5 Must-Visit Castles in Switzerland : Best Swiss Castles, Tours & Travel Guide

It is not just the mountains and chocolate that make Switzerland so fascinating; it is also a country of ancient castles that speak history through their stone walls. The largest castles in Switzerland are not picture stops; they are stories and legends that you’ll walk through. This is what the Chateau de Chillon on the shimmering Lake Geneva, and Castelgrande in the sunshine of the Ticino, which is the sunny part of Bellinzona, contribute to your Swiss adventure.

Be it a one-day tour on a loop or spending a week adventuring in Switzerland, these are the hand-picked castles that have a history, easy access, and overall experience. The best 5 castles in Switzerland – Chillon to Bellinzona. Search fares, routes and itineraries with or without a car. 

Why These Swiss Castles Are a Must-Visit

Each of these castles earned its spot because there is a reason: consider this the shortlist that honours your time and curiosity.

• Explore Real Medieval History at Swiss Castles – It boasts every historical site has its genuine medieval basis or local interest – Bellinzona fortresses were used to protect entire valleys.
• Beyond the Walls: Interiors, Gardens & Towers – Think of interiors, gardens, towers where the visitor is invited to explore-the Gothic vaults of Chateau de Chillon or the lakeside gardens of Oberhofen are enough to make you stay.
• Easy Access to Castles by Train, Boat & Swiss Travel Pass – Every location is accessible by SBB train and boats or city buses, which is ideal when you are using a Swiss Travel Pass.
• Family-Friendly Swiss Castles with Activities and Local Cuisine – The castles are fun and food-friendly, literally, where a cheese factory is located right below the hilltop fortress.
• Explore Castles Across All Swiss Regions – Lake Geneva to Bernese Oberland to Ticino, you will find you have all the geography of Switzerland in the same trip: lakes, mountains, and old towns.

Top 5 Castles to Visit in Switzerland

Château de Chillon, Montreux – Most Famous Castle in Switzerland

Chateau de Chillon is the most photographed of all Swiss castles, pure magic floating on the surface of Lake Geneva and the Alps in the background. Its 12th-century halls and dungeons narrate the stories of knights and poets.

• Why visit: Lake views that are unbeatable and Savoy history.
• Hours: 09:30 – 18:00 (year-round).
• Tickets: almost 13 CHF/adult; discounts with Swiss Travel Pass.
• Access: automatically by a short train or boat ride in Montreux.
• Accessibility: Partially accessible; some narrow stairs are to be expected.
• How long: 1.5-2 hours.
  

Pro-tip: Go immediately when it opens or close to sunset to get golden-hour reflections, and people doing so are fewer.

Gruyères Castle, Fribourg – Swiss Castle with Cheese & Culture

This castle is built above the fairytale town of Gruyères and just above green fields and the smell of melted milk. Centuries of art, armour, and panoramic balconies are inside.

• Why visit: A perfect combination of culture and food.
• Hours: 10:00 – 17:00.
• Tickets: Around 12 CHF/adult.
• Transport: Train/ bus combo; short walk uphill. 
• Bonus: Go to the local La Maison du Gruyère cheese factory-kid-friendly.

Castelgrande, Bellinzona – UNESCO World Heritage Castle in Ticino

The Castelgrande and associated fortresses, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking up the skyline of Ticino. Anticipate a stone parapet, panoramic valley, and a museum that is worth your visit.

• Why visit: Architectural might meet alpine sun.
• Hours: 09:00 – 18:00.
• Tickets: 10-15 CHF (adult); you can buy a combination ticket to all three places.
• Accessibility: 5-minute walk or elevator ride to Bellinzona station.
• Time needed: 1-2 hours; half a day in all three castles.

Thun Castle, Bernese Oberland – Castle with Alpine Views

Thun Castle, which towers above the Aare River and the rooftops of the old town, is a museum and at the same time a viewpoint. It has sweeps of the Bernese Alps with its towers.

• Why visit: History and urban life; exhibitions on regional culture.
• Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (seasonal).
• Tickets: Check the site; included or discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Accessibility: Elevator to main halls.
• Hint: Add a lunch along Thun-see or a walk through the waterfront.

Oberhofen Castle, Lake Thun – Most Romantic Castle in Switzerland

An amorous castle which appears to be painted onto the shore of Lake Thun. Oberhofen Castle is considered to have well-maintained gardens and a relaxing atmosphere.

• Why go: Peaceful gardens, lakeside love and old-fashioned interiors.
• Season: April – October; 10:00 – 17:00.
• Tickets: Around CHF 8 (adult).
• Access: Closely accessible by boat or bus from Thun.
• Best time: The evening light is good for dreamy photography.

Best Switzerland Castle Itinerary (1-Day to 3-Day Routes)

1-Day Switzerland Castle Itinerary: Château de Chillon + Montreux

Arrive at Chateau de Chillon by 09.30 a.m. Spend 90 minutes exploring and then walk or cruise the Montreux promenade to have lunch and see the lake.

2-Day Itinerary: Thun Castle & Oberhofen Castle by Lake Thun

• Day 1: Thun Castle and Old Town.
• Day 2: Oberhofen: visit the lakeside gardens and have a tranquil boat ride.

3-Day Itinerary: Bellinzona Castles + Gruyères Village & Cheese Tour

Start in Bellinzona (Castelgrande + Montebello), then travel north to Gruyères for cheese, art, and alpine backdrops. Ideal for history buffs and families alike.

All routes are easy via SBB trains and valid with the Swiss Travel Pass, so you can skip car rentals altogether.

How to Visit Swiss Castles by Train, Boat, or Car in 2026

Public Transport Options & Swiss Travel Pass Benefits: Trains are linked to all major cities such as Zurich, Geneva and Bern to these castles with the minimum of transfers. Funiculars and boats tend to provide aesthetics.

Ticket Prices for Top Swiss Castles

• Chillon – 13 CHF
• Gruyeres – 12 CHF
• Castelgrande – 10 CHF
• Thun – Varies seasonally
• Oberhofen – 8 CHF

When to Avoid Crowds (Best Months & Times): Mid-summer weekends when the lakeside locations are crowded. Go in early morning, or shoulder months (May/Sept), when it is cooler.

Insider Tips for Visiting Castles in Switzerland

• Combine experiences together: Go to the castle with the local Swiss food, cheese at Gruyeres, wine at Montreux, gelato at Bellinzona.
• Coming early: early mornings and lesser traffic are all that is needed
• Access to checking: The vast majority of sites have part wheelchair paths or family tickets; it is only necessary to make sure in advance.
• Bring layers: Even the summer breezes may turn cool in the lakes.
• Photography warning: Golden hour at Oberhofen Castle and Chateau de Chillon is unbeatable.
• Pre-Booking & Ticket Tips for Swiss Castles: Get tickets online (approximately 13 CHF per person) in order to avoid lines and get a time of entry.
• The Swiss Travel Pass includes travelling by SBB train, boat or bus, and also discounted or free admission to more than 500 museums and castles. 
• The best time of year to visit Swiss Castles is from May to September – long sunshine, gardens in blossom, and panoramas.

Conclusion: Explore the Most Beautiful Castles in Switzerland 2026

A visit to these 5 must-visit castles in Switzerland is like going hundreds of years in Swiss history, one castle at a time. Out of the contemplation of Chillon over Lake Geneva, the mountain-top sceneries of Bellinzona and the rugged walls of Thun, they have blended the best properties of the country, nature, culture, and exquisiteness.

And in case you are not personally keen on doing the logistics, Pickyourtrail does it automatically. You do the sightseeing with a tailor-made Switzerland tour, pre-planned train schedules, accommodations, and entry fees, and we handle the organisation.

Plan your Switzerland Castle tour with Pickyourtrail’s best Switzerland tour packages for a seamless experience. 

FAQ’s About Castles in Switzerland

Are Swiss castles open all year round?

Not all. Chateau de Chillon is open throughout most of the year, and Oberhofen is closed between November to March. Always check official timings.

How much are tickets for castles in Switzerland?

Health insurance cover is usually provided between 8-13 CHF to adults, and discounts to kids and families are offered.

Which castles are included with the Swiss Travel Pass?

Numerous of them are free/discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass – check before going.

What are the best castles in Switzerland for families?

Gruyeres Castle (with nearby cheese tours) and Chillon are popular with both children and adults.

Can I visit Swiss castles without renting a car?

Absolutely. Each of the five can be reached either by train, bus or boat- perfect sustainable travel in Switzerland.

What’s the best time to visit castles in Switzerland?

May – September – warm and open gardens. Go in the morning, when the light is better and there are fewer tourists.

Who offers the best Switzerland castle tour packages?

The professionals at Pickyourtrail create custom-built itineraries, consisting of castles, scenic trains, lakes, and hotels, which are ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families.