Chillon Castle on a rocky island on Lake Geneva is one of the most beautiful moated castles in the country and the most visited historical building in Switzerland.
Chillon Castle is located about 5 kilometres south-east of Montreux and is one of the most beautiful moated castles in Switzerland. It is also part of our list of the top 10 sights in Switzerland.
The castle sits picturesquely on a rocky island on Lake Geneva and thus had the ideal position to control Lake Geneva. But not only the lake, also the land route along the lake to the St. Bernard Pass could be controlled by Chillon Castle. In the Middle Ages, there was a customs station here whose revenue was not to be sneezed at.
Chillon Castle - Over 1000 years old
The magnificent Chillon Castle was first mentioned in history in 1005. The imposing castle complex consists of 25 buildings and three courtyards surrounded by two mighty ring walls. Romanesque and early Gothic architectural styles meet here. Some parts of the buildings of Chillon Castle date back to the 11th century. In the 12th century, the castle passed to the Savoy family. In the 16th century, the Bernese conquered the moated castle, then the Vaudois.
Today, Chillon Castle with its impressive backdrop is used as a venue for exhibitions and concerts. The time-honoured walls and the cultural events attract around 300,000 visitors to Chillon Castle every year. This makes it the most visited historical building in Switzerland.
Places of interest at Chillon Castle
- The 18th century wooden bridge that leads to the castle
- The vaulted wooden ceiling of the Knights' Hall
- Underground vaults reminiscent of 13th century Gothic cathedrals
- The prison rooms with cross-ribbed vaults
- Berner Zimmer - Original bedroom from the time of the Bernese rule
- Four parade rooms from which you have a beautiful view of Lake Geneva
- The Chillon Chapel with magnificent 14th century wall paintings
You can explore Chillon Castle on your own, with an audio guide, but also with a guided tour that lasts about 50 minutes.
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