Top 10 Most Beautiful Castles in Switzerland
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| Photo by Elimende Inagella on Unsplash |
Switzerland's long-standing commitment to armed neutrality has resulted in some of Central Europe's best-preserved castles. From elegant palaces to robust strongholds, Swiss castles rank among the most visited attractions. Traveling across this landlocked nation, be it lakeside cities or high Alpine villages, you'll discover a nearby picturesque castle awaiting exploration. Most were built in the Middle Ages, providing a rare look into the distant past. These Swiss castles are bound to captivate your imagination, ensuring a memorable experience in the neutral nation.
1. Spiez Castle
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Built in 933, Castle Spiez is among Switzerland's oldest. Constructed over six centuries, it showcases diverse architectural styles. The Castle Church represents Early Romanesque, while court rooms embody the Renaissance. The southern addition, completed in the 18th century, boasts elaborate Baroque design.
2. Castello di Montebello
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Montebello Castle, situated on Bellinzona's hills in the Swiss canton of Ticino, is one of three fortresses guarding the ancient city. Originating in the 14th century, expanded in the 15th, and renovated in the early 1900s, it currently houses the Civic Museum. The museum features archaeological artifacts from regional prehistoric burial sites. The castle's well-kept battlement walkways offer panoramic city views.
3. Vufflens Castle
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Vufflens-le-Château, a 15th-century castle in its namesake village, boasts a prominent central tower. Among the finest examples of Vaud fortresses from the Late Middle Ages, its brick structure and square towers are privately owned. While not open to visitors, you can appreciate its grandeur from the surrounding countryside. Situated near Lake Geneva's northern shore, a stroll through nearby vineyards provides scenic views of the castle.
4. Rapperswil Castle
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Bordered by Lake Zurich, Rapperswil's old town and its 13th-century castle historically governed ship passage. The triangular keep, worn over time, was leased in 1870 to Count Wladyslaw Broel-Plater, a Polish emigrant. The count renovated and transformed the castle into the Polish National Museum. Exploring the museum provides a unique view of meticulously restored medieval interiors, from state rooms to dungeons.
5. Castelgrande
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Castelgrande, the oldest of Bellinzona's trio of hillside castles, dates back to the 4th century. Recognizable by its striking white and black towers, the recently restored medieval castle sits atop a flat hill near the town center. With a flight of steps and a newly installed elevator, exploring the castle is effortless. Open throughout the year, Castelgrande Castle also boasts two restaurants and a courtyard, perfect for picnics in warm weather.
6. Tourbillon Castle
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Spread across a rocky peak, Tourbillon Castle's ruins, dating to the 13th century, were once the Bishop's residence during the Church's dominance. Though a fire in 1788 left the castle in ruins, a 15th-century chapel adorned with frescoes survived. The ascent to Tourbillon Castle is steep, but the panoramic views from the battlements justify the climb.
7. Aigle Castle
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Nestled in vineyards near Lake Geneva's southeast shore, Aigle Castle, constructed by the Knights of Aigle in the late 12th century, gained fortifications like a curtain wall and central keep in the 13th century. In the 1970s, Aigle municipality renovated and transformed it into the Vine and Wine Museum, welcoming the public. Exploring the museum allows you to admire original artwork from the 16th and 17th centuries.
8. Oberhofen Castle
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Oberhofen Castle, extending over Lake Thun in Bern, Switzerland, captivates with its fairytale charm. Construction started in the 1200s, evolving over centuries into a blend of captivating architectural styles. Meticulously restored, the castle's rooms and gardens now function as a living museum. Highlights include a Turkish smoking parlor and a 13th-century chapel adorned with Romanesque frescoes.
9. Tarasp Castle
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Perched on a hill overlooking a small hamlet with the same name, Tarasp Castle lies in eastern Switzerland, between Austria and Italy. Some parts of this castle date back to the 11th century, a period when the region was under Austrian rule. Presently privately owned, the castle opens its beautifully restored rooms, including the chapel, for scheduled tours. The castle grounds offer breathtaking views of the pristine lakes and Alpine mountains in the Lower Engadine region.
10. Chateau de Chillon
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As the most frequented historic site in Switzerland, Château de Chillon stands on a rocky island in Lake Geneva. From the 12th to the 16th century, the Counts of Savoy controlled lake traffic from this aquatic stronghold. With towering outer walls and numerous towers, Chillon evokes images of fairy tale castles. Despite its enchanting appearance, the fortress doubled as a state prison for a significant part of its history. Allocating several hours is advisable to thoroughly explore the courtyards, grand halls, and bedrooms that contribute to making Château de Chillon the most popular castle in Switzerland.
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