Castles & palaces

These ruins, the emblem of Ardez, stand on a rocky outcrop and offer glorious panoramic views.

The Spalen Gate is the most imposing of the three surviving city gates that formed part of the fortifications in the 1400s. Many important supply goods for the city, coming from the Alsace region, passed through this gate.

The fortifications of Bellinzona are among the most important
testimonies to medieval castle architecture in the European Alps. They were declared World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
With their walls, turrets, pinnacles and gates, the fortifications amaze even today's visitors.

Bellinzona enjoys a strategic location at the Southern foot of the Alps.

The mighty 14th-century castle bears witness to the long history of this town, whose rulers chose a rose as its emblem.

Collection of weapons and armour, vintage car museum, parapet walk, torture chamber and dungeons.

Dominating the small city surrounded by walls where counts once lived, Gruyere Castle presents an interesting opportunity to find out about five centuries of history, and to see remarkable supernatural art exhibitions.

The Water Castle Hagenwil south of Amriswil was first mentioned in the annals in 1227. There is, however, a theory - which has not been documented - that it used to be a tower in Roman times.

The castle is situated on Lake Thun and stands in delightful grounds with venerable old trees. Commissioned by Baron von Parpart-von Bonstetten, it was built from 1861 to 1863 and partly modernized around the turn of the century.

This international award-winning museum offers a rich variety of insights into castle life over the last 800 years.