Let’s face it, how many people go to Switzerland to see the castles? Probably not many, because when you say Switzerland, most people probably think of majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, Swiss cheese, and chocolate. But this Alpine country has something extra – beautiful castles and chateaus that tell stories of yesteryear. In this article, I’ve selected the 10 most beautiful castles that are definitely worth a visit – whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family trip, or a historical expedition!
1. Oberhofen Castle (BE)
A fairytale castle, right on the shores of Lake Thun, features beautiful gardens and a romantic turret pavilion, completing the wonderful atmosphere of the gateway to the Berner Oberland. It’s no coincidence that I think it’s one of the most photogenic and photographed castles in Switzerland!
2. Thun Castle (BE)
On the hilltop above the town of Thun is a castle dating back to 1190, which resembles something out of a fairy tale with its numerous turrets. You’ll get a nice view of it from the central Rathausplatz. Today, it houses a museum. From the castle’s galleries, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Thun and the 2,190-metre-high Mt. Stockhorn, which is characterised by its “square” shape that makes it recognisable among the other peaks that make up the panorama around Thun.
3. Spiez Castle (BE)
Another picturesque castle on the shores of Lake Thun. Vineyards surround this one, and the courtyard in front of the castle is an ideal vantage point for the turquoise lake and the surrounding mountains.
4. Gruyères Castle (FR)
The medieval castle of Gruyères rises impressively on a hill in the heart of the fairytale town of Gruyères. The castle offers magnificent interiors and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Chillon Castle (VD)
And now we come to what I think is the most photographed castle in Switzerland. A legend among Swiss castles! This imposing structure, situated on a rock promontory overlooking Lake Geneva, has been enchanting visitors for centuries. You can reach it by a pleasant walk along the lake from Montreux or by boat. The dock is right next to the castle, and the cruise from Montreux takes 15 minutes.
6. Burgdorf Castle (BE)
Schloss Burgdorf has had a fascinating journey through the centuries and undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. After renovation, the castle has been transformed into a multifunctional space including a museum, a stylish hostel, a restaurant, and an event space. A great demonstration of how history and the present can come together in one vibrant place.
7. Lenzburg Castle (AG)
One of the oldest and largest castles in Switzerland. Castle Lenzburg was built in the Middle Ages on a hill above the town of the same name. The entire castle complex is vast, and in addition to the representative and living quarters that surround the castle courtyard, you can also walk through the beautiful Baroque garden and look out from the castle walls to the surrounding countryside. This place invites you to visit with children, because they have prepared a lot of great activities for them. And of course, history-loving adults will also find something to enjoy here.
8. Schloss Waldegg (SO)
An elegant Baroque chateau near Solothurn, built as a summer residence for the Solothurn patrician family of Johann Viktor von Besenval and his wife Maria Margarita von Sury. You’ll be delighted by the romantic French-style garden with Italian influences.
9. Stockalper Castle Brig (VS)
A monumental palace in the heart of the Alps! Perhaps the most famous landmark of Brig is the Stockalperschloss, a baroque palace named after Konrad Stockalper, a prominent local businessman who controlled the silk trade routes through the Simpon Pass. Characteristic of this castle are the three towers topped with golden domes and the inner courtyard with three rows of arcades.
10. Neuchâtel Castle (NE)
Dating back to the 12th century, this castle is one of the highlights of a walk through a city that boasts not only a thousand years of history, Louis XVI-style architecture, but also beautiful monuments from the Belle Époque period. The beautiful castle complex and the Collégiale monastery church overlooking Lake Neuchâtel.
Have you visited any of these castles?
Let me know in the comments which place charmed you the most – and don’t forget to tag me on social media if you go on a Swiss castle tour!
And if you feel like exploring the lesser-known and smaller castles in the Burgdorf region, check out this article:
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