Chillon Castle Guide 2026 – Tickets, How to Get There & Lake Geneva Views

Chillon Castle combines medieval history with a perfect lake setting. You can explore courtyards, towers, dungeons and old halls, while also enjoying open views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

• Easy half-day trip from Montreux – or even from Geneva with more time.
• Indoor and outdoor areas – good option in mixed weather.
• Family-friendly, with lots of corners for kids to explore.

Many visitors combine Chillon Castle with a lake promenade walk in Montreux or a boat cruise on Lake Geneva to make a full, relaxed day.

To build your Lake Geneva day, keep these Tripmoo guides open:

• Geneva city guide »
• Montreux guide »
• Jet d’Eau & Lake Geneva »
• 9-day Switzerland itinerary »
• Trains in Switzerland »
• Swiss lakes guide »

Chillon Castle sits directly on the edge of Lake Geneva, a short distance from Montreux. It’s easy to reach from Montreux, Lausanne and even Geneva.

• From Montreux: about 10–15 minutes by bus or train + short walk.
• From Geneva: roughly 1h–1h15 by train to Montreux, then continue to the castle.
• Walking option: a beautiful lakeside path connects Montreux to Chillon.

For detailed schedules in 2026, always check the official Swiss timetable (SBB) a few days before your trip.

By train + short walk

• Take a train to Veytaux-Chillon station (from Montreux / Villeneuve).
• From the station it’s a short walk following clear signs to the castle entrance.

By bus from Montreux

• Local buses run along the lakefront from Montreux towards the castle.
• Get off at the stop near Chillon and walk a few minutes.

By boat (seasonal)

• In the warmer months, lake boats stop near the castle, turning your approach into a mini-cruise.
• This can be a highlight for families – arriving by water feels special.

By car

• There is parking near the castle, but spaces may fill up on busy summer days.

If you already use the Swiss Travel Pass, many of these routes are included or discounted, which makes combining train + boat to Chillon very easy in 2026.

Exact ticket prices and opening hours can change, but in general Chillon Castle works like a classic paid museum visit:

• Entrance tickets give access to interior rooms, towers and courtyards.
• Audio guides and printed leaflets are usually available in multiple languages.
• Most visitors spend around 1.5–2 hours inside the castle itself.

🔎 Always double-check the official Chillon Castle website in 2026 for current prices, seasonal closing days and last entry times.

• Morning: often quieter inside the castle, easier with kids and strollers.
• Late afternoon / early evening: softer light on the walls and lake, great for photos.
• Try to avoid the busiest midday hours in peak summer, especially on weekends.

Some of the best photos are not only from inside, but from the lakeside path looking back at the castle with the mountains behind it. Allow a bit of extra time simply to walk, sit and enjoy the view.

Use these guides to plan the rest of your Lake Geneva and Switzerland 2026 itinerary:

• 🇨🇭 Switzerland travel hub – main regions and bases.
• 🏙️ Geneva city guide – what to see before or after Chillon.
• 🌊 Lake Geneva & Jet d’Eau – lakeside walks and viewpoints.
• 🗺️ 9-day Switzerland itinerary – sample route including the Lake Geneva region.
• 🚆 Trains in Switzerland – how to move easily between Geneva, Montreux and other cities.

With this Chillon Castle guide 2026 you can fit the castle smoothly into your Switzerland plans: travel in via Montreux, allow a relaxed half-day for the visit, and leave extra time to enjoy Lake Geneva before heading back to your base.

Whether you are travelling as a couple or with children, Chillon offers a mix of history, scenery and calm lake views that feels very different from the mountain days elsewhere in Switzerland.