Castles

Perched high above Lake Constance and nestled in large parklands, this elegantly furnished castle was once the residence of the last emperor of France. In what is now the Napoleonic Museum, the original furnishings have been preserved, and the palace gardens have recently been restored.

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 “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.

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.

There’s so much to do in Burgdorf Castle, with its unique combination of museum, restaurant and youth hostel. The new museum has many exciting things to reveal about the region and the wider world, while you can dine in a stately setting in the castle restaurant and then spend the night in the castle’s youth hostel. Live like the knights and damsels of old…

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

Dating back to the 13th century, the castle is now a museum covering eight centuries of regional architecture, history and culture, and sits amidst a wonderfully scenic panorama. The Gruyères region is also steeped in legends: You’ll soon be familiar with La Belle Luce, John the Cripple, the jester Chalamala and the heroic women of Gruyères who used their goats as weapons.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Founded around 1250 as a place to hold meetings and as a prison, Rätia Ampla Castle in Riom has been one of the most idiosyncratic cultural amenities in the Alps since 2006. Currently used as a theatre, the castle hosts the largest theatre and culture festival in Graubünden: the Origen Festival Cultural.

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.

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

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 castle at the foot of the Calanda is the highlight of Haldenstein. When the roses flower in the spring, the castle garden is a visual and olfactory feast.

Schloss Valangin is a medieval castle that has succeeded in maintaining its character as defensive fortress over the years. And its interior naturally reminds one of times long gone by.

The mediaeval castle has had an eventful history. First badly damaged by an earthquake, it only became really well known after the Saffron War. In 1798, the angry rural population set the castle on fire, after which the ruins were left to their fate and to crumble away.

For many centuries this feudal building was home to the noble Heidegg family - whereas today it houses the history and culture center of the Seetal valley. A living museum in which you learn stories and customs of aristocratic families, with the spirit of the past further rekindled with a stroll in the large park with its beautiful rose garden.

Château de Villa in Sierre, an old patrician residence dating back to the 17th century, houses a wine shop and a speciality restaurant. Not just a range of rustic local dishes, but also over 650 wines from the various Valais vines are waiting to be discovered.

In the heart of the small medieval town of Estavayer-le-Lac stands the Château de Chenaux, overlooking Lake Neuchâtel and the reed beds of the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve.

With its rust-red exterior, Palazzo Castelmur is one of the landmarks of the Bergell. The exhibition there follows the life of the emigrants from Bergell, who made careers as confectioners all over Europe.

Hohenklingen Castle has been towering above the charming town of Stein am Rhein since the year 1200. The renovated castle attracts visitors interested in history as well as connoisseurs.