Castles & palaces

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.

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.

On the edge of the old town, Zug Castle is the oldest still preserved profane building in Zug and is a landmark of the city. With its many nooks and crannies, Zug Castle has been home to the museum of cultural history for the city and the Canton of Zug since 1983.

Scattered hamlets, in the midst of them 100-meter high rocks, a small lake, and above this the most imposing castle in Graubünden - this is Tarasp. Here the human endeavor to rule and the mighty nature of the Upper Engadine converge.

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

The Jura waters correction is a unique heritage of human creativity. The Nidau Castle Museum, opened in October 2004, aims to heighten this awareness.

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.

Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy.

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

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 1968 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.