Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon)

The castle, which has watched over Lake Geneva for more than 1,000 years, started out as a Roman outpost guarding a strategic pass through the Alps. The fortified castle with its steep roofs and stone turrets is surrounded by water and is only accessible via a drawbridge walkway.

Tour the state rooms and secret passages, explore the gloomy dungeons, and get a sense of what life would have been like for residents many hundreds of years ago. Panoramic views of the surrounding lake and the Swiss Alps top off the experience on this historic day out. A visit to Chillon Castle can also be combined with a trip to the towns of Montreux or Lausanne as part of a daylong tour. If you’re touring independently, prebook admission so you can skip the line upon arrival.

• Swiss Travel Pass or Museum Pass holders receive free entry into the castle.

• Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, and children.

• Baggage storage lockers can be found on-site.

• There is a snack bar selling food and drinks on-site, plus two restaurants within easy walking distance.

• The castle is not suitable for people with limited mobility, as there are steep steps and uneven floors.

• To see more of Lake Geneva, book a boat cruise that visits the castle along with other lakeside attractions.

Chillon Castle, on the banks of Lake Geneva, is a short distance outside the town of Lausanne. Free car parking is available on-site. Trains run regularly from Montreux to neighboring Veytaux-Chillon, and buses also stop nearby. Guided tours with round-trip transfers are also available.

The castle is open every day, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Opening hours are 9am–7pm in the summer, with reduced hours in the winter months.

English poet Lord Byron was so inspired by his visit to Chillon Castle that he wrote one of his most famous works about the castle’s dungeon—The Prisoner of Chillon. Keep an eye out for Byron’s name carved into the dungeon wall and the deep groove in the floor caused by the constant pacing of dukes of Savoy enemy François Bonivard, who was imprisoned here for six years.

One of Switzerland’s best-preserved and beautiful medieval fortresses, Chillon Castle is located on a little rocky islet on the eastern corner of Lake Geneva. Montreux visitors often walk to the castle via an easy 30-minute lakefront stroll. Another scenic way to reach Castle Chillon is by boat.

You can visit Chillon Castle independently, using the site’s official map and leaflet to navigate its grand halls, courtyards, and dungeons. To learn more about its history, you can buy an audio guide when you enter or book a guided tour in advance.

At Chillon Castle, you’ll find a café with indoor and outdoor seating, which serves snacks and lunches. There’s also a garden snack bar, restrooms, baby change facilities, and gift shops. Other amenities include a small docking space for private boats and a left luggage area.

Chillon Castle dates back to the 12th century under the ownership of the Savoy family. It fell to the Swiss Bernese in the 16th century and became a defense stronghold, arsenal, and prison. These uses continued well into the 18th century when it was reclaimed by locals from the Vaud canton.

Chillon Castle hosts various events throughout the summer months, including themed guided tours and wine tastings. It’s also possible to rent rooms in the castle for private events and banquets, while weddings can take place in the chapel with receptions in the halls.

Plan at least two hours at Chillon Castle to tour the castle and its grounds. Many visitors dedicate half a day to Chillon Castle, which allows time to walk around the nearby lakefront area and also have lunch on-site.