The Château de Chillon (Chillon Castle) is the most visited historical building in the country. Located 20 minutes away by train (just outside Montreux), this fortress dates back to the 11th century and is worth a visit. Try to avoid the massive number of tourists who flock here during the summer months by arriving early. And if you are able to, take the train to Montreux and walk along the lake to the castle. One piece of advice, a tourist stall screens a video of the castle right outside the entrance. Try not to be one of those people who become glued to the screen when the real thing is towering above your head!
Spread over 200 hectares (494.211 acres) of forest land and meadows, the Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne, also popularly known as The Arboretum, is a truly magnificent public park. Located close to Aubonne, this park is largely used for scientific research of various plants and tree species. There are over 3,000 varied flora species currently cultivated in this park, significantly suited for temperate climate regions. The site also hosts the Musee du Bois, museum of wood and forestry, and multiple hiking trails that offer scenic and pleasant natural paths for long walks.
Holding a place of pride in the heart of Lausanne's Old Town, this imposing Gothic cathedral soars over a sea of red-roofed buildings. Although the original master mason is undocumented, construction efforts can be traced back to the 12th Century. The structure was completed roughly a century later in 1275 under an engineer named Jean Cotereel. It was ordained by three important figures - Pope Gregory X, Rudolph of Habsburg, and Guillaume of Champvent, the then bishop of Lausanne. Its belfry a home to seven sonorant bells, the Lausanne Cathedral's other noteworthy features include an exceptional pipe organ and a stained glass window considered to be one of Europe's finest. Those in the city will also hear a town crier announcing the hours every night between 10p and 2a from the bell tower, as has been tradition since the Middle Ages. An architectural wonder par excellence, this historic cathedral comes alive with a repertoire of concerts and a bevy of cultural events.
This museum is dedicated to H. R. Giger, the brains behind special effects highlighted in the popular movie Aliens. The museum has the same glum and creepy atmosphere that one finds in all the typical Alien movies. The interiors of the museum were designed by Giger himself, and these intricate designs feature details reminiscent of both a spaceship and a medieval fortress - a style that stands in stark contrast to the otherwise pristine and quaint environment of the city of Gruyères. Giger was born in Chur, a Swiss canton in the east, and was known for his work as a surrealist painter and special effects designer, the latter of which earned him an Academy Award for his work on Alien. Giger was also admitted to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2013 for his surreal artwork, which he published in several collections, including Necronomicon and Necronomicon II. The museum houses much of Giger's work. Those who are uncomfortable with the slimy and unnatural world of aliens and outer space creatures should probably prepare themselves before going inside the H.R Giger Museum.
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.
Built in 1264 and once the home of the Counts of Savoy, the Rolle Castle was originally constructed in the shape of a trapezoid. It has four huge towers at each corner. The sprawling interior courtyards and turrets and its location right on the shore of Lake Geneva makes it even more special. It can be easily accessed through the various trails that run around the castle and the views of the adjoining mountains provide it picturesque and panoramic background. Today, the Rolle municipal offices are housed in part of the castle and other rooms are used for exhibitions and receptions.