Chillon Castle🏰 castle
Moated castle in Veytaux, canton of Vaud, on a rock by Lake Geneva.
🌐 chillon.ch🕒 Apr-Sep 09:00-19:00 "last entry at 18:00"; Mar 09:30-18:00 "
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Chillon Castle II
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castle
Chillon Castle is situated on a rocky islet on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva, in the municipality of Veytaux near Montreux. Recognized as the most visited historic building in Switzerland, it served for centuries as a strategic fortress and a residence for the Counts of Savoy. The current architectural structure was largely developed during the 13th and 14th centuries, although archaeological evidence dates the foundations back to the 11th century. The castle gained international fame following Lord Byron's poem 'The Prisoner of Chillon,' which was inspired by the imprisonment of François Bonivard. The complex consists of 25 buildings and three courtyards, all protected by two concentric circular walls. Highlights of the site include the grand state halls, the castle chapel, and the well-preserved 14th-century murals found within the living quarters.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Chillon Castle · Fort de Chillon · Villeneuve Plage (Riviera)
- Nearby: Vevey (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -2 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 92 | 72 | 90 | 81 | 127 | 114 | 115 | 120 | 81 | 94 | 90 | 101 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux
Hours
Mon-Sun 09:00-19:00 (Apr-Sep), Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00 (Nov-Feb)
Entry
15 CHF adults, 6 CHF children
Website
Transit
S-Bahn train Veytaux-Chillon stop or bus 201.
Parking
Parking P1 and P2 available at the castle shore.
Accessibility
Due to the historical structure, only partially suitable for wheelchairs.
Photos
Allowed without flash; commercial photography only with approval.
Best time
During the week to avoid large tourist groups.
Audio guide
DE, EN, FR, IT, ES, PT, ZH, JP
Geography
Facts
- The castle stands on an island 100 meters long and 50 meters wide.
- The first written record of the fortress dates back to 1150.
- The Counts of Savoy used it to control the route to the Great St Bernard Pass.
- François Bonivard was chained in the castle's cellar from 1530 to 1536.
- The site features its own chapel with high-quality Gothic frescoes.
- More than 400,000 visitors tour the castle every year.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Chillon Castle II (9)
Saint-John
Church building in Montreux, canton of Vaud.
Grotte du Scex du Chatelard
Cave in the cliff above Montreux.
Pressoir
Sight in the region, a historic wine press.
OPENeSPACE
Arts centre in Montreux, hosting exhibitions and events.
Temple Saint-Vincent
Church building in Montreux, canton of Vaud.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get to Chillon Castle?
Taking a boat from Montreux is the most scenic way to arrive directly at the castle.
Are there audio guides?
Yes, audio guides are available in several languages for an extra fee.
Is the castle suitable for children?
Yes, there are special discovery trails for young knights and princesses.
Can the dungeon be visited?
Yes, the famous dungeon that inspired Lord Byron is part of the tour.
How much time should I plan for?
You need about 2 to 3 hours for a complete visit.
Chillon Castle II: where is it located?
Chillon Castle II is located in Switzerland.
Chillon Castle II: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chillon Castle, Fort de Chillon, Villeneuve Plage (Riviera).
Chillon Castle II: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Chillon Castle II: why is it worth visiting?
Chillon Castle is situated on a rocky islet on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva, in the municipality of Veytaux near Montreux.
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