Chillon is amongst the most visited castles in Switzerland and Europe. The restoration campaign that was launched in the late 19th century is still ongoing. Located in the city of Thun in the canton of Bern, the castle boasts unmatched views of the city, Lake Thun, and the snow-capped mountains. Today the castle is … translated by • View Original It is a tourist destination known for its historic hilltop castles (Tourbillon, Basilique de Valère, and Montorge). Switzerland is famous for its military neutrality, and this can easily be observed through the fantastically well-preserved castles too, many of which date back to the medieval times. Up until 1803 the castle actually belonged to Austria. Built to face Lake Geneva, it is one of the oldest castles in the whole canton. Try moving the map or changing your filters. We already briefly mentioned the Valère Basilica when talking about the Tourbillon Castle since the two are located directly opposite on separate hilltops, however, it wouldn’t be a list of Switzerland’s best castles without dedicating a separate section to the Valère Basilica itself. In fact, it has the most visitors each year for any historic building in all of Switzerland. We have best offers 9,751,000 €. The medieval fortress dates back to as far as the 11th century even though continuous construction took place up until the 14th century. Ticino’s capital city Bellinzona is much famed for its three majestic castles known as the Castello Montebello, Castello Sasso Corbaro, and Castelgrande. Situated on the Alpine foothills, the group is composed of fortified walls and three castles named Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro. writing with quill and ink, trying on chain mail and armour, and practising jousting on a wooden horse! Vufflens Castle is one of the most significant examples of the fortified Romandy castles. The beautiful Aarburg Castle complex in northern Switzerland dates back to the medieval times, even though the exact date of when the castle was built is unknown, it was first mentioned in writing around the 13th century. condition of the traveller to traverse the many, many steps and incline! The Castles of Bellinzona are a group of fortifications located around the town of Bellinzona, the capital of the Swiss canton of Ticino. Despite not being open to the public, seeing the castle up close in person is worth every second. Together, these three fortresses make a visit to Bellinzona totally unique. The organ is still functioning to this day and is believed to be one of the oldest functioning church organs in the world. The palas was built later, in the 13th century. These castles were built in the medieval age and, in the 1500s, were part of a fortress protecting Switzerland from Italy. out and share something fun for the children to find or do.... he was excellent! It has been noted by archeologists that the castle in the shape of an irregular rectangle used to have four towers in each corner, while only two remain to this day. The Swiss canton of Vaud proudly contains several stunning castles and Aigle Castle is no exception. wonderful view over the lake is really a great ending to our afternoon! The heritage is full of mysticism and folklore, but at its heart Switzerland is a nation with a long tradition of strength and pride best reflect by the many castles that now remain. Gradual building work took place over the next centuries and in the mid-15th century the grandiose cathedral organ was installed. Located on a rock on the eastern side of the picturesque Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle attracts visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Also, Switzerland hallmarks breathtaking Alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and cities and towns that pursue the suit. The hilltop castle not only rises above the surrounding landscape, but is also located 1499 meters above the sea level. Nevertheless, Switzerland does have a good handful of castles to check out. Kids loved it and everything is made to have a perfect. m. of living space. Since 1925, it has been open to the public, and since 1994 it has been owned by the canton of Aargau and is part of the museum of Aargau. Luckily, shortly after, rebuilding and repair work took place, but in 1788 a completely destructive fire that had overtaken the city of Sion destroyed the castle to ashes. to visit, each room telling you something of the history of the people who lived there and the castle itself. where you can also hop into the lake for a quick dip. Located in the southwestern part of Switzerland, Tourbillon Castle was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Thun Castle is one of the most recognizable castles in Switzerland. This large impressive fortress is lovely to wander the grounds. Switzerland: A Land of Castles Even by European standards, Switzerland is a small country – in land mass, the UK is around six times bigger. The three towers were named after the Three Wise Men in the Bible. Located in the alpine Upper Engadine, Tarasp Castle, also a Swiss heritage site, is a medieval castle dating back to the 11th century. Chillon is amongst the most visited castles in Switzerland and Europe. high up looking over the Lake Thun and the views incredible and the mountains such a wonderful place to visit the castle is big inside the museum has so much to look... Apart from the amazing 360° views, there are lots of fun. Few manmade constructs throughout history have captivated the imagination and wonder of people as much as castles. From charming countryside castles in the United Kingdom to châteaux and palaces in Switzerland, France and Germany, these hotels, which all earned a … Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. Large and remodeled many times, even currently, it offers great views, pleasant gardens, exhibition halls, a very neat terrace next to the coffee shop for refreshments, It is on the top of a rock formation, several buildings, great architecture, well preserved, interior design done with love and taste, great, We engaged a private guide during the visit - was fantastic and very informative tour. The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) will offer limited access to some of these most popular Czech tourist sites. Sion Castles. It wasn’t long until the castle slowly fell into neglect due to being uninhabited for the most part of the year. Still an active church Waldenburg Castle: … Each of the castles formed a ring, along with a fortified wall, of which little now remains. Even though a cathedral has been mentioned in records as far back as in the 11th century, it is believed that the first parts of the castle church were built between the early and mid-12th century in Romanesque style. In the early 13th century, the Habsburgs built the Schloss Wildegg in Möriken-Wildegg, Switzerland and was owned by eleven generations of the Effinger family from 1483. As a current administrative building, it is impossible. It was created by reconstruction of a medieval castle. Just like many other medieval castles, Blonay Castle too has undergone several changes to adapt to the requirements of each time period. Architecturally the castle follows the Savoy Square structure with a rectangular enclosure and four round towers in each corner. and walk down to town alone the ramparts and old walls. These days Aarburg Castle houses a juvenile rehabilitation center. For a century Vufflens Castle stood uninterrupted until 1530, when a Bernese army set the castle on fire. While the majority of medieval castles and fortifications have an imposing appearance about them, there is something particularly charming and quaint about Gruyères Castle. The castle was built in a square plan, typical for fortifications in the Savoy region. Even though the whole structure hasn’t survived to this day in its original form, several features from the original castle remain. Not only the castle structure itself is memorable – the fairytale-like surroundings are absolutely picture perfect. Each corner of the castle features a tower, and the highest is the donjon in the southwest of the castle. Looking to expand your search outside of Switzerland? more. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. Hilden in the trees you will find wonderful cafe /, park the staff is charming helpful and friendly pastry is very good. The volumes are exceptional, and the finishing details are splendid. This is one of the main reasons why the structure remains almost completely in its original form as residential castles tended to be rebuilt and extended more often than defensive ones. Tourbillon Castle is part of the Valère & Tourbillon complex, where the castle sits atop one hill directly opposite the cathedral of Valère which is located on another hill. Chateau de Chillon. We hopped over from our stay in Lake Como to check out this darling Swiss town. Built on a small rocky stretch of land on the shore of Lake Geneva, the castle is a spectacular sight that leaves visitors breathless. Beautiful gardens with an abundance of colorful flowers - perfect picture spot, On the way to Lucerne from Meggen on the left side the city is. During the Middle Ages, the first significant renovations and extensions were made in the 13th century and onwards, when the castle was turned into a summer residence for the counts. The spectacular Château Gütsch is a Lucerne, Switzerland, landmark — a fairytale like, 19th century folly castle, it sits high on a hilltop with stunning views over the city and Lake Lucerne. Map. Overlooking the beautiful Lake Neuchâtel in western Switzerland, the impressive medieval stronghold is both impressive and awe-inspiring. There are three castles to visit: Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro, as shown on the map below. Otto I of Grandson, who rebuilt the castle in the 13th century, had close ties to the English royalty and especially Edward I. Show 2 results. You will be charmed by the refined woodwork, the mouldings or precious woodfloors. For over two and a half centuries the castle was a significant fortress, arsenal, and prison under the Bernese rule in the region. The structure with impressive 2-meter thick walls became the main focal point of the complex. The castle was attacked several times around the 16th and 17th centuries. SWITZERLAND ; Castle ; Please choose at least one locality (5 maximum) Add more criteria . The landlocked country features awe-inspiring Alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and cities and towns that follow suit. Map updates are paused. Photos Castle Wildegg Castle Wildegg. The castle suffered serious damages during the Burgundian Wars in the 15th century, 15 Best Things to Do in Lucerne (Switzerland), Vufflens Castle: Stephane Debove / shutterstock, Chateau De Chillon: Sadik Yalcin / shutterstock, Munot Fortress: Denis Linine / shutterstock, Tarasp Castle: Vollverglasung / shutterstock, Gruyères Castle: canadastock / shutterstock, Rapperswil Castle: Denis Linine / shutterstock, Aarburg Castle: Natali Glado / shutterstock, Valère Basilica: irisphoto1 / shutterstock, Stockalper Palace: KH-Pictures / shutterstock, Aigle Castle: Fedor Selivanov / shutterstock. It is charming clean and inviting. The surrounding vineyards provide grapes for the wine that is produced in the castle’s cellars. Thun Castle is one of the most recognizable castles in Switzerland. In fact, the entire country of Switzerland is only a touch bit bigger than the US state of Maryland. One of the best castles in Switzerland, Chillon Castle is the quintessential castle located in a dreamlike location. Switzerland is most famous for its beautiful landscapes, along with also well-known for its wonderful Castles in Switzerland. Swiss castles of all sizes can be found throughout Switzerland. Not only the castle structure itself is memorable – the fairytale-like surroundings are absolutely picture perfect. The Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Art are located in the Castelgrande. This part includes a limestone-walled keep and a tower house. Munot Fortress was always a defensive structure and never a residence. During the Burgundian Wars the castle suffered serious fire damage but was rebuilt in the 16th century and since then it remains private property, thus it can only be appreciated from the outside. Swiss landscapes are some of the most beautiful in Europe and the whole world for that matter. One of the oldest castles in Switzerland, Castle Spiez was built in 933 when much of the western area of modern-day Switzerland was ruled by Italy. While the majority of the current structure dates back to the time of the Bernese rule from the 15th to the 18th century, the original castle was built in the 12th century and some parts of the original building remain. It’s not just the scenic surroundings that paint an Alpine fairytale picture, but the castle itself has an exquisite charm. wonderful looking restaurant (closed on Mondays!) One of the most prominent features is the five-sided clock tower. Within its walls, the castle holds a surprising element – the Polish National Museum. Construction on the original keep continued for the next six centuries, offering you a unique opportunity to view a variety of architectural styles. Chillon Castle easily has one of the most spectacular locations for any European castle. The Valère Basilica or Valère Castle is a fortified church in southwest Switzerland in the town of Sion. It is located on two islands in the River Aabach, just north of the northern end of Lake Hallwil. Castelgrande, also known as Castello di San Michele or Burg Uri, is the oldest of these 13th century castles. We visited all three castles and they have preserved and resto Some have been in the middle of turmoil during the Burgundian Wars, others have stood through time without being besieged, and some are still owned by the original families. Buy and sell castles in Switzerland without the hassle. When hearing the name of the town of Gruyères, most people will immediately think of the world-famous Gruyère cheese. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Architectural Buildings, Churches & Cathedrals, Sacred & Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings, Lookouts, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites, Castles, Mountains, Gardens, Observation Decks & Towers, Historic Sites, Sacred & Religious Sites, Churches & Cathedrals, Scenic Railroads, Railways, Lookouts, Scenic Drives. … Zoom in to see updated info. Three castles were built to protect Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino. lots of interesting facts and a visit to the treasury as a bonus. The beautiful Gruyères Castle is one of the most significant landmarks in the region and it’s easy to see why. One of the main purposes of the impressive palatial complex was to provide warehouse space for Stockalper’s growing trading business. Thus the importance of Grandson rule in the Swiss territory cannot be overlooked. Villa Patumbah The Villa Patumbah was built between 1863 and 1885 for Karl Fürchtegott Grob. Chillon Castle is an island castle located on Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), south of Veytaux in the canton of Vaud. Château de Mathod, near Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, is a very charming and special place. These castles in Switzerland are sure to capture your imagination and make your visit to the neutral nation a memorable experience. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy. The largest tower is also a donjon. The main focal point of the castle complex is the well-preserved donjon. Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, Rapperswil Castle sits above the town of Rapperswil which is also often referred to as the “town of roses”. The Blonay family has owned the castle throughout the history up to the present day except for a brief period in the late 18th century. The fortress is open to visitors, who can enjoy this spectacular structure from both inside and out. Located in the city of Thun in the canton of Bern, the castle boasts unmatched views of the city, Lake Thun, and the snow-capped mountains. prehistoric times through to the present with well set out rooms and succinct information on each era. Even though the exact date of the castle’s origins is not known, the first mention in historical records dates back to 1150. 1. Tranio: chateaux for sale in Switzerland. ... Castles. The first structures on site were a ring wall and a chapel with a bell tower. Dating back to the 11th Century, Grandson Castle is one of the best, Hotels with Infinity Pools in Switzerland, Sights & Landmarks in Oberhofen am Thunersee, Sights & Landmarks in Neuhausen am Rheinfall. It was another century before the castle was acquired by the Senarclens family. great castle with astonishing view over the city, lakes and to the mountains, wonderful rose garden, beautiful church and. Highest rated places of interest or tour operators on Tripadvisor, promoting those where there is at least one tour or activity available to book on Tripadvisor. to take a self guided audio tour of the castle to learn its history and significance. Clear all filters. Several Czech castles and chateaux will open on weekends starting Dec. 5, lasting until the end of the month. A great place to wander around through the day with access to the inner parts, You need several hours to do your visit justice especially. Our prices come straight from developers, property owners and local agencies. A recognized historical monument, it was once the home of the Swiss artist Louis Rivier and has been in the same family for seven generations now. Last name. “ Montebello Castle has spectacular views of the valley and Swiss Alps are amazing from the top. The docent, but I feel like he was more in charge and responsible for children's. After that, additions of residential wings followed. without a guide - but let me tell you, it is well worth the time and money to take the tours! Surrounded by vast vineyards in the Rhone Valley not far from Lake Geneva, Aigle Castle attracts visitors with its quaint appearance – truly fairytale-like with traditional medieval castle elements like towers and turrets, thick curtain wall and arrow slits. Intricately painted walls and decorations allow you to take a stroll in history, and it’s clear that Gruyères Castle truly is worthy of royalty. These include the 60-meter high donjon, several towers, outbuildings, the gatehouse, as well as the surrounding wall. Vufflens Castle is located in the canton of Vaud in western Switzerland and is a privately-owned 15th-century castle. The mountainous Swiss landscape proved to be perfect for medieval castles and fortifications, many of which sit atop cliff-edged hilltops. Vufflens Castle was preceded by an earlier medieval castle. exhibits, yet I was delighted even more by the architectural aspects. The castle Biberstein is a castle in the municipality of Biberstein in the Swiss canton of Aargau. The central parts of the castle are located on a narrow ridge. your breath away At your feet you have the amazing view of the lake, around you perfectly trimmed winery and... Lucky for me, not only was the view as good as I hoped, Having a coffee after our visit at the lovely. The castle was built in the third quarter of the 12th century by the Blonay family. We enjoyed all aspects of the castle structures including. cultural property of national and regional significance as Class A objects of national importance. And while that is one of the main attractions, it is not the only one. With its several towers, lovely inner courtyard and small but beautiful landscape garden, there is more to discover inside. It is one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in the country, and it was one of the castles built by the Lords of Grandson. Email. Castelgrande is the oldest and most impressive of the three, built in the 13th century, while the other two are the best preserved medieval castles in Switzerland. 2 of 3,059 properties are available and match your filters. The castle is open to visitors with several exhibitions and tours of the castle. Dreaming of a home with turrets, towering ceilings and even your own ballroom? Hallwyl Castle is one of the most important moated castles in Switzerland. It provides excellent views of the Pre Alps in the surrounding, showcases personal history and belongings of the various. The little European jewel of Switzerland is known for its watches, chocolates, impossibly steep ski slopes and castles. Champvent Castle dates back to the 13th century. In fact, Chillon Castle is the most visited historic building in … Sort Filter 1. The elegance and unrivaled splendor of many of Europe’s castles are emblematic of the fairy tale court life associated with royalty, wealth, and extravagance. Since the late 18th century the castle has been in the possession of the Canton of Vaud. Situated on a hill above the valley of Thiele, Champvent Castle has a harmonious appearance that fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape. We all loved it and especially the children The place has been preserved very well and has been lates out in a way that you really get a feel for life in the. One of the most significant times in the history of the castle was in the late 15th century when it played an important role in the Burgundian Wars and the battle of Grandson. The castle was besieged in 1415 by the Bernese and in the 16th century extensive renovations and extension work started on the site that continued well into the 17th century. Sion is the capital of Valais and is located on the banks of the Rhone River in southwestern Switzerland. Munot Fortress in north Swiss city of Schaffhausen is a 16th-century circular fortification that rises above the surrounding landscape and thus is also the main landmark of the city. In the 20th century the castle ruins were excavated and restoration took place in the 60s and the 90s. Starting out as a Roman outpost, it controlled an essential Alpine pass. Blonay Castle is a charming medieval castle in the canton of Vaud in southwestern Switzerland. The distinctive towers give an immediate otherworldly feel to the entire castle complex which was built in the 17th century by Kaspar Stockalper, a wealthy Swiss industrialist and politician. We have suggestions. Undergoing several attacks and attempts to besiege the castle, the first serious attack with lasting damages happened in 1417 when a large part of the castle was destroyed. The late-12th-century castle is set on a rocky hilltop called Lindenhof. Surrounded by rows and rows of vineyards, Vufflens Castle dominates the surrounding landscape with its beautiful square and round towers. Among all that you can also find some of the most spectacular castles and strongholds that proudly sit amidst the picturesque panorama. First name. ... your phone, you will question if you're going the right way, but, at the end of these very narrow little medieval roads, you'll find a place to park somewhere off the, ... telling stories of these times, he introduced the descrition of the plants in many languages and very interresting for the biologists ... there is a, Entrance cost 5.-, but was worth it considering the view over bellinzona. There are no pins in your viewport. One of the most unique castles in Switzerland when it comes to design is the Stockalper Palace. To many it comes as a surprise, but the museum has been a part of the castle since 1870. 2 of 3,059 properties are available in Switzerland. Two towers, Torre Nera (28 metres) and Torre Bianca (27 metres) dominate Bellinzona's Old Town. Media in category "Castles in Switzerland" The following 86 files are in this category, out of 86 total. A guest post by Melissa from Queensland Camping. According to the castle website, Chillon is listed as "Switzerland's most visited historic monument". Best Castle Hotels in Switzerland, Europe: See traveler reviews, candid photos and great deals on castle hotels in Switzerland on Tripadvisor. Opulence reigns at Badrutt’s Palace, a neo-Gothic-style castle overlooking Lake St. Moritz in the Engadin Valley. It is situated at the eastern end of the lake, on the narrow shore between Montreux and Villeneuve, which gives access to the Alpine valley of the Rhone. Highest rated places of interest or tour operators on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. Top Switzerland Castles: See reviews and photos of castles in Switzerland, Europe on Tripadvisor. The actual history of the castle is divided into three significant periods: the Savoy Period, the Bernese Period, and the Vaudois Period. Take a look at these beautiful castles for sale in Germany, Austria and Switzerland … Only fortified church remaining in Switzerland. The most visited historic building in Switzerland, the Château de Chillon is situated on a rocky offshore island in Lake Geneva. The castle was built gradually. admission is charged only for the temporary exhibitions. Tourbillon Castle is no exception. Due to inevitable fires during the attacks, the castle suffered damages but these were swiftly repaired, especially in the residential wing. Overlooking the Old Town and Rhine River, it boasts spectacular panorama views that historically served to its advantage – controlling the river pass and spotting any threats in the town, like fires, for example that would break out rather often. Chillon Castle is an island castle located on Lake Geneva. Overview of Bellinzona Castles. In 1536 the Bernese overtook the castle. interesting and the architecture a very rare one. Fill in your email adress to receive all of the new property advertisements of interest to you, as well as the luxury estate agents' own selection. The castle was built at the end of the 12th century but never became the residence of the Zähringen family who preferred their other residence. Get property advice, the latest real estate news and expert opinions. We set out the best castles below. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Grandson Castle is the second largest château in Switzerland. A very interesting and reasonable visit for anyone interested in the history of the area, with the added bonus of spectacular views of the city. Interestingly, the bottom floor is made up from the rock on the hill – it was directly carved out. A couple of decades after the castle was built, the House of Kyburg inherited the property and started making improvements which included building upper levels of the castle complex. This Swiss heritage site of national significance was built in the late 13th century and belonged to the Counts of Gruyères until the mid-16th century. This part of the castle is open to the public, as well as the four corner towers that allow visitors to enjoy stunning views over the city. The castle has had a tumultuous past since it housed bishops from the Diocese of Sion. Castelgrande is the oldest of the three and was built in the 13 th century. The Valère basilica, also called Valère castle, is a fortified church situated in Sion in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Perched high on top of a hill, overlooking a quaint medieval village, and surrounded by rolling countryside is the picturesque Gruyères Castle – one of the most famous castles in Switzerland.Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has an intriguing history spanning across eight different centuries. Chillon has a rich history due to its significantly strategic location. Castle Roche (Switzerland) This incredible 13-room mansion has 548 sq.