There is no better place than Switzerland if you are a castle lover. There is more than 500 castles around Switzerland and the best thing for tourists is that you can visit all of them by public transport. By trains, boats or by bus. Everything is super accessible in Switzerland and you dont need a car. Point to point tickets are slightly expensive so the best idea is to buy Swiss Travel Pass – one ticket for whole Switzerland and you can have unlimited travel by trains, buses and boats all around the country. Swiss Travel Pass is valid for 3, 4, 8 or 15 consecutive days of travel and Swiss Travel Pass Flex is available for 3, 4, 8 or 15 freely selectable days within one month. You can learn more about Swiss Travel Pass and its benefits on website of Swiss Travel System. And one more thing, Swiss Travel Pass is also valid as Museum pass, so that means that admission to majority of castles will be free for you.
The castles of Switzerland can look back on long and fascinating histories: each has its very own story to tell. Behind these ancient walls lie hidden cultural treasures and fascinating stories for tourists to discover and explore. I am presenting some of less known castles that visitors have to discover.
Castle Murten
The castle dates to the time of Count Peter of Savoy II who ordered its construction in 1255. Under the castle gate, dating from 1516, much rebuilding took place.
Today’s castle is from 1755. Step through the entry and immediately look on the ground. You’ll find the outline, in stone, of the original castle water well. The tall quadrangular tower or the keep, known as the “Luegisland,” served as a watch tower for Adrian von Bubenberg so that he could oversee the Battle of Murten. Following the reign of the Savoy, the castle served as a residence to the bailiffs from Bern and Fribourg. Throughout history, it also served as a hospital, prison and barracks. Today it houses the Canton of Fribourg’s Prefecture of the Lake District. Every year in august and september the Murten Classics take place in the courtyard of the castle. Read more about Murten castle on website of tourism board of Murten.
Thun Castle
Medieval Thun Castle has been a majestic symbol inextricably linked with the town of Thun since the 12th century. The four white towers can be seen atop the castle hill from far and wide. The views of the surrounding mountains, Lake Thun and the old town are worth the visit alone.
Thun Castle is open all year, whatever the weather. Discover a knights’ hall dating from the Late Middle Ages and drink in the impressive all-round views from one of the towers. Elsewhere the exhibition of the castle museum will interest people of all ages. Before visiting, it’s worth checking the events calendar for Thun Castle: with everything from classical concerts to special illuminations, the castle serves as a cultural venue too. More about Thun castle you can read on website of Thunersee tourism board.
Lenzburg castle
Lenzburg Castle is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most historic hilltop castles. For a thousand years it has played a part in many important events in politics and history across Europe.
Not only counts and dukes used to call Lenzburg Castle their home, also a German poet and an American adventurer once lived at this historically significant site. The castle has always been of great relevance to the region and lived through many political uprisings dated as far back as to the 12th century. In 1986 the castle was carefully renovated and finally opened to the public. Today, Lenzburg Castle offers a wide range of cultural events and activities for everyone who’s exited to embark on a journey back to the middle ages or simply relax and enjoy a day away from the grind. Read more about this beautiful castle on official website of the property.
Aarburg castle
Aarburg forms a triangle between the river and a tempered rock sill, resulting in a natural barrier on two sides. The buildings of the town are grouped around a wedge-shaped main square. The fortifications on the northern side were damaged by a town fire in 1840 and were not rebuilt. The old town is overlooked by a narrow, elongated rock sill, on which Aarburg Castle is situated. The castle was built at the beginning of the 12th century and developed into a strong fortification under the control of Bern. The building complex is classified as a cultural site of national importance and today serves as a juvenile detention centre. You can read more about Aarburg castle on website of My Switzerland and tourism board of Aargau region.
Aigle castle
Aigle Castle is situated at the heart of a large vineyard and also of a thousand-year old winegrowing tradition featuring Chasselas, a grape variety yielding a dry white wine. It is grown in the Rhone Valley and in the Lake Geneva Region, particularly in the terraced Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2007. In the heart of the Chablais AOC the Vine, Wine and Wine Labels Museum is a must for all wine tourism enthusiasts. In the exceptional setting of the Château d’Aigle, its exhibits are a source of fascination for wine enthusiasts, while families can also have fun learning all about this culture. Founded by the Guillon Brotherhood to save the endangered winemaking heritage in the Lake Geneva Region, the museum shows a collection of innumerable tools, presses, stills, pots, barrels, measuring devices, bottles, corks, corkscrews, taste-vins, glasses and decanters. The museum is a reference for vines and winemaking. It concentrates on topics such as countryside, biodiversity, development of taste, ecology, economy, winegrowers, harvesting and art, including the art of celebrations. Read more about this region on website of tourism board of Vaud.
