Il castello Chillon è l'edificio storico più visitato del paese. Si trova a 20 minuti di treno, fuori da Montreux, e risale al XI secolo. Per evitare la massa di turisti durante i mesi estivi si consiglia di arrivare alle 9 del mattino. Se possibile prendere il treno a Montreux e camminare lungo il lago. Ci vuole 45 minuti. Un piccolo regalo è un video che si trova proprio fuori dall'entrata. Ma si consiglia di non rimanere incollati al virtuale quando il reale è a pochi passi!
Montreux Railway Station was built to serve as the main railway station of the charming town of Montreux and was opened in 1861. It also serves as the western terminus of the GoldenPass Line narrow gauge railway lines to Zweisimmen and to Rochers de Naye. Along with its idyll location on a hillside overlooking the Lake Geneva, it is also one of the rare stations that is served by three different rail gauges. The town of Montreux in itself is a true vacation destination. With the Alps Mountains as a backdrop, Montreux offers a breath of fresh air and opportunities to discover beautiful landscapes and some great historic buildings.
Erected in honour of one of rock and roll's most iconic frontmen, the legendary Freddy Mercury's gleaming bronze statue strikes his unforgettable triumphal pose along Les Planches' charming eastern waterfront. Freddy's association with Switzerland started when he became transfixed by the quaint alpine town of Montreux after recording an album there in 1978 with his band Queen. Affirming his love for the calm and quiet of his surroundings, the rocker also purchased a stately mansion that overlooked the tranquil waters of Lake Geneva. The city administration decided to repay his faith towards his adopted home after his demise by building him a 3-meter ( 9.8-feet) memorial statue in his memory that still shines as brightly today as it did in 1996.
Perched atop a small hill with the mighty Swiss Alps in the background, the Gruyères Castle forms a picturesque fairytale like image. Built in the late 13th Century, the castle has been passed down through a number of noble families but has been remarkably well preserved throughout all these years. A Swiss heritage site today, it attracts a number of visitors every year due to its rich historical heritage and beautifully manicured hedge gardens. Today it is home to an art museum with paintings by notable artists like Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Barthélemy Menn and many others. A number of temporary exhibitions, cultural events and music festivals are also regularly organized at its premises.
Lucens Castle is a beautiful and grand historic structure, located on a hill top and over looking the countryside town of Lucens. Built around the 16th Century, the castle served a residential place for kings and nobility, a fortress, a girls institution before being sold to a private party. Today, it functions as a luxury event venue with weddings, dinners, parties, meetings and conferences regularly hosted here. 10 rooms for accommodation are available as well.
Located on the outskirts of Martigny, the medieval castle of Château de la Bâtiaz offers visitors a unique historical experience with its remarkable architecture, gruesome torture chamber, a small tavern and a display of old war machines and siege engines. Situated atop a small hill, it offers panoramic views of the city and can be accessed via a short trek or a tourist train called Le Baladeur. The castle also hosts many events like metal concerts, discotheque nights, civil marriages and rock operas which are very popular among the local citizens. Visitors are advised to check opening hours on the official website or see if a blue flag is hoisted atop the tower, signifying that the place is open. Access to the site is free, but one can opt for guided tours and demonstrations for a small price.
Abbaye de Saint-Maurice is an ancient structure in town that is worth visiting for its splendid architecture and religious significance. While the abbey was founded as early as the 6th century, the structure was constantly renovated and rebuilt, hence the oldest part of the structure dates back to the 11th century, while its Romanesque tower was rebuilt in 1945. The abbey is also a renowned pilgrimage site and welcomes hordes of people, every year, for a session of prayer and study.
Vevey is a port town located close to the city Lausanne on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. This city is where chocolatier Daniel Peter invented Milk Chocolate in 1875. It is also home to one of the world's largest food giants Nestle, the headquarters of this company was established here in the year 1867. Besides this, Vevey is a town filled with rich culture and history.
Chateau Maison Blanche is an unmissable sight while visiting the picturesque Yvorne village. Its tall towers look majestic, and this grandiose facade is complemented by the wonderful vineyards which are part of the estate. Explore the cellars where fine wines are produced and aged in wooden barrels. Visitors can also enjoy exquisite local cuisine at the on site restaurant, which when paired with the delicious wines and sweeping countryside views makes it a oenophile's dream destination.
Lucens Castle is a beautiful and grand historic structure, located on a hill top and over looking the countryside town of Lucens. Built around the 16th Century, the castle served a residential place for kings and nobility, a fortress, a girls institution before being sold to a private party. Today, it functions as a luxury event venue with weddings, dinners, parties, meetings and conferences regularly hosted here. 10 rooms for accommodation are available as well.
Paroisse Reformee de Bulle-la Gruyère is a methodist church located at the heart of Bulle which was built during the mid 19th Century by the protestant community consisting of 60 individuals. This was one of the few protestant churches in the city and hence was frequented by believers from various localities, some of them coming from beyond the city adding to its popularity in the process. The church is still operational, conducting services weekly.