Castles & palaces

Ten years ago the region started to revive the old tradition of viticulture and has produced its own wine ever since.

Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy.

The three castles of Bellinzona are one of the main attractions in canton Ticino. Not only unique to the Alpine region; they also share a part on the prestigious UNESCO cultural world heritage list since the year 2000. The mighty walls, towers, battlements and gates of these imposing fortresses never cease to astonish visitors.

The castle ruin of Castello Mesocco sits on a rock outcrop in the Italian-speaking southern Mesolcina Valley (Misox).

The Wyher Moated Castle was first mentioned in 1304. Several families of minor nobility held sway over Wyher in the High Middle Ages, including the influential Feer and Pfyffer families from Lucerne.

At the highest point in the medieval town of Gruyères lies the majestic Castle of Gruyères. Amidst a glorious panorama, a visit to this castle provides a fascinating insight into 800 years of history, art and legends.

The museum includes the castles of Lenzburg, Wildegg, Hallwyl, Habsburg, the monastery of Königsfelden as well as as the Legionnaire's Path. Each of these monuments is an authentic witness to a long history.

Experience 800 years of history in the town‘s unparalleled architectural environment and in the museums of Werdenberg.

The people of Brig are proud of the Stockalper Palace, which was built in the 17th century by Kaspar Stockalper. Visiting the cellars, arcades and halls of the palace, then dreaming in the palace garden under rose bushes, enjoying the view of the monastery, the Jesuit church and Brig's Old Town with their towers - simply delightful!. In the palace halls are wallpaper and silk-paintings designed in Paris in the 18th century.

The Habsburg family originated in Aargau and was one of the most prominent aristocratic dynasties in Europe in the Middle Ages. A walk along the Habsburg Path will bring their moving history to life in the impressive places where it all happened.

Scattered hamlets, in the midst of them 100-meter high rocks, a small lake, and above this the most imposing castle in Graubünden - this is Tarasp. Here the human endeavor to rule and the mighty nature of the Upper Engadine converge.

On the edge of the old town, Zug Castle is the oldest still preserved profane building in Zug and is a landmark of the city. With its many nooks and crannies, Zug Castle has been home to the museum of cultural history for the city and the Canton of Zug since 1983.

This former moated castle served as a peaceful residence for noble families over several centuries. The best way to explore the castle today is to visit it as a museum.

From a distance the term "double castle" makes little sense, but as soon as you stand on the grounds of the Habsburg Castle all becomes clear: Only the foundations of the front castle, which was built around 1000 years ago, still stand - while at the rear you spy a whole castle royally perched on the hill at the height of bad Schinznach.

The last emperor of France lived high above Lake Constance, in the middle of a large park, in a tastefully furnished castle. Today's Napoleon Museum contains the original furnishings. The park has recently been restored.

The best views to be enjoyed far and wide are from the city’s oldest building, the Tour des Prisons.

Sion, called Sitten in German, is the capital of the Canton of Valais. The Old Town, which lies between the hills of Valère and Tourbillon, dates back to the Middle Ages and is home to numerous sights and attractions, such as one of the world's oldest organs that can still be played.

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

Laupen Castle towers high above the medieval town of the same name at the confluence of the rivers Sense and Sarine. The splendid fortress is the emblem of the region, and a protected monument of national importance.

Once upon a time a dragon lived on the hill. It was slain by two noble knights, Wolfram and Guntram, who henceforth were allowed to live on Dragon Mountain. Legend has it that this is how Lenzburg Castle, one of the most important hilltop castles in Switzerland, came to be.

Waldegg Castle is rightly considered the most beautiful country manor of the Solothurn patriciate. Here, where ambassadors and the aristocracy once went in and out, visitors can immerse in the same bygone world today - and learn of a time when Solothurn was the seat of the French ambassadors with the aid of a modern, multimedia guide.

Nestled between Aarau and Brugg and visible for miles around, Wildegg Castle was built by the Habsburgs in the first half of the 13th century. The baroque working farm and pleasure gardens are located on a terrace in the middle of vineyards and are home to nearly 300 ancient crop varieties

Gruyères is rich in tales and legends. Find out more on a special tour of Gruyères Castle.

Winery and Castle Salenegg are inextricably linked. Since 1968 prized wines are grown, harvested and processed naturally in one of Europe’s oldest wineries.

Whatever your level of fitness, anyone can reach this tour’s destination with ease on an e-bike. This is a great way to explore the area and enjoy a delicious packed lunch with regional delicacies along the way.

For about 1000 years, Alt Bechburg has towered over the Augstbach valley above Holderbank: formerly a huge, proud castle, built in about 1050 by the barons of Bechburg.

The castle on Lake Thun stands in a delightful park surrounded by venerable old trees.