Grandson Castle
Situated on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the castle of Grandson, with its rich history of over a thousand years, found itself at the heart of the Burgundian wars during the battle of Grandson between Charles the Bold and the Confederates in 1476.
The castle is currently undergoing a complete renovation and will be home to a new museum in 2026. The fortress remains open to the public for the duration of this project.
Every year in August, the castle grounds host a major medieval festival: a unique opportunity to discover the enchanting atmosphere of the fortress. Musicians, jugglers, dancers and craftsmen as well as medieval re-enactment companies show their art to the delight of young and old.
Throughout the year, many activities take place at the Castle, which is much more than just a museum. To name but a few events: treasure hunts, medieval quests, quill pen workshops, themed meals and concerts are offered to a wide and varied public,. All events are subject to reservation.
Currently, you can visit the gardens and the fortification walkway on your own. The interior of the monument is only accessible with a guide.
Opening hours :
1st November to 31st March: Wednesday-Monday 1pm - 5pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Closed from 23 December 2023 to 2 January 2024.
1st April to 31st October: Wedesday-Monday 1pm - 6pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Individual Visit
Adults: CHF 10
Children and young people (6-18 years): CHF 5
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): CHF 20
AHV, IV, student, child (6-16 years) and apprentice from 16 years: CHF 8
Children up to 6 years old, accompanying persons (AI) and school,
residents of Grandson, Swiss Museum Passport,
AMS, ICOM and AACG members, Raiffeisen card: Free of charge
Guided Tours
Adult: CHF 15
Children and young people (6-18 years): CHF 10
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): CHF 40
AHV, IV, student, child (6-16 years) and apprentice from 16 years: CHF 12
Children up to 6 years old, accompanying persons (AI) and school,
residents of Grandson, Swiss Museum Passport,
AMS, ICOM and AACG members, Raiffeisen card: Free of charge
Price applicable only to public guided tours. For any activity on reservation, please contact us.
Grandson Castle will be renovated until 2026. Once the renovation work is complete, a new history museum and new exhibitions will be set up in the castle. The interior of Grandson Castle is closed to the public until 2026 and can only be visited on a guided tour. However, the gardens and the defence courtyard can be visited.
Grandson Castle is the perfect backdrop for unusual events: its halls, courtyards and terraces can be booked for banquets, weddings, seminars, drinks receptions, conventions, as well as concerts and other cultural activities.
Picnic areas are located on the lakeshore. There are no picnic areas in the castle grounds.
Dogs are prohibited from entering the castle.
The castle is only partially accessible to people with limited mobility.
On site
The café-bar „Le Châtelet“ in the castle courtyard offers a select range of drinks, wines from the region, snacks and pastries. The best part is the beautiful terrace with its view across Lake Neuchâtel. A welcome stop-off before or after the castle visit!
Opening hours:
Tuesday closed
Monday, Wednesday-Friday: 8am - 5pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9am - 5pm
In the area
Numerous restaurants in the town of Grandson and all along the lakeshore.
By car:
Grandson is linked to the major routes via the A5 motorway which runs along the northern shoreline of Lake Neuchâtel. Take the exit for Grandson and follow the signs for the castle. The castle car park offers free parking for approximately 35 cars.
By train:
From all train stations in Switzerland to Yverdon-les-Bains. Timetable at www.cff.ch RER Vaud: two trains per hour to and from Lausanne.
By boat:
Several boats per day from Neuchâtel, Yverdon-les-Bains or Estavayer-le-Lac to the Grandson landing stage, which is a 10-minute walk from the castle. Timetable at www.navig.ch
Visit the Romanesque Church of John the Baptist (12th century) and the “Maison des Terroirs” tourist office, which are both 5 minutes from the castle.
Visit the beautiful little town of Grandson and take a stroll along the lakeshore, which offers scenic walking routes.
Discover the region around Yverdon-les-Bains, located between the Jura region and Lake Geneva. A variety of activities are on offer: culture, sports, eating and drinking, and much more.
Accommodation
Hotels, B&Bs or camping: Grandson and the region around Yverdon-les-Bains offer numerous types of accommodation for all tastes and budgets!