Plizio Visual Lab
Grandson Castle
Grandson Castle, situated on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, is one of Switzerland's most imposing fortresses and a major theater of European history. Founded in the 11th century by the Barons of Grandson, the castle was expanded in the 13th century by Otto I into a powerful residence featuring five distinctive round towers. The castle gained national fame through the Battle of Grandson in 1476, where the Swiss Confederates decisively defeated Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. The Burgundian booty captured at the time was legendary and cemented the reputation of Swiss mercenaries. The castle's interior houses magnificent halls with Renaissance decorations and a significant collection of weaponry. Particularly impressive is the well-preserved battlements walkway, offering insights into medieval defensive techniques. Today, Grandson serves as a museum and event venue, keeping the turbulent past of the House of Savoy and the Burgundian Wars alive. The expansive view over the lake underscores the site's strategic control over north-south trade routes.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Église Évangélique de Pentecôte · Château d'Yverdon · Centre de documentation et de recherche Pestalozzi
- Nearby: Yvonand (7 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 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 102 | 81 | 97 | 85 | 122 | 109 | 104 | 109 | 85 | 106 | 102 | 116 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The Battle of Grandson took place on March 2, 1476.
- The castle features five massive round towers dating from the 13th century.
- The Knights' Hall is decorated with an ornate wooden ceiling from 1620.
- The defensive wall is over 150 meters long and can be walked upon.
- After the battle, Charles the Bold fled, leaving his entire artillery behind.
- The castle is the second-largest castle in Switzerland open to the public.
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Grandson Castle (10)
Musée d'Yverdon et région🏛 museum
Historical museum in Yverdon-les-Bains in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.
Maison d'Ailleurs🏛 museum
Museum collection in Yverdon-les-Bains in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.
Castrum Romain Eburodunum
Remains of a Roman castrum, built in 325/26 AD, excavations since 1903.
Temple d'Yverdon
Baroque church in the historic district of Yverdon-les-Bains in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.
Théâtre Benno Besson
Theatre in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland.
Regards croisés - Atelier galerie
Gallery and workshop in Yverdon-les-Bains, showcasing contemporary art.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Grandson Castle located?
What can you see inside the castle?
Is the castle suitable for children?
Which historical battle is associated with Grandson?
Can you walk along the battlements?
Grandson Castle: where is it located?
Grandson Castle: what is there to see?
Grandson Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Grandson Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
