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Medieval castles offer a glimpse into the past with ancient architecture and fortresses that captivates visitors. Switzerland claims to have hundreds of castles and many of them are listed with the Swiss Heritage Sites of National Significance. Here are few of the top castles to visit when you travel in Switzerland. Many Alpenwild tours allow guests to experience some of these incredible castles!
Located between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Alps, Château de Chillon is Switzerland’s most visited historic monument. The castle consists of 100 independent buildings that were gradually connected and now form a single whole. From the mid 12th century, the castle was home to the Counts of Savoy, and it was greatly expanded in the 13th century. Visitors are able to go underground to tour the castle area where prisoners were kept. There are also four large halls in the castle, where the Savoys, and other residents throughout history, held balls and feasts. Chillon Castle is set against the stunning Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva creating an amazing sight. You can see this castle on our Scenic Alps by Rail, French Inspired Food Tour and Christmas Markets tours.
This hilltop castle is one of the most prestigious in Switzerland and towers majestically above the medieval town of Gruyères. The tour of the castle offers a walk through 8 centuries of architecture, history, and culture. The castle was bought by the canton of Fribourg in 1938 and made into a museum. While visiting the castle be sure to watch the film, "Gruyères." It is 18 minutes long and available in 8 languages giving visitors the wonderful history of the castle. You can see this castle on our Scenic Alps by Rail and French Inspired Food Tour.
Located in the canton of Neuchatel in Switzerland this castle and the Collegiate church date back to the 12th century and are so close together that they seem to be one. The castle is used for government and parliament for the Canton. Between 1st April and 30th September, the castle is open to visitors at no charge.
Located in the Rhone Valley at the foothills of the Vaudois Alps, Aigle Castle is situated in the middle of vineyards that have been productive since the 12th century and is just minutes away from Lake Geneva. Today the castle is home to Musée de la Vigne et du Vin (Vine and wine museum). Next to the castle gates is the Maison de la Dîme, which houses the Musée de l’Étiquette (Wine-Labels Museum). The castle has medieval roots and is breathtaking with its thick walls, towers, and turrets. You'll be able to visit Aigle Castle on Alpenwild's French Inspired Food tour.
Tarasp Castle dates back to the 11th century and is located in the Upper Engadine. The castle belonged until 1803 to Austria and was laid siege to and fought over several times, but was never captured. Since 1919, Castle Tarasp is open to all visitors, who can view knights' halls and ballrooms, old bedrooms, the castle chapel and the organ with its 2,500 pipes. The castle offers public organ concerts, tours as well as "active vacations," vacations during which the visitor can help with the annual maintenance work.
This is a very romantic castle with its medieval and picturesque turrets. It is located on the shores of Lake Thun near Interlaken. While strolling through the various historic rooms, you get the impression of the noble Bernese lifestyle from the 16-19th century. The castle has 6 acres of beautiful English style gardens with spectacular views of the Bernese Alps. This castle park is one of the most magnificent in the Alps region. The castle is only open from May through October.
Until the middle of the 19th century Wörth was an important transshipping and reloading area for the east-west trading route, which led from Lake Constance to Basel and was interrupted by the Rhine Falls. Today you can find an excellent gourmet restaurant, souvenir shop and snack bar there. On the first floor there are some banquet rooms with a terrace and a magnificent view of the Rhine Falls, for both party groups and seminars.
Sion is the capital of Valais and is located on the banks of the Rhone River in southwestern Switzerland. It is a tourist destination known for its historic hilltop castles (Tourbillon, Basilique de Valère, and Montorge).
These fortresses (Castlegrande, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro) are near Ticino and are a great example of medieval fortification and architecture in the alpine region. These battlements, towers, and gateway are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
