The very point out of a vacation in Switzerland is sufficient to ship many into deliriums of ecstasy with the flurry of panoramic pictures that comes with it. Be it the craft beer and castles, new-age eating places and waterfront bars, swimming within the Rhine or Limmat, and mountain climbing on the snow-clad peaks, issues to do in Switzerland are limitless. However nothing offers you extra perception into the grandeur of the nation’s historical past and tradition just like the castles of Switzerland.
10 Greatest Castles Of Switzerland
So let’s check out a listing of castles in Switzerland that you simply positively shouldn’t miss out in your subsequent journey there.
1. Oberhofen Fort
Step again into the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries as you stroll by way of the grandeur of the Oberhofen Fort, that stands perched on the shores of Lake Thun. The oldest components of the turreted fortress date again to 1200 AD, its grand white spiral jutting out on to the lake within the Swiss canton of Bern. Murals and Romanesque frescoes courting again to the Thirteenth-Fifteenth century adorning the chapel and the Turkish smoking parlor shouldn’t be missed.
Timings: 11:00am – 5:00pm (closed on Mondays)
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2. Chillon Fort
The Chateau de Chillon might be the one of the well-known castles in Switzerland. Steeped in historical past, the Chillon Fort stands on the rocky outcrop on Lake Geneva, surrounded by water on all sides that make its pure moat. Having served because the official residence throughout twelfth to sixteenth century, the Counts of Savoy managed the passage of ships again then on Lake Geneva. The beautiful Gothic structure exhibited within the dungeons of the fortress, the grand ‘Courtyard of Honour’, the chapel and sleeping quarters of the erstwhile noblemen maintain vestiges of its grand historical past.
Timings: 9:00am – 7:00pm (varies based on the seasons)
3. Gruyere Fort
Visiting Switzerland, you might have the thought of sampling its well-known cheese fondue in thoughts. Whereas the medieval city of Gruyeres Fribourg is famend for a similar, just remember to go to the beautiful Gruyere Fort as properly. Constructed within the Thirteenth Century and handed on to a number of noble households, this image excellent fortress homes historic treasures together with capes belonging to knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Marvel on the bespoke frescoes created by the Historical Regime, work, and decorations created by the nineteenth century artists as you discover the fortress’s ramparts and its French gardens.
Timings:
9:00am – 6:00pm (April – October)
10:00am – 5:00pm (November-December)
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4. The Castles of Bellinzona
Ticino’s capital metropolis Bellinzona is far famed for its three majestic castles often known as the Castello Montebello, Castello Sasso Corbaro, and Castelgrande. Castelgrande is the oldest and most spectacular of the three, constructed within the Thirteenth century, whereas the opposite two are the most effective preserved medieval castles in Switzerland. Forming a hoop with fortified partitions (little of which stays right this moment), the three castles that performed a outstanding function within the safety of Bellinzona has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Web site right this moment. One can take pleasure in a shocking view of your complete metropolis from the fortress Sasso Corbaro.
Timings:
10:30am – 4:00pm (November-March)
10:00am – 6:00 pm (April – October)
5. Rapperswil Fort
Perched on the shores of Lake Zurich, the lake waters surrounding it on three sides, the Rapperswil Fort is among the most lovely castles close to Zurich, Switzerland. This fortress homes the Polish Museum the place the historical past of Swiss-Polish relationships is displayed together with story of Nobel prize winner Marie Curie-Sklodowska amongst others. A stroll alongside the medieval wall and the parapet in the direction of the fortress provides a splendid view of the ‘Metropolis of Roses’.
Timings:
1:00pm – 5:00pm (April-October)
1:00pm – 5:00pm (throughout weekends of March, November & December)
Open on request throughout January and February
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6. Tourbillon Fort
Standing tall on the height of a rocky mountain, the Tourbillon Fort overlooks the astonishing vistas of the Sion. It’s an arduous trek alongside a winding path that takes you to the fortress, which homes a museum exhibiting items of historic significance. The fascinating truth stays that although the fortress was laid to wreck by an enormous fireplace in 1788, its Fifteenth century chapel ornamented with frescoes survived the harmful blaze.
Timings: 11:00am – 5:00pm
7. Thun Fort
Of all of the castles in Switzerland, the Thun Fort close to Lake Thun provides essentially the most beautiful view – of the Aare River. The tower of Knight’s Corridor that was really constructed within the twelfth century is among the most excellent options of Thun Fort. One can tour all of its 5 flooring together with a jail that was inbuilt 1886.
Timings:
10:00am – 5:00pm (April – October)
1:00pm – 4:00pm (each Sunday November – January)
1:00pm – 4:00pm (February – March)
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8. Tarasp Fort
Identified to be essentially the most imposing fortress in Graubunden owing to its location atop a 100m excessive rock, Fort Tarasp dominates the locality in Higher Engadine. Sweeping views of pristine Lake Tarasp, the Alpine Mountains and of Decrease Engadine area may be loved from the fortress grounds. Scheduled excursions would take you thru the fantastically restored rooms, the chapel, grand halls and the well-known organ with 2500 pipes preserved inside this eleventh century fortress.
Timings: Excursions to be scheduled after coordination with the fortress administration
9. Habsburg Fort
With the oldest foundations laid 1000 years in the past, the Habsburg Fort is a treasure trove of the Habsburg Household reminiscences that has performed an immense function in shaping the European historical past. Six audio stations provide you with a documentation of the rise of Habsburg Dynasty, whereas a spherical tour of the fortress premises provides you splendid views, and culinary delights within the historic setting as properly. It will even be a delight to identify the explanation why this fortress is Switzerland is known as ‘double fortress’.
Timings:
10:00am – 10:30pm (closed on Mondays)
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10. Vufflens Fort
This Fifteenth century fortress is finest recognized for its fairy-tale grandeur with its central tower that makes an impressive sight together with Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc from the Vufflens Winery it’s nestled in. Though guests aren’t allowed throughout the privately owned mammoth fortress, a 30 minute stroll within the Vufflens Winery can be a deal with to the eyes.
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Awestruck already? Gear as much as discover these fascinating castles in your subsequent vacation in Switzerland. Customise your individual Europe tour bundle with TravelTriangle, and switch your vacation into an unforgettable affair.
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