Château de Chillon

The medieval fortification of Château de Chillon sits on a rocky island on the Lake Geneva shoreline, around 45 minutes from Lausanne, forming an imposing silhouette of mighty turrets and red-roofed towers.

Dating back to the 12th century, Château de Chillon served as a strategic stronghold controlling lake and Alpine trade routes, but it’s perhaps best known as the inspiration for Byron’s poem, The Prisoner of Chillon. Many visitors come to walk in the footsteps of the Romantic-era poet through the preserved ramparts, courtyards and vaulted halls. 

As one of Switzerland’s most famous heritage sites, it’s best visited first thing in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.