• Chillon Castle
  • Chillon Castle
  • Chillon Castle
  • Chillon Castle
  • Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle


Veytaux, VD
  • Chillon Castle
  • Chillon Castle
  • Chillon Castle
  • Chillon Castle
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The fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva

Once upon a time there was a castle between the mountainside and the lake

A medieval jewel on the lake shore between Villeneuve and Montreux, Chillon Castel welcomes visitors from near and afar for an entrancing visit. Exhibitions, school trips and guided tours, as well as concerts, children’s workshops and special themed events, are among the activities for all ages offered throughout the year. This is a visit not to be missed for anyone who wants to combine History, Culture and Nature. 

Once upon a time there was a castle built on a mound of rock, protected by a wall of stone and a broad stretch of water…

Trod by the footsteps of uncountable visitors, the flagstones and cobbles of the fortress at the east end of Lake Geneva, reveal their history as the visit progresses - in the Castellan’s Dining Hall with its recently restored red and white chevron decor originally painted by Ernest Correvon, or up there where the old chest and coffers are displayed, or further on in the bedroom and the latrines. Down in the castle’s cellars, visitors will discover store-rooms and the cold atmosphere and the wind whistling through the narrow windows open to the elements in the old dungeons. They can see where Bonivard was chained up awaiting possible death, walking desperately round and round the cold stone of the pillar.

High up at the top of the keep, there is a breath-taking view of the lake and the surroundings. Just the place to take some more photos and wonder at the magnificent panorama that envelops Chillon Castle™, that medieval jewel set between on the lake between Montreux and Villeneuve.

This majestic castle has dominated the lake since the 13th century. It was first a strategic check point established by the rich and powerful House of Savoy on a much-travelled road for their benefit and profit. Its history and heritage have now made it an iconic Swiss location.

Occupied as early as 1150 by the Savoy family, Count Thomas 1st of Savoy (1189-1233)  undertook a great deal of rebuilding and extension work on the fortified stronghold. From 1536, the Bernese took possession of the castle and its lands, giving the castle important functions other than a prison and an arsenal. It became the administrative centre of the Bailiwick of Vevey.

After the Vaudois Revolution of 1798, the castle became the property of the Canton of Vaud. A new, more romantic image of this picturesque place with its rich and terrible history, grew and fascinated both artists such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo and Lord Byron, or more mundane visitors. The castle was still used as a prison, but at the same time was becoming a museum and a tourist destination.

Today, Chillon Castle carries on the challenge of making the shadows of the past share their place with the light of the future. The castle and its team offer numerous activities all year long, including guided tours, art and cultural exhibitions, workshops, activities and events for young and old, as well as private events and children’s birthday parties. 

Just outside the castle is the Savoy Garden, where visitors can take a welcome moment of relaxation looking at the lake view. They can satisfy their craving for a drink, a snack or an ice cream at the snack bar before or after visiting the thousand-year old monument, or use the vending machines in the indoor rest area in the castle.

Tourists from all around the world appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the incredible view of the waves of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped mountains. The castle’s reputation has gone far beyond the Swiss borders. With over 430,000 visitors in 2019, the castle at the end of the lake has confirmed its position as the most visited historical monument in Switzerland.

opening hours

November to February from 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)

March from 9:30 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00) 

April to September from 9:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)

October from 9:30 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00) 

25 December and 1 January closed

Prices

Individual visitors

  • Adult: CHF 15
  • Child (6-16 years): CHF 7.00
  • Family (2 adults + 2 to 5 children 6 to 15 years old): CHF 35.00
  • Discount: CHF 12.50 (student, apprentice, seniors over 60, AI, Swiss military in uniform, local tourist cards, various promotions) upon presentation of valid voucher or card
  • Riviera Card Adult upon presentation of card CHF 7.50
  • Riviera Card Child upon presentation of card CHF 3.50 

Groups

  • Adult from 15 people: CHF 12
  • Child 6-16 years (attained), from 15 people:  CHF 6.00
  • Guided tour, groups of max. 40 people (French, German, English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese (Mndarin and Cantonese), Japanese and Russian): CHF 95.00

Free entrance

  • Swiss Museum Pass
  • Raiffeisen Member Card
  • Swiss Travel Pass
visitor information

For visits without a guide there is an explanatory brochure available for individual visitors in the following languages: Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish,Thai and Arabic.

Audioguide available in 9 languages: French, German, English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean can be rented on site or downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

An outdoor area with view on the lake is available for picnics. A small snack bar sells drinks, ice creams and snacks cravings visitors may have before or after their visit.

Baby-changing tables are available for parents upon request. Strollers must be parked in the indoor rest area. Please opt for a baby-carrier for your visit of the castle.

Toilets for the handicapped are available upon request.

Dogs are not permitted inside the castle (even in a carrier). Kennels and places to leave them are available just outside.

Most of the castle is not easily accessible for visitors in wheelchairs. However, there are interactive terminals in the resta area which provide a virtual visit of the castle.  

Gastronomy

On site 

Café Byron
With its large bay windows overlooking the castle, Café Byron welcomes visitors for a taste break throughout the day.
www.cafebyron.ch / info@cafebyron.ch

Inside the castle
A rest area with a drinks and snacks vending machine is available inside the castle. 

Arrival

Train : S1 - Veytaux-Chillon stop

Bus : 201 VMCV - Chillon stop

Boat: «Chillon»

Car: A9 motorway/highway, Villeneuve or Montreux exit, free parking available close by

Directions google maps

Tips

Walks along Lake Geneva; there is a shore next to the castle which is perfect for swimming and bathing.

Accomodations

Grand hotels, bed & breakfast, campsites, unusual accommodation facilities – the Montreux Riviera region offers numerous overnight accommodation options catering to all tastes!

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