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Gruyères Castle Photo by Giles Laurent

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Gruyères Castle

The Castle of Gruyères or the Gruyeres Castle located in the medieval town of Gruyères, Fribourg, is one of the most famous in Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.Its currently a museum and is open to the public. 

The building was built between 1270 and 1282, following the typical square plan of the fortifications in Savoy. It was the property of the Counts of Gruyères until the bankruptcy of the count Michel in 1554. His creditors the cantons of Fribourg and Bern shared his earldom.

Lets take a look at some of the most fascinating facts about it;

1.The castle has been used for various uses before it became a museum

Gruyères Castle in the summer Photo by Simon Broccard

The castle has been used for various uses before it became a museum including; Being the property of the Counts of Gruyères from its construction to 1554,From 1555 to 1798 the castle became residence to the bailiffs and then to the prefects sent by Fribourg.

In 1849 the castle was sold to the Bovy and Balland families, who used the castle as their summer residency and restored it. The castle was then bought back by the canton of Fribourg in 1938, made into a museum and opened to the public. Since 1993, a foundation ensures the conservation as well as the highlighting of the building and the art collection.

2.The castle is the home of three capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece

The castle is the home of three capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. They were part of the war booty captured by the Swiss Confederates (which included troops from Gruyères) at the Battle of Morat against Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy in 1476.

As Charles the Bold was celebrating the anniversary of his father’s death, one of the capes is a black velvet sacerdotal vestment with Philip the Good’s emblem sewn into it.It is among the best places to visit with alot of history in its corridors. 

3.There are several collections in the Castle

A collection of landscapes by 19th century artists Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Barthélemy Menn and others are on display in the castle.An international collection of Fantastic Art is also exhibited (José Roosevelt, Gian Paolo Dulbecco, Vincent Amas, Patrick Woodroffe, Milan Goldschmiedt).

Other collections include; the intricate stained-glass windows dating from the Middle Ages and Charles the Bold’s capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the wall decorations commissioned by the bailiffs under the Ancien Régime, the paintings by Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot and the troubadour decorations of the Knights’ Room, created at Gruyères in the 19th century by a colony of passionate artists.

4.Gruyères Castle has stood proudly atop a verdant hill since the 13th century

Gruyères Castle in the summer Photo by Simon Broccard

Gruyères Castle has stood proudly atop a verdant hill on the threshold of Fribourg’s imposing Alpine foothills since the 13th century. Today, the medieval fortress houses prestigious collections that bear witness to its long and eventful history.

Gruyères, a land of legends, also has many stories to tell: of La Belle Luce, John the Cripple, the jester Chalamala and the heroic women of Gruyères who used their goats as weapons. Temporary exhibitions complement the historical and artistic heritage, revealing a new side to the castle with every visit.

5.The castle also offers guided tours

Gruyères Castle photo by Salomé Mulet

Explore the castle and its collections with the free paper guide (in 12 languages) or discover the castle with the enhanced reality audioguide available to download on your smartphone (available in French, German and English). On request, fascinating guided tours can be arranged for you.

The guides accompany you and take you through the long history of the place and its inhabitants. The storytellers in medieval costume will tell you about the legends of the castle and the region during their storytelling tours. The youngest visitors, guided by a lady or gentleman of the court, can go on a fun treasure hunt.

6.The easiest way to get to Gruyeres Castle is by train

The easiest way of reaching Gruyeres Castle is by getting a train into the village of Gruyeres. Gruyères can be reached by train from the directions of Bulle/Vevey or Montbovon. Montbovon is located along the GoldenPass route, and can be reached from the directions of Montreux and Zweisimmen/Interlaken.

The train station of Gruyères is located near, but not in the old town centre and the village itself sits on a hill. You can walk there in about 15 minutes or buses between the town centre and rail station are available too.

7.It is one of the best landmarks in Switzerland

A beautiful palace and one of the landmarks of Switzerland, the Gruyeres Castle is a must visit while on your Swiss vacation. It is a unique architectural marvel where on your tour of the castle, you will be walking through eight centuries of architecture, history and culture.

Turned into a museum, the main attraction on display at the castle is the severed hand! While on the castle grounds, do check out the beautiful esplanade, courtyard and the French Garden.This is one if Switzerland’s most visited sites and has been passed down through a number of noble families but has been remarkably well preserved throughout all these years.

8.The castle has a foundation which primarily markets it

The castle has a foundation which primarily markets the castle as a place where visitors can enjoy both medieval architecture as well as a wealth of invaluable art.During your visit in the castle, you walk through a number of lavishly decorated rooms with numerous purposes.

You can discover the hunting room ballrooms, dining rooms, sleeping chambers and much more. All of these rooms are furnished with beautiful maintained antique furniture. Another striking characteristic of this castle are the stained glass windows, many of which decorated with the Gruyère coat of arms, a white crane on a red background.

9.There are several hotels and restaurants near it 

There are several hotels and restaurants near it including;Au Soleil De Gruyeres Chez Chantal which is 0.11 miles away, Gruyere Rooms (0.16 mi), Le Saint Georges -Gruyères, Switzerland (0.15 mi), Hotel De Ville (0.16 mi) and Hotel De Gruyeres which is 0.25 miles away. 

The restaurants here include;HR Giger Bar Museum (0.09 mi), Le Chalet de Gruyeres (0.10 mi), Auberge de la Halle (0.14 mi),Fondue Academy (0.10 mi) and Restaurant des Remparts (0.17 mi). 

10.The Castle is open on all days including Christmas and new year’s eve 

The Castle is open from Monday to Sunday, Christmas and new year’s eve included. Access for the disabled at ground level. Please contact us concerning access to the Chateau.It is open from 9am to 6pm from 1st April to 31st October and 10am to 5pm from 1st November to 31st March. 

Additional offers: guided, “speedy” or storytelling tours, hall rental.Guided tours in French, German, English, Italian, Spanish or Russian upon request.The Castle is among the most standout museums in Switzerland and its story is one of the most sought after stories in the country.