Switzerland offers more than majestic Alps and pristine lakes—it’s also home to a remarkable array of castles that span medieval fortresses, fairy-tale palaces, and beautifully preserved heritage sites. Visiting these historic gems is made easy and affordable with the Swiss Travel Pass, your ticket to unlimited trains, buses, ferries, and admission to castles and museums across the country. Top Swiss Castles You Can Visit with a Rail Pass.
Whether you’re planning a Switzerland tour package, exploring Switzerland travel packages, or simply curious about planning your own package trip to Switzerland, this complete guide shows you the best Swiss castles to visit by rail. It’s both practical and inspiring for anyone considering a Switzerland visit package or a Switzerland Europe tour focused on culture and history.
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Why Use a Swiss Travel Pass for Castle Visits?
The Swiss Travel Pass is not just a transport ticket—it’s your key to unlimited rail, bus, tram, and boat travel across Switzerland, plus free entry into over 500 museums and historic sites, including many Italian, French, and German language regions. It’s perfect for exploring castles while keeping costs predictable and avoiding ticket queues
This pass powers many Europe tour packages from Switzerland as it allows easy and scenic mobility without the need to rent a car. Imagine stepping off a train, exploring a castle, and boarding another train to your next destination—all with the same pass.
Must-See Castles You Can Visit with the Rail Pass
1. Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon) – Lake Geneva
Perched on a rocky islet along the shores of Lake Geneva between Montreux and Villeneuve, Chillon Castle is Switzerland’s most visited historic monument, renowned for its medieval architecture and stunning backdrop. The Swiss Travel Pass grants you free entry here.
How to get there
Take the train to Montreux or the local train to Veytaux‑Chillon, then walk a few minutes to the castle. Boats from Vevey, Montreux or Lausanne are also included with the pass for a scenic approach.
Why go
Grand halls, underground dungeons, and sweeping views of the lake. Lord Byron famously wrote about its prison here in 1816.
2. Gruyères Castle – Canton of Fribourg
The medieval Castle of Gruyères dominates a beautiful hilltop town full of cobbled lanes and cheese shops. Your Swiss Pass includes free admission
How to get there
Board a train to Gruyères from Montreux or Bulle, then take a short bus ride up to the castle. The journey itself moves through lovely rural landscapes
Why go
Explore eight centuries of regional history, climb castle towers with panoramic views, and stroll through the classic painted gates of the mini gardens below.
3. Thun Castle – Bernese Oberland
Overlooking Lake Thun and the town below, Thun Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval power symbols in the Bernese Oberland and is included with the pass.
How to get there
Take a train to Thun—frequent service from Interlaken or Bern. From the station it’s a short walk up to the castle.
Why go
The castle features medieval armoury, a knights’ hall and views from the tower across the lake and rooftops.
4. Oberhofen Castle – Lake Thun Shoreline
This romantic lakeside castle with turret towers sits within park grounds and houses the Oberhofen Castle Museum. Free entry with the Pass.
How to get there
Train to Spiez or Thun, then a scenic boat or bus ride to Oberhofen village, followed by a short walk to the castle.
Why go
Elegant interiors, beautiful lakeside promenade, and gardens overlooking the Alps—ideal for photography or a relaxed afternoon.
5. Meggenhorn Castle – Lucerne Region
A 19th‑century gothic revival villa on lakeside hills above Lucerne, Meggenhorn Castle is included in the travel pass fare.
How to get there
Take a boat from Lucerne station or a local train, then walk up or cycle. The scenic ride across Lake Lucerne is included with the Pass.
Why go
Well preserved setting with vineyards, panoramic views of the lake and city, and peaceful walking paths around the estate. Top Swiss Castles You Can Visit with a Rail Pass.
6. Bellinzona Castle Trio – Ticino
The trio of Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro guards the town of Bellinzona in Italian-speaking Ticino. These linked fortifications are UNESCO-listed and included with the pass.
How to get there
Scenic train ride to Bellinzona. All three castles can be reached on foot or via short connecting local buses.
Why go
Explore tunnels, battlements, towers and views across Ticino’s valleys. Great for families and history buffs.
Planning an Itinerary with Rail and Castles
Combining castles into a rail-centric itinerary is simple, scenic, and fun. Here’s an example of a 7-day Swiss circuit, ideal for travellers working with Swiss tour packages, mixed with castle visits:
- Day 1: Geneva to Montreux → Visit Chillon Castle
- Day 2: Train to Gruyères → Explore Gruyères Castle and local town
- Day 3-4: Travel to Interlaken or Thun → Visit Thun Castle, Oberhofen castle; boat ride on Lake Thun
- Day 5: Journey to Lucerne → Visit megacity museums and take a side trip to Meggenhorn Castle
- Day 6: Travel south via scenic GoldenPass or Bernina Express to Ticino → Bellinzona and castle hop
- Day 7: Continue exploration or return north
Each stop is fully accessible using the Swiss Travel Pass and connects stunning rail experiences with historic wanderings. Top Swiss Castles You Can Visit with a Rail Pass.
Travel Tips When Visiting Castles with a Rail Pass
- Carry your pass always: Show it at train entry and when entering castles for free admission.
- Reserve seats on scenic lines: Trains like the GoldenPass, Glacier Express, or Bernina may require seat reservations, even with the pass.dailytelegraph.com.autheguardian.com
- Check castle opening times: Many close one day a week or have seasonal hours; plan ahead.
- Combine castles with boat or bus legs: For example, Oberhofen and Thun are linked by ferry across Lake Thun.
- Download offline maps & train schedules: Helpful in areas with weaker mobile service.
This balanced approach suits those customizing Switzerland land tour package itineraries, allowing mix-and-match flexibility.
Why Castle Tours Enhance Your Swiss Experience
Visiting castles by rail connects you to:
- Swiss history and heritage: From Savoy counts to medieval defenses and regional culture.
- Scenic travel: Lines like onboard boats, the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, or GoldenPass trail scenic valleys and lakes.
- Value: You get transport and heritage attraction access in one bundle with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers seeking immersion beyond cities and mountains—especially in Switzerland couple packages or custom holiday packages to Switzerland.
Estimated Cost Comparison
| Item | Typical Cost (CHF) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Travel Pass (8 days) | ~400–460 CHF | Covers rail, boat, bus, museums |
| Individual castle entries | ~10–15 CHF each | Pass makes them free |
| Reserved scenic train seats | ~10–20 CHF per ride | Needed for fixed departure times |
| Regional transport (bus/boat) | Covered by pass | No extra charge |
| Accommodation + meals | Varies | Similar to trip to switzerland cost |
For many travelers, this is more efficient and predictable than booking multiple separate tickets or hiring a car.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Swiss castles with a rail pass is a smart and memorable way to experience the richness of Switzerland—historically, culturally, and scenically. From Chillon’s waterfront fortress to the fairy-tale charm of Gruyères, plus lakeside wonders like Thun and Oberhofen, and UNESCO treasures in Bellinzona, each castle tells a story. Top Swiss Castles You Can Visit with a Rail Pass.
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