Fort de Chillon: the immersive bunker facing the castle

A strong secret in the rock, facing Château de Chillon

In Veytaux, just steps away from the famous Château de Chillon, lies another monument: a military fort carved into the mountain between 1941 and 1942 to block the passage to Chablais. Kept secret for decades, it opened its doors at the end of 2020 as a living history museum. The contrast is striking: on one side the medieval castle by the lake, on the other an underground bunker from the 20th century. Inside, the temperature remains a constant 19°C all year round, making it an ideal outing regardless of the weather. An immersive journey combining scenography, sounds, and reconstructions awaits both young and old.

What your children will discover

Your children will travel back in time as they explore the underground galleries of the fort. They will learn how soldiers lived, how the structure was hidden in the rock, and what role it played in protecting the region. The staging (lights, sounds, reconstructions) makes history tangible and lively, far from austere museums. It’s a dive into a little-known page of Swiss history, in a setting that leaves a lasting impression.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

You follow the immersive path through the corridors and rooms set up in the mountain. The atmosphere is mysterious and a bit theatrical, perfect for capturing children's attention. Plan for an average of 1h30 to 2h00 to complete the tour. On site, the Soldier's Bistro offers a thematic break. Since the visit is underground, the experience remains pleasant even in the middle of summer or winter.

Before you go

• Recommended age: reduced rate from 6 years, free for children under 5; immersive experience more suitable from 6-8 years (official age not published, to be confirmed)
• Duration: about 1h30 to 2h00
• Price: 25 CHF adult (from 16 years), 17 CHF child from 6 to 15 years, free for 0-5 years, family ticket 70 CHF (2 adults + 2 children from 6 years)
• Reservation: not mandatory but strongly recommended during peak hours (limited capacity)
• Stroller accessibility: steps at the entrance and along the route, not suitable for wheelchairs; stroller access not recommended (to be confirmed)
• Transport: regional train to Veytaux-Chillon (~300 m), VMCV bus line 201 stop Chillon, CGN boat landing Château-de-Chillon
• What to bring: a light sweater, as it is 19°C all year round in the galleries
• Ideal season: all year round (perfect outing in bad weather)

Parents' tips

• Bring a light sweater even in summer: the galleries remain cool at a constant 19°C.
• Book in advance during school holidays and weekends, as capacity is limited.
• Combine the visit with the nearby Château de Chillon for a memorable castle + bunker day.
• Enjoy the Soldier's Bistro for a thematic gourmet break on site.
• Remember the parking disc: parking is free but the disc is mandatory (available at the entrance).

Useful information

• Address: Avenue de Chillon 22, 1820 Veytaux
• Official website: https://fortdechillon.ch
• Hours: variable depending on the season; generally from 09:30 to 18:00/18:30 in spring and summer, 10:00 to 17:30 from November to February. Open Wednesday to Sunday, every day during Vaud school holidays. Check the updated hours on the official website.
• Access: regional train Veytaux-Chillon (~300 m), VMCV bus line 201 stop Chillon, CGN boat. Free parking in front of the museum (disc required)

Why we recommend it

The Fort de Chillon is an original outing that differs from classic museums: you literally enter the mountain to discover a hidden Swiss history. The immersive scenography captivates children, the constant temperature makes it a safe bet in all weather, and the proximity to Château de Chillon allows for a combination of two worlds in one day.

In two words

A real underground military fort transformed into an immersive museum, facing Château de Chillon: a dive into history to discover as a family, in any weather.