Things to do at Château de Chillon

Château de Chillon is Switzerland's most-visited monument, a medieval fortress built on a rocky islet on Lake Geneva at Veytaux, just outside Montreux, not inside the town itself.

From Geneva, allow about 1 hour by train to Montreux or Veytaux, then a short lakeside walk or local shuttle to the entrance; a seasonal boat link also runs from Geneva but takes considerably longer than the train.

Entry is ticketed, with a free audioguide or self-guided route through dungeons, armouries and state rooms that made the castle famous through Lord Byron's poem. Expect queues and heavy crowds in July and August, so arriving early or booking ahead helps. The visit suits a half-day for history-minded travellers and families rather than a quick stop.