If you are organising European removals to Switzerland, you may well be thinking about what to do in your leisure time when you get there. At the weekend, or during the holiday period, it could be that you will want to get out and about and see some of the fascinating attractions on your doorstep. Certainly, if you are moving house to Switzerland and enjoy visiting historic buildings, you will be spoiled for choice as the country has some beautiful châteaux to visit. This article spotlights on three of the best.
Switzerland is a popular place to move to as part of a job or office relocation, and Hamiltons are experienced in removals to all parts of Switzerland including the cities of Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Lausanne and Basel. Whether you require a domestic or commercial move, read on to discover some of the country’s historic attractions.
European Removals to Switzerland – Click here to find out our removals to Switzerland service or contact us for a competitive European removals quote
Three Excellent Swiss Chateaux to Visit
Switzerland has a rich and varied history and each of these châteaux make a fantastic family day out. Here you can delve into the past and discover about the castle’s royal visitors and famous owners, and marvel at the architecture, décor and artwork. Here’s some of the places we recommend once you have organised your European removals to Switzerland, and some of these castles may well be in your local area.
Chillon Castle, Lake Geneva
No guide to Swiss châteaux should go without a mention of Chillon Castle, a popular tourist destination which attracts around 330,000 visitors a year. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of Her Majesty the Queen and artist Salvador Dali, and marvel at its views and architecture.
The castle is reached via a moat and has an idyllic location right on the water’s edge of Lake Geneva. Under the ownership of three wealthy families throughout its history – the Savoys, the Bernese, and lastly, the Canton of Vaud – it has a long and interesting history, and can trace its roots right back to the Roman Era.
With its fairytale looks, the castle captures the imagination of its visitors. Children, in particular, love to take a trip back in time and explore the maze of passageways, walkways, and the dungeons. In fact, the castle has inspired the imagination of writers and poets for centuries, including Lord Byron, and Victor Hugo.
Gruyères Castle, Gruyères
This beautiful 800-year-old castle is considered one of the most famous in Switzerland and enjoys a stately position overlooking the medieval town of Gruyères. It has an interesting history and belonged to the various Counts of Gruyères until Count Michel fell bankrupt in the mid 16th century. Following the bankruptcy, various bailiffs and prefects lived there, although in the 19th century it was bought as a summer residence for the Bovy and Balland families.
The castle exchanged hands again the 1930’s when it was sold back under the ownership of the Canton of Fribourg. Now run as a foundation, it is open all year round. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, its museum, rooms and chambers, and enjoy its fantastic art collection.
Castelgrande, Bellinzona
Castlegrande towers 50 metres over the town of Bellinzona and enjoys a majestic position on a site that dates as far back as Stone Age times. The castle has its roots in the 13th century and over time it was shaped into the stunning building you see today. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the latest restoration work, by architect Galfetti, took place in the 80’s and early 90’s. Inside the castle you will find an art history and archaeological museum.
Castelgrande is the oldest of three castles in Bellizona, the others being Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro, which were built and developed by the Dukes of Milan. It is certainly well worth bringing your walking shoes and you will be rewarded with some spectacular views. And, if you want to take a break from exploring, the castle has an excellent restaurant, or you can enjoy a family picnic on the grass.
Moving House to Switzerland contact Hamiltons Removals for high quality household and office removals to Switzerland.
