10 Real Swiss Castles That Look Like They Came from a Fairy Tale (11 photos)

Switzerland has been famous for its impregnable and majestic castles since the Middle Ages.





These ten most impressive castles in the country look like they belong in books of old fairy tales and legends. They could easily be used as sets for fantasy films, especially since their history lends itself to this.

1. Chillon Castle



The most famous castle in Switzerland, and it's easy to see why. It seems to rise out of the rock on a tiny island in the middle of Lake Geneva. Since the 12th century, its mighty walls have controlled shipping, serving as a stronghold for the Counts of Savoy. However, behind this fairytale image lies a dark secret: for many years, the castle was a state prison, where prisoners languished in stone cells.

2. Tarashp





Majestic Tarashp rises on a hill, offering visitors breathtaking views of the lakes and Alps that have made Switzerland famous. However, this fortress, whose history began in the 11th century, also has its own secret: it was originally part of Austria. Today, the castle is privately owned and closed to the public, but a guided tour can still take you inside the chapel and state rooms.

3. Oberhofen



The view of Oberhofen Castle, its towers reflected in the waters of Lake Thun, transforms the landscape into a living fairy tale. Built in the 13th century, it has been enriched with new details over the centuries, creating a unique architectural mosaic. Here, Romanesque frescoes stand side by side with an exotic Turkish smoking salon, and its halls and gardens have been carefully recreated to evoke their former grandeur.

4. Aigle



Lost among the vineyards on Lake Geneva, Aigle Castle was built by the Knights in the 12th century. Its ancient walls were only opened to the public in the 1970s, becoming a Wine Museum. Inside, among the exhibits, you can see original paintings by masters from the 16th and 17th centuries, lending a special charm to this place.

5. Tourbillon



The path to this medieval masterpiece lies up a steep slope, but the panorama from the top is worth the effort. Picturesque ruins remain of the once mighty fortress—the sad legacy of a devastating fire in the late 18th century. Miraculously, the fire spared only the 15th-century chapel, which stands untouched to this day, a silent witness to its former glory.

6. Castelgrande



Castelgrande, one of Bellinzona's three famous castles, towers over the old town. It is easily recognizable by its towers. Accessible by stairs or elevator, this ancient fortress is easily explored. Open year-round, the castle is ready to surprise tourists.

7. Rapperswil



Rapperswil Castle on the shores of Lake Zurich is a structure with an unusual history. The abandoned fortress was restored in the 19th century by a Polish émigré, and its walls now house the Polish National Museum. Visitors can peer into the gloomy medieval dungeons and explore a unique collection depicting Polish culture and history.

8. Vufflans



The majestic Château de Vufflans, built in the 15th century, practically hovers above the village of the same name. Its keep, visible from afar, has become a symbol of the area. Unfortunately, entry is not permitted—the castle is privately owned. However, this doesn't prevent you from enjoying its rugged beauty from the outside while strolling through the surrounding vineyards.

9. Montebello



Montebello Castle, one of the three legendary fortresses that protected Tessin for centuries, rises on a hill. A walk along its well-maintained paths offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. It was built in the 14th century, expanded in the 15th century, and carefully restored in the 20th century.

10. Spitz



Spiez Castle is one of the oldest in Switzerland. Its history dates back to the 10th century, and over the following centuries it has undergone numerous transformations, resulting in a bizarre mix of architectural styles. Interestingly, the fortress originally bore the characteristics of southern, Italian fortifications, as at that time the land was under the influence of powerful neighbors to the south.