Château de Grandson

A medieval fortress reborn by the lake

After fifteen years of restoration, the Château de Grandson reopened to the public on 1 April 2026. It is one of the finest medieval fortresses in Switzerland, standing just above Lake Neuchâtel. Inside, a completely redesigned museum awaits you over four floors and fifteen rooms, with around a hundred historic pieces. The renovation was carried out hand in hand with archaeologists, to offer you an immersive journey through a thousand years of history. Needless to say, the visit is brand new: now is the time to go and discover it.

What your children will discover

Your children will dive into the world of knights, battles and life in the castle. The fifteen rooms unfold the history of the place, from the watchtowers to the staterooms, with a stunning view of the lake from the heights. The youngest are not forgotten: a sensory trail has been designed especially for children aged 2 to 8, alongside the main visit. While the older ones explore history, the little ones touch, listen and feel at their own pace.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

You climb the floors, go from room to room, stop at the windows to admire the panorama over Lake Neuchâtel and the Jura. The atmosphere is both grand and accessible: the architecture is impressive, but the scenography stays playful and designed for all ages. During the school holidays, the castle offers special activities, such as a dragon egg hunt at Easter and storytelling on Sundays. It is best to allow a bit of time to enjoy each level without rushing.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years (sensory trail 2-8 years, museum for all ages)
• Duration: allow about 1h30 to 2h
• Price: adult CHF 16, child CHF 8, family CHF 38, reduced rate CHF 14
• Pushchair accessibility: to be confirmed with the castle (historic building with floors)
• Transport: train to Grandson CFF station, then 7 minutes on foot; bus 625, 630, 635 Place du Château stop
• What to bring: good shoes for the staircases, a camera for the view
• Best season: all year round, the museum is indoors

Tips from parents

• With young children, start with the 2-8 sensory trail to get them in the mood.
• During the school holidays, ask about the current activities (hunts, storytelling): it is a real plus for families.
• Take the time to stop at the windows: the view of the lake is worth the detour.
• The building is old and has staircases; carry toddlers or bring a baby carrier.
• Combine the visit with a stroll along Lake Neuchâtel, just below.

Useful information

• Address: Place du Château, 1422 Grandson
• Official website: https://chateau-grandson.ch
• Opening hours: every day 10am-6pm, closed on Tuesday
• Access: Grandson CFF station 7 minutes on foot; bus 625, 630, 635 (Place du Château stop); castle parking and public parking nearby

Why we recommend it

Because it is a very recent reopening, with a completely modernised museum designed for families. Few castles offer a real sensory trail for toddlers in addition to a rich visit for the older ones. Add to that the view of Lake Neuchâtel and the thousand-year history of the place, and you have an outing that pleases all generations.

In a nutshell

A renovated medieval fortress by the lake, with a museum over four floors and a trail suited to the youngest. A fresh, complete outing for the whole family.