10 Castles In Switzerland You Must Explore – Go for A Fairytale Ride

Built by kings and queens to rule and protect their realms, castles are marvelous works of art. Not only it shows the wealth of the nation but it also increases the beauty of the breathtaking scenery. Switzerland has so many fairytale castles with scenic beauty all around so, here are the top 10 castles in Switzerland you must explore whenever you have a chance.

• Chillon Castle
• Oberhofen Castle
• Thun Castle
• Castles of Bellinzona
• Tarasp Castle
• Tourbillon Castle
• Gruyères Castle
• Valère Basilica
• Rapperswil Castle
• Vufflens Castle

These are the best choice of places to visit and you must add them if you have booked a Switzerland family tour package.

1. Chillon Castle

Chateau de Chillon is a medieval architectural style castle located on Lake Geneva, south of Veytaux. It is one of the most famous and most visited tourist spots as it also offers a splendid view of the Alpine valley and of Lake Geneva. This castle dates back to the 12^th century and is an amazing example of architectural beauty. The castle has dungeons, defenses, a chapel, bedrooms, and a private beach for special occasions.  

Source – Unsplash

2. Oberhofen Castle

“Oberhofen is Thunersee” stands on the shores of Lake Thun in the district of Thun in the canton of Bern. The castle has a wonderful inside so does its look from the outside. The 13th-15th century Romanesque frescoes architectural design chapel and the Turkish smoking parlor are a must-visit here. Oberhofen is very famous amongst tourists and you definitely should visit it.

Source – Unsplash

3. Thun Castle

Thun Castle was built in the 12^th century and is located in the city of Thun, the Swiss canton of Bern. The castle is open to the public and can tour all of its five floors with cultural and historic displays, a great hall, and also a prison that was built in 1886.

Source – Unsplash

4. Castles of Bellinzona

Castles of Bellinzona is a group of three castles around the town of Bellinzona. The three castles are Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro in which Sasso Corbaro is the highest of the three and is located on an isolated rocky promontory. Castlegrande is located on a rocky peak with a series of walls and is connected to Montebello and also has two restaurants and a courtyard. The Castles of Bellinzona have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and is definitely recommended to visit.

Source – Unsplash

5. Tarasp Castle

This 11th-century castle was attacked several times in the 16th and 17th centuries and was also burnt, so it went through renovations several times. Tarasp castle offers mind-blowing views of serene Lake Tarasp, the Alpine Mountains, and of Lower Engadine region.

Source – Pixabay

6. Tourbillon Castle

Tourbillon Castle is located on a hill in Sion in the canton of Valais and was built around the 13^th century. Also, it is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. It takes a long tiring trek along a winding path that takes you to the castle but the view after reaching it is picturesque and worth the effort. The fact says that the castle was completely burnt in 1788 and was reinforced in the 19th century to make it a historical monument.

7. Gruyères Castle

Gruyères castle is located in Fribourg and was built around the 12^th century. This beautiful castle is built in a square plan which is typically found in fortifications in the Savoy region. Visitors can explore the castle guardrooms, French gardens, pristine salons, and more. And also, It offers scenic surroundings with the Alps and greenery all around, just like in fairy tales.

Source – Unsplash

8. Valère Basilica

Valère castle is located in Sion, directly opposite the separate hilltops of Tourbillon Castle. This Swiss heritage site of national significance was built around the 11^th century. Whereas castle churches were built between the early and mid-12th centuries in Romanesque style. It is one of the oldest functioning churches worldwide and you should visit and explore it.

9. Rapperswil Castle

Rapperswil Castle stands on the shores of Lake Zurich in the town of Rapperswil and was built in the early 13^th century. Visitors can explore the Polish Museum within the castle displaying the history of Swiss-Polish relationships and more. It also offers a splendid view of the ‘City of Roses’ and of serene Lake Zurich.

Source – Pixabay

10. Vufflens Castle

The Swiss heritage site of national significance was built in the 15^th century and is located in the Canton of Vaud in western Switzerland. Visitors can walk around Vufflens Vineyard to get some peaceful experiences and enjoy. You should definitely try to visit this extraordinary castle.

Source – Unsplash

Excited to visit and explore all the history through these ravishing historical pieces of art in Switzerland? Check out Pickyourtrail for an amazing Switzerland holiday package or even you can customize your itinerary by yourself with your choices and preferences. What are you waiting for? Go now!