Thanks to its magical alpine scenery, its reputation as the ski paradise of Europe, and maybe even its world-famous chocolate, Switzerland is one of the top European destinations on many an avid traveler’s bucket list.
What’s more, with Switzerland bordering Germany and France, both countries famous for medieval castles, it’s only logical to find plenty of majestic castles in Switzerland too.
If you’re looking to upgrade your next trip to Switzerland, why not splurge a bit and indulge in a memorable stay at one of these castle hotels?
Here are the 12 best castle hotels in Switzerland that promise a blissful stay for any traveler.
Table of Contents
1. Hotel Chateau Gütsch, Lucerne
When it comes to castle hotels in Switzerland, perhaps none are as famous as Château Gütsch in Lucerne. While the famous castle hotel, which features views of the idyllic Lake Lucerne and Mount Rigi, dates back to the 19th century, its central tower, the Gütsch tower was actually built in 1590!
Apart from the impressive scenery, this magnificent Swiss castle hotel features chic, modern amenities that blend well with the castle’s historical ambiance. Here, you’ll find elegant rooms furnished with tasteful contemporary decor as well as other modern creature comforts we’ve come to expect from classy hotels.
The hotel’s central location, close to the famous Chapel Bridge, is another major plus point.
2. Schloss Wartegg, Rorschacherberg
For those who envision a quiet day of reading in lush gardens while on vacation, Schloss Wartegg in Rorschacherberg is one of the best Swiss castle hotels for you.
This stunning castle-style hotel is set within a 13-hectare English park 100 meters away from the beautiful Lake Constance. It features plenty of open-air spaces where you can enjoy a day of reading while admiring the surrounding scenery. There’s even a library filled with an archive of audiobooks!
Apart from being a haven for bookworms, Schloss Wartegg is also one of the castle hotels in Switzerland that truly offer guests a chance to experience living like royalty. Elegant rooms aside, the castle hotel boasts having a Turquoise Bath that dates back to 1928 where guests can take a therapeutic dip in.
3. Chateau d’Ouchy, Lausanne
If you’re on the lookout for castle hotels to stay in Switzerland and would like to experience living in a medieval castle, we suggest taking a look at Chateau d’Ouchy. Located on the shore of the famous Lake Geneva, this castle hotel in Lausanne offers fantastic views and a comfy stay.
What is most striking about Chateau d’Ouchy is how it has retained much of the castle’s original medieval architecture despite housing modern, spacious rooms that are beautifully furnished.
In addition, the hotel features an outdoor pool, an outdoor sauna and hammam, and a terrace from which guests can admire the stunning view of Lake Geneva as well as the surrounding Swiss Alps.
4. Schloss Münchenwiler, Münchenwiler
With its lovely terraces overhung with vines and hilly surroundings, Schloss Münchenwiler looks and feels like a castle that’s right out of a fairytale. This underrated hotel, located in the Canton of Bern, is one of the most affordable castle hotels in Switzerland.
This castle hotel’s best feature is its wide-open outdoor spaces and seasonal outdoor pool. That said, the hotel’s interior is just as charming, featuring a library and game room, as well as minimalist but elegant rooms that provide a good night’s rest. If you want, you can even visit the alluring Lake Murten which is only around a mile away.
For those who want more privacy, you can even rent the two-bedroom private apartment that’s located within one of the castle’s historic buildings!
5. Gstaad Palace, Gstaad
No trip to Switzerland is ever complete without a visit to the world-famous Swiss alps. However, did you know that there are actually castle hotels in Switzerland that let you experience spending a night surrounded by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Alps?
Enter Gstaad Palace, a majestic castle hotel that dates back to 1913. With the Swiss Alps as its backdrop, this grand hotel offers plenty of luxurious rooms and suites, as well as stunning views all around. There’s also a health club, various eateries, and even an onsite nightclub!
The hotel spa is worth a mention in and of itself. House in an area that’s over 1,800 square meters, the spa features various treatment rooms, a private suite, steam baths, and even a hammam zone! There are also both indoor and outdoor pools for guests to relax in.
6. Dolder Grand, Zurich
Would you believe me if I told you that you don’t have to travel far away from the city to find castle hotels in Switzerland?
The Dolder Grand in Zurich is a luxurious castle hotel is located right beside the Dolderbahn cogwheel railway station, providing quick and easy access to the city center, which is just 10 minutes away.
From its hilly vantage point surrounded by lush forests, the Dolder Grand overlooks Lake Zurich and the city. As you stroll about the castle hotel grounds, you’ll also be able to spot the Swiss Alps in the distance.
When it comes to amenities at the Dolder Grand, one particular feature that stands out is the impressive 4,000-meter spa which offers a variety of pampering massages and treatments, all designed to lull guests into a state of stress-free bliss.
7. Park Hotel Vitznau, Lucerne
The elegant Park Hotel Vitznau is another one of the most beautiful castle hotels in Switzerland. Located by the banks of Lake Lucerne, this majestic hotel, renovated in 2012 and 2013, features its own private beach and a stunning view of the lake.
Every suite in the hotel is individually-designed to accentuate the luxury of the hotel. Apart from homey rooms fitted with modern facilities, guests can also look forward to pampering themselves in the hotel spa which comes with steam baths, saunas, and even an ice grotto!
Feeling peckish? Head to the terrace to enjoy gourmet dishes while looking out at the stunning lake! What’s more, the hotel provides a free shuttle service to the Rigi Cable Car terminus too, allowing you to combine your stay with a trip to the peak of Mount Rigi!
8. Schloss Schadau Hotel, Thun
The grandiose Schloss Schadau Hotel is one of the most highly-rated Swiss castle hotels and it’s easy to see why. Located in Schadau Park by the shores of the idyllic Lake Thun, this majestic heritage castle was once a private summer residence before being converted into one of the top stays in the Canton of Thun.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be blown away by the hotel’s regal ambiance. Be it the luxurious decor or lush English-style gardens, everything at the hotel is designed to leave a lasting impression. The rooms, unsurprisingly, offer unrivaled comfort and privacy.
What’s more, the hotel also offers various activities like hiking, skiing, and cycling; while the onsite restaurant serves up a variety of gourmet dishes that keep guests coming back for more. Most importantly, the hotel is just a short drive away from the city center and attractions like Stockhorn and Niesen.
9. Schloss Burgdorf Youth Hostel, Bern
Not all castle hotels in Switzerland are luxurious five-star hotels. Some, like the Schloss Burgdorf Youth Hostel, offer a way for guests to experience living in a castle without breaking the bank.
The castle is actually one of the oldest of its kind in the country, dating back to around 1200 A.D.! Despite this, Burgdorf castle only recently opened to the public in 2020 as a youth hostel, featuring excellent views, an adjoining museum, and plenty of culinary experiences.
While the rooms at this castle “hotel” aren’t as impressive as the others on this list, the dormitory rooms are still well-equiped to offer a cozy stay.
10. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz
Another one of the most famous castle hotels in Switzerland is the five-star Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. This stunning landmark dates back to 1896 and features views of Engadine and Lake St. Moritz.
Inside, the elegant hotel houses six restaurants, a well-equipped spa and fitness center, as well as an indoor pool for guests to frolic in. In the winter, the hotel also features an ice rink!
When it comes to the rooms, guests can look forward to elegantly-furnished rooms that open up to swoon-worthy views of majestic mountains and Lake St. Moritz.
To complete the experience. Guests can also make use of butler services on request to truly experience what it’s like to live like a royal.
11. Mont Cervin Palace, Zermatt
Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is understandably one of the most famous locations in Switzerland. But did you know that this idyllic town is also home to Mont Cervin Palace, one of the oldest castle hotels in Switzerland?
The hotel first opened its doors in 1851 and despite the passage of time, still offers unforgettable stays that never seem to disappoint.
While much of this is due to the painting-like vistas that surround the hotel (think snow-capped mountains everywhere you look), another major reason for the hotel’s stellar reputation is the service.
Upon arrival at the train station, guests are transported to the chalet via a horse-drawn carriage. Now that’s royal treatment! Apart from this, the hotel’s location, literally at the doorstep of Switzerland’s highest ski resort, makes this hotel the top choice for those looking to embark on a skiing trip!
12. Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, Graubünden
And last but not least, we have the pompous Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, famous for its striking resemblance to the famous Grand Budapest Hotel. The elegant and whimsical castle hotel, a registered historical landmark dating back to the 1800s, is located amidst the Upper Engadin Valley, just a few miles away from the beautiful St. Mortiz.
The hotel’s classy Baroque architecture is matched by the luxurious decor found on the inside. Apart from well-furnished rooms, guests can look forward to exceptional dining experiences, a visit to a medieval wine cellar, and a lovely spa equipped with an indoor infinity pool and saltwater grotto.
Guests can also enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides and moonlight skiing too!
Conclusion
And there you have it: 12 enchanting castle hotels in Switzerland for a magical stay! Looking for more regal accommodation options as you travel around Europe? Then check out these castle hotels in Spain, Germany, and Italy too!
