Castles & palaces

The well-preserved castle of Neuchâtel, which is over 1,000 years old and from which the city gets its name, towers above the small city of Neuchâtel. From here, you have the best view for miles.

The enchanting Château de Pleujouse in the Jura could also have served as a location for filming the “Game of Thrones” TV series. Far from the madding crowd, you can dine in style in the centuries-old castle.

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.

For around 1,000 years, Alt-Bechburg has towered over the Solothurn municipality of Holderbank from its position on a rocky outcrop. The well-preserved castle ruins not only offer a wonderful view, but also afford the opportunity to visit the remains of the curtain wall, the tower, the outer bailey and the gatehouse.

The chateau stands on the shores of Lake Geneva in the heart of Lavaux and played an important role in the history of the canton of Vaud. It is also a winery that is allowed to carry the “Saint-Saphorin” designation of origin.

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

The fortifications of Bellinzona are an extraordinary example of a late-medieval defensive structure located at a key strategic point on the Alpine pass. The castles of Bellinzona are among the most marvelous examples of medieval fortified architecture in the Alps.

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

Discover the most visited historical monument in Switzerland: Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva. Immerse yourself in 1000 years of history, explore medieval dungeons and enjoy the magnificent view of the lake and the mountains.

Grasburg was once the home of feudal tyrant Count Amadeus. He oppressed his subjects in every possible way and threw people in the castle dungeons for no reason. A maid finally pushed him into the roaring waters of the River Sense one stormy night.

Winery and Castle Salenegg are inextricably linked. Since 1068 prized wines are grown, harvested and processed naturally in one of Europe’s oldest wineries.

Explore Gruyères Castle in Gruyères and immerse yourself in 8 centuries of history. Discover the Knights' Hall, medieval stained glass and the legends of the Counts of Gruyères in one of the most famous castles in French-speaking Switzerland.

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.

The palace on the edge of Lausanne's Old Town, just around the corner from the cathedral, is an architectural masterpiece, a showcase of the Florentine Renaissance – and a place full of charm.

How did people live in days of old when knights were bold? The eventful history of the castle acts as a prism through which you can learn a lot about the region and the people who have lived here for centuries.

The fortifications of the town of Fribourg were built as protection for the town in the Middle Ages between the 13th and 15th centuries. With large sections of them having been preserved to this day, they are the most significant piece of medieval military architecture in Switzerland. They are also open to the public.

The “d’Grandfey”, a proud 12-seater boat powered by electric solar energy, offers a pleasure trip service between Schiffenen and the city of Fribourg (Neigles) and back.

Visit Munot Fortress in Schaffhausen and climb inside the tower to the battlement, the fortress platform. At the top, a view of the Rhine, the old town and the hills of eastern Switzerland awaits you.

The former moated castle was the tranquil residence of noble families for many centuries. If you’d like to visit the castle today, you can do so as part of a museum tour.

The southeastern corner of the former town fortification, the Gunpowder Tower, was built between 1522 and 1532 and was used to store gunpowder. Its external diameter is about 14 m, the inner diameter 8.5 m.

In the heart of Switzerland, just a stone’s throw from the capital Bern and set amid a paradisiacal park, lies Baroque Castle Jegenstorf. Inside, the former Bernese patrician country estate boasts all kinds of treasures and gems, with tales to take visitors of all ages on a magical journey back in time.

This unique moated castle is located on the northern edge of the village of Utzenstorf in the Swiss Plateau and is surrounded by a vast English-style garden. It dates back to the 17th century and was once the seat of the Bernese bailiwick.