Chateau de Chillon

Chateau de Chillon featuring château or palace and general coastal views
On a rocky outcrop where Lake Geneva meets the Swiss Alps stands this fascinating medieval castle on a small island.

It’s easy to see why Château de Chillon is one of the most visited castles in Europe. For over a thousand years it has dominated the eastern end of Lake Geneva from its small island.

With Lake Geneva at its feet, the Rhône Valley behind it and the peaks of the Alps surrounding it, Château de Chillon has a remarkable setting. View its interiors, which are just as fascinating. For nearly four centuries, Chillon was home to the powerful Dukes of Savoy. From the castle, they controlled the passage of ships on Lake Geneva.

Walk under the vaulted ceilings of the underground rooms. The monk François Bonivard was imprisoned here from 1532 to 1536, an event that was immortalized in Lord Byron’s poem The Prisoner of Chillon.

Explore the chapel, various bedrooms, courtyards and chambers. From its four formal great halls, enjoy gorgeous views across the lake. Check out a fascinating array of medieval armaments in the weapons room. Take note of the exquisite paintings and furniture throughout the castle.

A guided tour is the best way to learn the castle’s history. Select from several different packages, ranging from a basic audio guide to a guided tour and wine tasting. Stop at the gift shop to purchase a souvenir. It has many items that will delight visitors, from medieval costumes to models of castles.

Visit the castle any day of the year except December 25 and January 1. There is an entry fee. Park your car free of charge in the large parking lot or visit by train with stops in nearby Montreux and Veytaux-Chillon. In the peak season, travel by boat from Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux or Villeneuve. There is also a bus stop in front of the castle.

Château de Chillon’s private beach is a must-see. If the weather is warm, take a dip in the clear waters of Lake Geneva. The flower-lined path along the shore offers a serene way to travel on foot. Head south and you’ll reach Villeneuve in 25 minutes or go north and you’ll be in Montreux in 40 minutes.

Reviews of Chateau de Chillon

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
" "5 - Excellent 57.89473684210526%
4 - Good
12
" "4 - Good 31.57894736842105%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 10.526315789473685%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Apr 2019

If you have an iPhone download the guide (£2.99) from the app store ( Chillion) before you visit. Combined with audio and video it walks you round the Chateau and I found it easier to follow than the map they give you on entry

Popular places to visit


Top Chateau de Chillon Hotel Deals

Youth Hostel Montreux
Youth Hostel Montreux
2 out of 5
Passage de l'Auberge 8, Montreux
Youth Hostel Montreux
MONA Ex-Eurotel
MONA Ex-Eurotel
4.5 out of 5
Grand-Rue 81, Montreux, VD
MONA Ex-Eurotel
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection
4.5 out of 5
45 Avenue Des Alpes, Montreux, VD
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection
Hotel Eden Palace Au Lac
Hotel Eden Palace Au Lac
4 out of 5
11 Rue Du Theatre, Montreux, VD
Hotel Eden Palace Au Lac
J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux
J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux
3 out of 5
Avenue Du Casino 32, Montreux, VD
J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux
Hotel Parc & Lac
Hotel Parc & Lac
3 out of 5
Grand Rue 38, Montreux, VD
Hotel Parc & Lac
Tralala Hotel Montreux
Tralala Hotel Montreux
3 out of 5
Rue du Temple 2, Montreux
Tralala Hotel Montreux
Golf Hotel Rene Capt
Golf Hotel Rene Capt
4 out of 5
33-35 Rue du Bon Port, Montreux, VD
Golf Hotel Rene Capt
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
5 out of 5
Avenue Claude-Nobs 2, Montreux, VD
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.