Gourmet fondue in Basel, summer and winter
Our gourmet fondue is called glacier fondue: from Sennerei Pontresina in the Engadin, in Basel exclusively at the Pförtnerhaus. In winter three blends, indoors or outside by the pellet heaters; in summer the house mix in the garden.
What makes glacier fondue a gourmet fondue?
The origin
Our fondue comes from the Upper Engadin, from Sennerei Pontresina: in the hands of the Wüthrich family for over 35 years.
The craft
Glacier fondue is mixed cold, never pre-melted or pre-cooked, with no melting salts or preservatives.
The exclusivity
Gletscherfondue® has been a protected trademark of the dairy since 2004, and in Basel you'll find it only at our place.
Summer in the garden, winter at the table
Fondue in summer? Absolutely. The house mix is served in the garden, with mild evening air and a glass of white wine, until the lights come on.
In winter it gets classic: three blends to choose from, the caquelon on the table, our rustic fondue bread alongside and time for long conversations.
Our fondue blends
House mix
Our classic: four selected Swiss cheeses, white wine, a dash of kirsch and a spice blend. Works in winter and summer alike.
Champagne truffle
The gourmet cheese fondue for connoisseurs: four selected Swiss cheeses, mixed with champagne and French sparkling wine instead of white wine, finished with black truffle and truffle oil. For evenings that deserve something special.
Engiadinais cun Prosecco
The local, light one: two selected Engadin cheeses, mixed with prosecco, no spice blend, with a clean freshness. The Engiadinais is our answer to the question «Can fondue be elegant?».
We serve glacier fondue from two people, with fresh bread, pickles and, if you like, potatoes or pears.
Reserve your fondue table
About Sennerei Pontresina
The Sennerei Pontresina in the Upper Engadin is deeply rooted in local farming. Around twenty farmers used to work in Pontresina, and each hotel had its own farms for supplies. So that milk could be processed in the off-season too, the farmers founded a cheese-making cooperative. Over decades, Hansjürg and Evelyne Wüthrich built up and shaped the dairy. And their story continues: today their son Christof runs the business in the next generation, keeping the passion for the dairy and the Upper Engadin in the family.
In 1996 the Alp Show Dairy Morteratsch followed, at the foot of the Morteratsch glacier, where 40,000 litres of finest raw milk are refined each alpine season. Since 2022, the Gletscherkäserei in Samedan has joined the production; it's where the Gletscherfondue®, known far beyond the region, is made. We're proud to serve these cheeses in Basel.
Fancy raclette too?
From the same dairy comes glacier raclette: aged at least six months, in winter on the plate or as a croffle. Once you've tried both, you'll know why two cheese classics share our menu.
Fondue FAQs
What is glacier fondue and why is it called that?
Gletscherfondue® (glacier fondue) is a protected speciality from Sennerei Pontresina in the Upper Engadin, registered as a trademark since 2004. The name is inspired by the nearby Roseg and Morteratsch glaciers. Unlike standard fondues, it's mixed cold, with no melting salts or preservatives.
Is fondue available all year at Pförtnerhaus?
Yes. In summer we serve the house mix in the garden, fondue under the open sky is one of our favourite Basel quirks. In the winter season, three blends are on the menu: house mix, champagne truffle and Engiadinais cun Prosecco.
Which fondue blends do you offer?
The house mix (four Swiss cheeses, white wine, kirsch) is available all year. In winter, champagne truffle (with champagne and black truffle) and Engiadinais cun Prosecco (two Engadin cheeses, with prosecco) join the menu. All from Sennerei Pontresina, all exclusive to us in Basel.
What is the minimum number of people for fondue?
Two, with 300 grams of fondue mix per person and our rustic fondue bread. A little insider tip for groups of eight or more: order at least two blends, so you can compare. Family gatherings and corporate events are best planned in advance.
Are there vegetarian fondue options?
All blends are vegetarian by nature, cheese is cheese. If you eat strictly vegetarian: ask us about the rennet used, we're happy to tell you. We don't offer a vegan fondue.