Château de Chillon, Switzerland

Château de Chillon with stormy clouds over Lake Geneva
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Sun_Sets_on_Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Chillon.jpg
Author: Eric Hill


Château de Chillon is a medieval castle on the shore of Lake Geneva, Switzerland. This enchanting castle sits on a rocky spur on the eastern shore of the lake. It is within the commune of Veytaux, about 4 km from Montreux. The château is one of the loveliest sights in Switzerland.

Château de Chillon, Switzerland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2009-08-27_Lake_Geneva_355.JPG
Author: Norbert Aepli, Switzerland


Château de Chillon comprises not one, but a cluster of a hundred different buildings that have all been interlinked to one another. The earliest constructions date from the 10th century. In the mid 12th century it became the home of the Counts of Savoy. Under Pietro II, the castle was renovated and enlarged.

Over the centuries, Château de Chillon changed hands repeatedly, though it was never taken by force until 1536, when it was captured by the Bernese, and became the seat of the Bernese bailiffs. The castle had also held its share of prisoners, the most famous being François Bonivard, a monk from Geneva who was held there from 1530 until 1536.

View of Château de Chillon
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Chillon_-_Montreux_.jpg
Author: Bolla Ugo


Today Château de Chillon is open to the general public, with tours conducted through it. It is said to be the most visited historic monument in Switzerland, according to its website.

Visiting Château de Chillon

The most practical way to reach Château de Chillon is by car. Take Autoroute A9. It is on the shore of Lake Geneva between Montreux (4 km away) and Villeneuve (2 km away). You can also take the train to Montreux and then to Veytaux-Chillon, whose station is 300 m from the castle. There are boats from Montreux, Lausanne, Vevey and Villeneuve to Chillon boat stop, which is 100 m from the castle. Alternatively, you can take bus 201 from Montreux (as well as Vevey and Villeneuve). It stops right in front of the castle. Finally, if you are able to, you can walk all the way from Montreux and back. This will take you 45 minutes each way.

Close-up view of Château de Chillon
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schweiz_Schloss_Chillon_Teilansicht4.jpg
Author: Benjamin Gimmel


Château de Chillon is open every day of the year except 1 January and 25 December. Opening times are as follows:

April to September: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (last entry 6:00 pm)
October: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)
November to February: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry 4:00 pm)
March: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)

Admission Fees

Adults: CHF 12.00
Children aged 6-16 years old: CHF6.00
Guided tours: CHF80.50 per tour guide, maximum 40 people.

Interior of Château de Chillon
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schweiz_Schloss_Chillon_Innenansicht1.jpg
Author: Benjamin Gimmel

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