Castles Switzerland - Top Deals and Prices 2025

The 20 most beautiful castles in Switzerland

The castles in Switzerland often have a unique charm of their own. Many of these castles originated from the renovations of earlier fortresses. Primarily built in the Middle Ages, they served both as residences and fortifications.

Castles provided protection against enemy attacks. They were not only the seat of government but also the home for lords, staff, and court animals. Often, self-sufficient units were established within the castle walls that functioned even during extended sieges.

In the 15th century, wealthy townsfolk alongside the nobility began to take an interest in castles. They purchased these structures and transformed them into magnificent castles. The majority of Switzerland's castles and fortresses can be found in the tourism regions of Bern, Graubünden, and Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein. However, the Aargau region is particularly renowned for its many castles.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of some very popular, remarkable, and unique castles and fortresses.

Number of Castles and Fortresses in Switzerland

13 Tourism Regions	Castles and Fortresses
Bern Region	154
Graubünden Region	103
Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein Region	95
Zürich Region	71
Basel Region	70
Lucerne/Lake Lucerne Region	55
Aargau Region	49
Fribourg Region	39
Valais Region	31
Geneva Lake Region	29
Jura and Three-Lakes Land Region	18
Ticino Region	18
Geneva Region	11
Total Switzerland	743

Chillon Castle

The Chillon Castle is located by the Lake Geneva. It stands against the backdrop of the Vaud Alps. This former water fortress is just a 10-minute train ride from Montreux station. Since the 17th century, the castle belonged to the Bernese. Later, the people of Vaud fought to reclaim the lakeside castle.

On a guided tour, check out the remarkable frescoes in the various rooms.

• Location: The castle is in Veytaux, in the Canton of Vaud
• Year built: 12th century
• Entrance fee: 13.50 CHF
• Season: Open year-round
• Special: Exhibition of archaeological finds

Hallwyl Castle

Hallwyl Castle is considered one of the most beautiful water castles in Switzerland. It dates back to the late 12th century and is located on Lake Hallwil within a nature reserve. The entire complex stretches across three islands. Behind the castle walls, you can discover an interactive museum showcasing 800 years of family history.

In the castle courtyard, there's a café. Events are occasionally held here in the summer.

• Location: The castle is situated in the municipality of Seengen in the canton of Aargau.
• Year Built: 12th century, converted to a water castle in the 14th century.
• Admission: 14 CHF for adults, 10 CHF for students, 8 CHF for children.
• Season: April to October.
• Special Features: Castle bistro and souvenir shop for small mementos.
• Tip: Regular events at the Seetaler Water Castle let you experience the life at the castle. Residents share stories about their lives, or you can try archery or baking like 1,000 years ago.

Lenzburg Castle

A visit to Lenzburg Castle in the canton of Aargau brings a mystical experience. This hilltop castle is referred to as a magical knight and dragon castle. The exhibition allows you to experience 1,000 years of castle history up close. The castle also has a prison located in its deep cellars that you can explore.

Additionally, the castle frequently hosts various special exhibitions.

• Location: The hilltop castle is situated above the town of Lenzburg in the canton of Aargau.
• Year Built: Before 1036.
• Admission: 14 CHF for adults, 10 CHF for students, 8 CHF for children.
• Season: April to October.
• Special Features: Families love Lenzburg Castle, featuring the castle dragon Fauchi and a children's museum as popular attractions.
• Tip: There is a large children's playground on site called Burg Waldegg. It has a wooden house and tables perfect for a family picnic.

Wildegg Castle

Wildegg Castle is a dream in Baroque style. Perched on a hill in the municipality of Möriken-Wildegg, it visually resembles the home castle of Empress Sissi. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Inside, there's a museum showcasing the history of former castle residents and old hunting tales from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Kids have the chance to dress up as princesses and knights.

• Location: Wildegg Castle is situated on a rock of the Chestenberg in the canton of Aargau.
• Year of construction: 1242
• Admission: 14 CHF for adults, 10 CHF for students, 8 CHF for children
• Season: April to October
• Special: Talking portrait paintings are just as much a highlight as the vegetable and rose garden surrounding the castle.
• Tip: The spacious children's playground and fire pits invite families and hikers to relax in the castle garden.

Habsburg Castle

Habsburg Castle is the foundational stone of the famous Habsburg dynasty, significant to European history. This imposing mountaintop castle is located in the canton of Aargau, at an elevation of 505 m above sea level on the ridge of Wülpelberg.

Part of the castle complex is in ruins. In the remaining section, you can learn interesting facts about the castle's history. The circular path is known as the Habsburg Kings' Way. On-site, there's a castle restaurant where you can grab a bite after your tour.

• Location: The castle is located in the municipality of Habsburg in the canton of Aargau.
• Year of construction: 1020
• Admission: free
• Season: year-round
• Special: With VR glasses, you can experience the castle virtually and in its original state.

Waldegg Castle

Waldegg Castle presents itself in the Swiss architectural style with small towers. It is a country seat near Solothurn and has extensive baroque gardens lined with avenues of trees. The castle was the summer residence of Schultheiss Johann Viktor I at the end of 1600.

Since 1991 there is a museum in the residence. The exhibition tells the story of the ambassadors and patricians in Solothurn. Since 2005, the Ministry of Culture and Sport is also located at Waldegg Castle.

• Location: The castle is located in the municipality of Feldbrunnen St. Niklaus in the canton of Solothurn.
• Year of construction: 1682
• Admission: adults 6 CHF, pupils 4 CHF, children free of charge
• Season: April to October
• Special: The castle is a meeting center and place for cultural events and art exhibitions.
• Tip: If you like hiking, the route through the Verena Gorge to the castle is worthwhile. Alternatively, we recommend the route via the Megalith theme trail.

Heidegg Castle

Heidegg Castle was a castle in the 13th century. After several changes of rulers, an owner extended it to a castle and country seat around 1700. The well-kept castle rises on a hill in the municipality of Gelfingen in the canton of Lucerne.

Exciting tower cellar stories in the museum and a beautiful park you can explore on site

• Location: The castle is located in Gelfingen in the Lucerne Lake Valley near Lake Baldegg.
• Year of construction: 12th/13th century.
• Admission: adults 8 CHF, pupils 5 CHF, children 4 CHF
• Season: April to October
• Special: In the attic of the castle tower there is a marble run for children.

Kyburg Castle

The castle shares its name with the village where it's located. It's part of the Canton of Zurich and was once a castle belonging to significant counties. The Kyburgs are among the most influential noble families alongside the Habsburgs and Savoyards.

In the castle museum, you can learn about the history of its construction and governance.

• Location: Kyburg is situated in the Canton of Zurich.
• Year built: 1027
• Admission: Adults 12 CHF, Students 9 CHF, Children 5 CHF
• Season: April to October
• Special: We recommend the audio guides in the museum. They cost 5 CHF and allow you to discover more historical details at various listening stations.
• Tip: We suggest taking a hike from Winterthur through the Bruderhaus Wildlife Park to Kyburg Castle.

Thun Castle

This castle is visually a fairytale castle par excellence and is located in the Canton of Bern above the town of Thun. Once, the Zähringer Dukes ruled here. Inside the castle, you can view various medieval exhibitions and collections. Take a virtual 3D castle tour on the website for an early glimpse.

• Location: Elevated in the town of Thun is the castle of the same name in the Canton of Bern.
• Year built: 1190
• Admission: Adults from 10 CHF, Students from 8 CHF, Children from 5 CHF
• Season: Open year-round
• Special: The event series “Nights at the Museum” invites children and families for a spooky hour with ghost stories and a castle tour.

Offers from Swiss Activities:

• Public guided tour at Thun Castle

Schadau Castle

Schadau Castle is located on Lake Thun in the canton of Bern. Unlike the other castles, Schadau does not have a museum. Instead, it is a three-star boutique hotel and known for its gourmet cuisine.

From the sun terrace you not only have a wonderful view of the lake. You can also take a closer look at the impressive exterior facade of the castle

• Location: Schadau Castle is located in the city of Thun on Lake Thun in the canton of Bern.
• Year of construction: 1846
• Admission: free of charge
• Season: Hotel and restaurant are open all year round.
• Special: Castle tours are available on request on selected dates

Spiez Castle

Spiez Castle belongs to the castles with very early mention. Around 762 the Bishop of Strasbourg named the castle in a will. Like Schadau and Thun castles, Spiez Castle is located directly on Lake Thun. It is surrounded by a magnificent park.

The castle church is particularly impressive because of the Romanesque wall paintings. They show Jesus Christ surrounded by angels. You can admire him high up in the apsidal cupola.

• Location: The castle is located on the lake section of the town of Spiez in the canton of Bern.
• Year of construction: 762
• Admission: adults 12 CHF, pupils 10 CHF, children 5 CHF
• Season: April to October
• Special: The castle museum shows various exhibitions. You can also view art exhibitions and art collections in the historic library.
• Tip: We recommend a beautiful hike directly on the lake from Interlaken to Spiez. It is about 20 km on foot. Duration: approx. 4 hours.

Burgdorf Castle

Perched on a hill in the town of Burgdorf, the castle of the same name shines in the Emmental region. During the Staufer era, it was a significant high aristocratic castle.

Burgdorf Castle is a castle for the senses. On-site, you'll find a restaurant, a museum, a youth hostel, and regular events such as a storytelling afternoon.

• Location: Burgdorf Castle is situated in the Emmental region of the canton of Bern.
• Year built: 1130
• Museum admission: Adults 14 CHF, Children 10 CHF
• Season: Year-round
• Tip: You can rent bicycles on-site. We recommend a trip to Affoltern to visit the [Emmental Show Cheese Dairy]( ). The visitor tour is called the King's Path.

Gruyères Castle

Gruyères Castle, known in French as Chateau de Gruyères, is located high on a hill in the Swiss town of Gruyères. It is surrounded by the impressive mountain panorama of the Fribourg Pre-Alps. You can discover various medieval stained glass paintings, wall decorations, and much more in the museum's collection. Highlights include the knight's hall and the magnificent courtyard garden.

• Location: Gruyères Castle is in the Gruyères region of the canton of Fribourg.
• Year built: 1270
• Admission: Adults 12 CHF, Students 8 CHF, Children 10 CHF
• Season: Year-round
• Special: Guided tours are available upon request, featuring narrators dressed in medieval costumes.
• Tip: A walk from the town of Gruyères up to the medieval estate is a perfect recommendation for nature lovers. The hiking route takes about half an hour on foot. By the way, the [Cheese Dairy of the famous Gruyère cheese](31628;point_of_interest) is located right next to the train station.

Rapperswil Castle

The historic castle walls of Rapperswil Castle are located on the castle hill of the picturesque rose city. From up here you have a wonderful view over Lake Zurich and over the islands of Ufenau and Lützelau. Below the castle is the old town.

The castle itself is mainly used as an event location. Tours of the castle interior can only be booked upon request. It is only open to the public by appointment, but can be visited from the outside at any time.

• Location: Rapperswil Castle is located in the canton of St. Gallen on Lake Zurich.
• Year of construction: 1220
• Admission: Not specified
• Season: Event related, only accessible by appointment
• Special: The most beautiful view of the castle can be enjoyed from one of the piers near the lake promenade.
• Tip: Travel by boat from Zurich to Rapperswil and enjoy the view during this approximately two-hour trip.

Oberhofen Castle

Besides the castles of Schadau and Spiez, Oberhofen Castle is another estate directly on Lake Thun. The castle exhibition shows a different perspective into the count's society: you discover the 800 years old history of the castle from the point of view of the servants.

The castle park was laid out as early as 1850. If you are interested in royal gardens, it is best to stroll along the lakeside path and contemplate the beautiful grounds.

• Location: The castle is located in the municipality of Oberhofen in the canton of Bern.
• Year of construction: Before 1844
• Admission: Adults 12 CHF, students 10 CHF, children 6 CHF
• Season: The museum is open from May to October. You can visit the lakeside path and the park from March to December.
• Special: The family-friendly castle offers a studio for children to dress up.
• Tip: From Thun, Interlaken and Spiez you can travel to Oberhofen by boat

Schloss Laufen

The medieval castle is a rock castle right by the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen. Visiting Europe’s largest waterfall along with the castle makes for an impressive adventure.

The exhibition Historama is located in the north wing of the castle, detailing the history of the place, the castle lords, and the significance of the Rhine Falls.

• Location: The castle is part of the municipality of Laufen-Uhwiesen and lies north in the canton of Zurich directly by the Rhine Falls.
• Year of Construction: 858
• Admission: Adults 5 CHF, Children 3 CHF (includes Rhine Falls tour, Belvedere path, and Schloss Laufen experience)
• Season: Open year-round
• Special Note: Dogs are allowed on the premises. The castle has a restaurant and a sun terrace.
• Tip: Taking the boat to the Rhine Falls rock is a must. Tickets are available only at the Schlössli Wörth or Schloss Laufen docks.

Swiss Activities offers bus tours from Zurich to Schloss Laufen with Rhine Falls rock:

• Guided day tours from Zurich to Schloss Laufen

Wartegg Castle

Wartegg Castle combines an organic hotel, an English garden and a small art exhibition with sculptures and reliefs. The castle stands about 800 meters from the lakeside promenade of Lake Constance in eastern Switzerland. Even Empress Zita enjoyed the magnificent garden here for recreation.

• Location: The castle is located in the village of Rorschacherberg on Lake Constance in the canton of St.Gallen.
• Year of construction: 16th century.
• Admission: free access to the art exhibition
• Season: all year round
• Special: Bathing vacations, cycling and concert programs in summer are possible on and around Wartegg Castle.

Werdenberg Castle

Around 1230, the castle in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley was founded by Count Rudolf I of Montfort. It is a late medieval castle. It is located 8 km away from Vaduz on the tranquil Werdenbergersee and is an optimal destination for nature lovers.

The museum includes various rooms, such as the imposing knights' hall, which you can visit

• Location: Werdenberg Castle is located in the village of Werdenberg on a hill in the canton of St. Gallen.
• Year of construction: 1230
• Admission: adults 12 CHF, children free
• Season: March to October
• Special: In the first two weeks of June, an international music festival takes place at the castle town. Tickets can be pre-ordered from mid-March.
• Tip: You can cycle or hike to the castle via the dam on the Rhine. The route from Sargans to Werdenberg can be done in 4.5 hours

Tarasp Castle

Tarasp Castle is considered a landmark of the Lower Engadine. It stands majestically on a rocky hill surrounded by nature. Until the 19th century, the castle belonged to Austria. Today, it is part of the municipality of Scuol and is owned by the Swiss artist Not Vital.

At Tarasp Castle, you’ll find an impressive collection of antique and contemporary art. The view from the castle courtyard over the Engadine Alps will amaze you.

• Location: The castle is part of the municipality of Scuol and is located in the canton of Graubünden.
• Year of Construction: 1499
• Admission: Adults 15 CHF, Guest Card 13 CHF, Children 8 CHF
• Season: Public tours are held in March and April by appointment.
• Special: The Not Vital Foundation also includes the Plantahaus in Ardez and a sculpture park in Sent. In summer, you can visit both exhibition sites.
• Tip: Consider Tarasp Castle as a stop on your cycling tour. We recommend the Innradweg from Guarda to Landeck with a stop at the castle. The ride takes about 6 to 7 hours.

Sargans Castle

Sargans Castle is a former fortress that houses a restaurant and café. The two-hundred-year-old county can still be felt in the traditional knights' hall and Countess Agnes' parlor. The castle's tower also features a museum where you can learn more about the region's history.

• Location: The castle is situated in the Sarganserland region in the canton of St. Gallen.
• Year of Construction: 12th Century
• Admission: Adults 10 CHF, Students 8 CHF, Children 5 CHF
• Season: April to October
• Special: The museum has puzzle walls and art tables for kids.
• Tip: We suggest taking a stroll through the town of Sargans up the Städtchenstraße to the castle.

Each of the Swiss castles has its own charm. This is not least due to the surrounding landscapes. A short trip from castle to castle is therefore worthwhile for city and nature fans in both cases.