The Gold Rush", a gold digger eats a worn-out shoe with a knife and fork when he is hungry.
This refreshing lakeside town is actually the headquarters of the world's largest food manufacturer, Nestlé. It is also rumored that the fork standing in the middle of the lake was originally placed temporarily for a Nestlé event, but it accidentally became a landmark. People later called it "God's Fork".
I chose a nearby restaurant facing the lake and blooming with flowers, and ordered a set meal of Lake Geneva fish. With a large glass of beer in my right hand and a fork in my left hand, I was ready to eat.
——With a "big fork" in hand, I have the world!
R@1nb0w_Wh1sp3r3r
Travel Guide Summary from Three Trips to Switzerland (Part 1)
Travel Guide Summary from Three Trips to Switzerland (Part 1)
As a European travel enthusiast, Switzerland is the only European country I have visited three times, and it was also the first country my husband and I visited on our European free travel journey. Although the cost of traveling in Switzerland is slightly higher than in other European countries, the travel experience in Switzerland is the safest, most comfortable, and most convenient among all European countries. It is also very suitable for family trips (with elderly and children). Each route will be shared in separate posts, so friends interested in traveling to Switzerland, please stay tuned.
First, let me introduce Switzerland. Switzerland is located in central Europe, bordering Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, and France. The capital is Bern (yes, not Zurich or Geneva). Switzerland's natural scenery is beautiful, with rich tourism resources, and is known as the "World Park." German, French, Italian, and Romansh are all official languages of Switzerland. Therefore, when we travel to Switzerland, we often refer to the German-speaking region, the French-speaking region, and the Italian-speaking region. The level of English proficiency in Switzerland is very high, so communicating in English is not a problem at all.
How to get to Switzerland
✔ Flights from China to Switzerland generally land in Geneva or Zurich.
✔ Geneva is close to France and is the headquarters of the United Nations, making it convenient to explore travel destinations in the French-speaking region from Geneva.
✔ Zurich is the largest city and shopping destination in Switzerland and is also the starting point for most people's trips to Switzerland.
Let's first talk about the travel route in the French-speaking region. Generally, a three-day trip is recommended. It is suggested to stay in Montreux or Vevey for the entire trip without changing hotels and then visit various small towns.
✔ Montreux: A city along Lake Geneva, one hour by train from Geneva and three hours by train from Zurich. The most famous attraction here is the Chateau de Chillon. There is a path by the Chateau de Chillon that you can walk along the lakeshore to the center of Montreux, which is a very nice walking trail. The Montreux Jazz Festival is held every July.
✔ Vevey: A city along Lake Geneva, only five minutes by train from Montreux (half an hour by bus). The eight-meter-high fork standing in the lake in front of the Alimentarium is the symbol of Vevey. From late May to mid-June each year, the hills from Vevey to Montreux are covered with wild daffodils, which is very spectacular.
✔ Lavaux: The most beautiful section of Lake Geneva, with 18 kilometers of terraced vineyards planted along the steep slopes by the lakeshore (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site like Bordeaux in France). The main production area of Swiss white wine "Chasselas." It is about ten minutes by train from Vevey.
✔ Morges: A city along Lake Geneva, located between Geneva and Lausanne, and the late residence of Audrey Hepburn. Across the lake is the French town of Evian.
In addition to these beautiful small towns, the French-speaking region has a hidden benefit, which is the use of the Swiss Travel Pass to visit the French towns across the lake for free. More details will be shared in a separate post later.
ELAINA PITTMAN
The beautiful small town in the niche of Switzerland
Vevey is really suitable for a leisurely day of relaxation here.
It is very close to Montreux, and it takes about five minutes to get there by train.
The landmark of Vevey is a giant fork that stands 8 meters tall, created by a Swiss artist in 1995.
This is also the headquarters of Nestlé Coffee and the former residence where Charlie Chaplin lived for twenty-five years.
Welcome to visit the sunshine ☀️ and lakes of Vevey.
Elijah.Moore^88
The Mysterious Fork by Lake Vevey: A Wonderful Fusion of Art and Nature
Switzerland's fairy-tale land—Vevey, nestled among the lakes and mountains, hides an awe-inspiring artistic wonder. On the shores of Lake Geneva, a gigantic fork stands tall in the water, as if it were a piece of cutlery inadvertently left behind by Jesus Christ during a meal. This is no ordinary object, but a masterpiece by Swiss artist Jean Pierre Zaugg, specially designed to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Vevey Food Museum.
Vevey, this small town located between Lake Geneva and the French border, has gained fame far and wide because of this giant fork in the lake. Originally a temporary art installation, it unexpectedly became a landmark of Vevey, drawing countless tourists to explore.
Standing on the lakeshore, gazing at the huge fork, one can feel the harmonious blend of art and nature. It not only witnesses the prosperity and changes of Vevey but also serves as a bridge connecting the past and the future.
If you also want to experience this wonder and mystery, consider embarking on a journey to Vevey to discover the story behind this giant fork in the lake. There, you will appreciate Switzerland's unique natural scenery and cultural charm, leaving behind unforgettable memories.