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Ticket Chateau Chillon in Montreux
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The castles in Switzerland often have a very unique charm. Many castles were created by rebuilding earlier castles. Primarily built in the Middle Ages, these served as residential and defensive buildings
Castles provided protection from enemy attacks. In addition to being the seat of government, they also became a place of residence for castle lords, staff and farm animals. Often, self-contained supply units were built within the castle walls, which functioned even during a prolonged siege
In the 15th century, in addition to the nobility, wealthy townspeople also began to take a liking to castles. They bought them and rebuilt them into shining castles. Most of the castles and palaces in Switzerland are located in the tourist regions of Bern, Grisons and Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein. However, the Aargau region is particularly famous for its many castles.
In this article we will give you an overview of some very popular, worth seeing and unique castles and palaces.
13 tourist regions | Castles and fortresses |
---|---|
Bern region | 154 |
Graubünden region | 103 |
Region Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein | 95 |
Zurich region | 71 |
Basel region | 70 |
Lucerne/Lake Lucerne region | 55 |
Aargau region | 49 |
Fribourg region | 39 |
Valais region | 31 |
Lake Geneva region | 29 |
Jura and Three-Lakes Region | 18 |
region Ticino | 18 |
Region Geneva | 11 |
Switzerland total | 743 |
Chillon Castle](https://www.swissactivities.com/en-ch/lake-geneva-region/montreux/chillon-castle/) is located on Lake Geneva. It presents itself against the mountainous backdrop of the Vaud Alps. It is a former moated castle that you can reach by train from Montreux station in 10 min. Since the 17th century, the castle was owned by the Bernese. After that, the Vaudois gained the lakeside castle.
During a guided tour of the castle, you can see the special murals in the various interior rooms.
Hallwyl Castle is one of the most beautiful moated castles in Switzerland. It dates back to the late 12th century and is located on Lake Hallwil in the middle of a nature reserve. The entire complex extends over three islands. Behind the castle walls you can discover an interactive museum with 800 years of family history
There is a café in the castle courtyard. Events take place here from time to time in the summer.
When you visit Lenzburg Castle in the canton of Aargau, things get mystical. The high castle is called a magical knight and dragon castle. In the exhibition you can experience 1000 years of castle history up close. The castle also holds a prison in the deep castle cellars, which you can see.
In addition, you can always find various special exhibitions in the castle.
Wildegg Castle is a dream in baroque style. On the hill in the municipality of Möriken-Wildegg, it visually resembles the home castle of the Empress Sissi. The castle is surrounded by a magnificent garden. Inside there is a museum about the former inhabitants of the castle and old hunting stories from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Children have the opportunity to dress up as damsels and knights.
Habsburg Castle is the cornerstone of the famous Habsburg dynasty. They are very important for the history of Europe. Habsburg is an imposing summit castle in the canton of Aargau. The castle is situated 505 meters above sea level on the crest of the Wülpelberg hill.
A part of the castle complex has crumbled. In the still existing part you can learn interesting facts about the history of the castle. The circular path is called the Habsburg King's Path. There is a castle restaurant where you can have a rest after the tour.
Waldegg Castle presents itself in the Swiss architectural style with small towers. It is a country seat near Solothurn and has extensive baroque gardens lined with avenues of trees. The castle was the summer residence of Schultheiss Johann Viktor I at the end of 1600.
Since 1991 there is a museum in the residence. The exhibition tells the story of the ambassadors and patricians in Solothurn. Since 2005, the Ministry of Culture and Sport is also located at Waldegg Castle.
Heidegg Castle was a castle in the 13th century. After several changes of rulers, an owner extended it to a castle and country seat around 1700. The well-kept castle rises on a hill in the municipality of Gelfingen in the canton of Lucerne.
Exciting tower cellar stories in the museum and a beautiful park you can explore on site
The castle bears the same name as the village in which it stands. It belongs to the Canton of Zurich and was once a castle of important counties. The Kyburgs are among the most influential noble families along with the Habsburgs and Savoy.
In the castle museum you can learn about the history of construction and rule of the castle.
The castle is visually a fairytale castle par exellence and is located in the canton of Bern above the city of Thun. The dukes of Zähringen once ruled here. In the castle you can see various medieval exhibitions and collections. The virtual 3D castle tour on the website gives you a first insight.
Offers at Swiss Activities:
Schadau Castle is located on Lake Thun in the canton of Bern. Unlike the other castles, Schadau does not have a museum. Instead, it is a three-star boutique hotel and known for its gourmet cuisine.
From the sun terrace you not only have a wonderful view of the lake. You can also take a closer look at the impressive exterior facade of the castle
Spiez Castle belongs to the castles with very early mention. Around 762 the Bishop of Strasbourg named the castle in a will. Like Schadau and Thun castles, Spiez Castle is located directly on Lake Thun. It is surrounded by a magnificent park.
The castle church is particularly impressive because of the Romanesque wall paintings. They show Jesus Christ surrounded by angels. You can admire him high up in the apsidal cupola.
On a hill of the town of Burgdorf shines the castle of the same name in the Emmental. At the time of the Hohenstaufen dynasty it was an important high noble castle
Burgdorf Castle is a castle of the senses. On site there is a restaurant, a museum, a youth hostel and regular events such as a story afternoon.
Gruyères Castle is called Chateau de Gruyères in French and is located high on a hill in the western Swiss town of Gruyères. It is surrounded by the impressive mountain panorama of the Franches-Montagnes foothills. Various medieval stained glass, wall decorations and much more can be discovered in the collection in the museum. Highlights are the knights' hall and the magnificent courtyard garden.
The historic castle walls of Rapperswil Castle are located on the castle hill of the picturesque rose city. From up here you have a wonderful view over Lake Zurich and over the islands of Ufenau and Lützelau. Below the castle is the old town.
The castle itself is mainly used as an event location. Tours of the castle interior can only be booked upon request. It is only open to the public by appointment, but can be visited from the outside at any time.
Besides the castles of Schadau and Spiez, Oberhofen Castle is another estate directly on Lake Thun. The castle exhibition shows a different perspective into the count's society: you discover the 800 years old history of the castle from the point of view of the servants.
The castle park was laid out as early as 1850. If you are interested in royal gardens, it is best to stroll along the lakeside path and contemplate the beautiful grounds.
The medieval castle is a rock castle located directly at the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen. A visit to the largest waterfall in Europe in conjunction with the castle is an impressive adventure.
In the north wing of the castle is the exhibition Historama, which tells about the history of the place, the lords of the castle and the importance of the Rhine Falls.
Swiss Activities offers for bus tours from Zurich to Schloss Laufen with Rhine Falls Rock:
Wartegg Castle combines an organic hotel, an English garden and a small art exhibition with sculptures and reliefs. The castle stands about 800 meters from the lakeside promenade of Lake Constance in eastern Switzerland. Even Empress Zita enjoyed the magnificent garden here for recreation.
Around 1230, the castle in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley was founded by Count Rudolf I of Montfort. It is a late medieval castle. It is located 8 km away from Vaduz on the tranquil Werdenbergersee and is an optimal destination for nature lovers.
The museum includes various rooms, such as the imposing knights' hall, which you can visit
Tarasp Castle is considered the landmark of the Lower Engadine. It is enthroned on a rocky hill in the midst of nature. Until the 19th century, the castle belonged to Austria. Today it is part of the municipality of Scuol and owned by the Swiss artist Not Vital.
At Tarasp Castle you will find an impressive collection of ancient and contemporary art. The view from the castle courtyard over the Engadine Alps will inspire you.
The castle Sargans is a former fortress and houses a restaurant and café. The two-century-old county is still particularly noticeable in the traditional knights' hall and Countess Agnes Stube. In the tower of the castle there is also a museum where you can learn more about the history of the region.
Each of the Swiss castles has its own charm. This is not least due to the surrounding landscapes. A short trip from castle to castle is therefore worthwhile for city and nature fans in both cases.