When I think about castles, or talk with people about them, the first countries that come up are France and Germany. I admit, these places (and particularly Germany for myself) really caught our minds with breathtaking castles and the history that goes along.
Now those are not the only ones. While Germany’s Castles were described « here » and « here« , Romania also is another country with a stunning history that most people are not aware of! (discover more here).
But what about my home country, Switzerland?
well, it turns out that this country also has a lot of castles to discover! and some of them definitly will blow your mind away.
Let’s explore some of them!
This post will be continuously updated (following alphabetic order) and will be a descriptive list of castles you can encounter during your stay in Switzerland.
- Castle of Champvent (VD)
Located in Champvent, the northern part of canton de Vaud. The castle is located at the border of a forest and fields behind which you will find the actual village of Champvent.
- Castle of Grandson (VD)
Built in the 11th century, the Castle of Grandson controled the road along the shore. The house of Grandson (family) held multiple castles in Basel, Lausanne, Toul and Verdun. The castle saw a few battles and failed one siege. Today, the castle is considered as the best preserved medieval forteresse in Switzerland.
- Castle of Gruyère (FR)
Standing atop of a vedrant hill since the 13th century, the castle of Gruyère truly looks amazing! The castle is extremly well preserved and has an inner village filled with restaurants and small shops! if you visit the area, make sure to have some fondue and double cream!
- Castle of Lucens (VD)
Located in Lucens, canton of Vaud, it historically served to control the Broye valley, a strategic corridor. The castle was destroyed in 1476 and rebuilt later on.
This castle is now owned privatly.
- Castle of Kybourg (ZH)
Castle of Kybourg overlooks the river of Töss close to Winterthur. The castle was built during the 10th century by the count of Winterthur and was destroyed in 1029 during a war. The castle was rebuilt by then and was plundered by the local populace in 1798. From 1917 on, the castle belongs to the Canton of Zurich.
Its visit is fun and interesting, there is a « costume changing room » for kids (and grown-ups ;D ) to make funny pictures.
Looking for other hiking or travel destinations? Check here!