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!
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.
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.
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.
A site of regional and national pride, this formidable defensive fortification sits along the picturesque Lake Geneva. Built in the year 1286 on the orders of Baron Louis I of Vaud, this castle was constructed as a traditional Savoyard Carré, essentially a thick fortress with four conical towers enveloping a plaza. Through the years, several of the castle's features were altered, especially during the Bernese conquest of Vaud, when the castle's gates were destroyed. After years of instability, the castle was converted into a site housing four regional museums, the most prominent of which is the Vaud Military Museum.
One of the oldest and most serene chalets in Switzerland, the Grand Chalet dates back to the 18th Century but in 1852 it was turned into a classy hotel. It is one of the most popular landmarks in the village of Rossiniere and is situated on a small hill right above the center of Gstaad, offering an amazing view over the valley and the mountains. The architecture of the chalet is a testament to the ancient era of the village. The Grand Salon inside the building hosts popular exhibitions and concerts, showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.
A family owned and run winery, Luc Massy has long been one of the finest producers of wine in the city. Staying true to its course, this winery puts its products together, solely using ingredients sourced from the region and of course, its own vineyard. Also one of the most picturesque sites in the region, here one can sample a fine varietal, while basking in the serenity of the town. Visitors can also take a guided tour of winery and vineyard, wherein one can get a first-hand account of the various process and stages of crafting the finest batch of wine.
Terres de Lavaux offers some of the best varietals of the region's wines. Set against the backdrop of the famous terraced vineyard of Lavaux, this is where one can enjoy the best the city has to offer- wine and fine views. Boasting a collection of wines that encapsulate the essence of the region, each varietal has a its own peculiar characteristic, which sets it apart from the rest. Wine tasting tours are also organised at the neighboring vineyards, where one can learn a thing or two about the art of wine-making, as well as sample some of the finest wines of the region.
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.
Château de Glérolles currently stands as a wine-growing estate on the shores of lake Geneva and within the estate stands the 11th-century Glerolles Castle. The estate covers an area of 5 hectares (12.3 acres) and produces a variety of wines including Pinot Noir, Humagne red, Chasselas and many others. The estate is also available for rent for events and special functions and because of its beautiful location overlooking the lake with the mountains in the distance, this winery is a truly beautiful place to be.
A world class brewery located in the picturesque Swiss Alps, White Frontier offers delicious craft beers to explorers, climbers, hikers and beer lovers in general. Combining the innovative science and modern techniques of brewing, White Frontier has a created a niche of its own in the brewing industry. Equipped with a state-of-the-art Braukon Brewing facility, a massive cellar space and fully-functional laboratory, innovation and experimentation is at the heart of this brewery. The in-house brewed craft beers at this facility are flavorsome with a tantalizing after-taste that lingers on.
Located in the village of Le Bouveret, on the brink of Lake Geneva, discover a miniature Swiss world, replete with stunning replicas of Switzerland's landmarks. Meandering through the thick of these model buildings are 16 locomotives, eight of which are steam-powered. The trains go along eight tracks that intertwine their way through the length of this beautiful, scenic park. The park includes a 700-meter (5577.42 feet) track, along with 1200 meters (3937 feet) of walking trails. The Swiss Vapeur Parc hosts the Swiss International Film Festival in June every year. Visitation hours vary as per the season, so check the official website prior to planning your visit.