My boyfriend has been my guide through Switzerland and decided today we'd visit the Tower of Fart…read more I know apparently how you pronouce Peilz sounds the same as the word fart. Later on I'll be reviewing the Castle of to shit. Anyways, this tower is situated near the lake and is in the city near Nestle. Yes the company is from Switzerland. Saw the building too. The tower has some kind of walk way to it, but it was closed when we got to the door. We then took a walk around the tower. There was a cave with water dripping through the top as it was raining when we were there. Also a little area full of yachts. Cute place to meander around. The museum of games is here too.

We took a boat as our transportation to get here. We did a tour & the place is big and beautiful…read more It is filled with so much history and they have their own wine that they make from their vineyard. They have huge fireplaces that you don't see anymore and all the artwork on the walls are hand painted & well preserved. Definitely grab a bottle of their wine to try from the gift shop.

Yelp Review 2026 #154:…read more Chillon Castle in Veytaux was the inspiration for Prince Eric's castle in Disney's animated film "The Little Mermaid". Writers like Lord Byron, Victor Hugo, Mary Shelley, Charles Dickens, etc. also got inspired by this castle. I was staying in Montreux and it was a 13-minute bus ride that drops you off right in front of the castle. You can also take a train to get here. It's well-preserved as it's the only castle not destroyed by war or fire. It's a beautiful castle that's sitting on top of Lake Geneva. I was content seeing the outside of the castle despite getting free tickets to go in since I have Swiss Travel Pass. I was busy watching a couple of swans building a nest. Sometimes, I'm just not in the mood to stand in line to see dungeons, medieval art, armory, and somebody's chamber. I had other places to see and visit and didn't want to spend too much time here. But from admiring the view from outside was wonderful enough.

We've been in Gruyères several times before. Sometimes private, sometimes with my students. This…read moreyear again I came with my students to visit the village and of course the Chateau. We booked a visit in advance for a self-guided tour. Schools from Switzerland visit for free (except weekends and vacations). But let's talk about the history just quick: The Château de Gruyères was built between 1270 and 1282 to serve as the seat of the powerful Counts of Gruyères. After the bankruptcy of the last count in 1554, the castle was managed by bailiffs from Fribourg before transitioning into a private summer residence for the Bovy and Balland families in 1849. Since 1938, the Canton of Fribourg has owned the estate, transforming it into a popular museum that showcases eight centuries of regional architecture, history, and art. Many parts of the Chateau are open to visit on several floors. Lots of rooms (including the kitchen, the Knights room, bedrooms....) to check out. Informative plates and displays all around. All kept in very great shape with staff present as well. You can walk the rampart also, very cool with impressive views. The garden is wonderfully presented and you can walk around the Chateau as well (at least partly). Views over the valley and mountains are breathtaking. The courtyard is a nice place to take a rest and to enjoy more views. A really rewarding visit and definitely a highlight in this village. Staff was great. There's a small shop, toilets and some lockers for your backpacks. We will definitely be back. One of the prettiest Chateaus in the country in my opinion.

The castle sits dramatically above the charming medieval village of Gruyères, and just walking up…read moreto it feels magical. The cobblestone streets, the preserved old buildings, and then the castle rising at the top -- all like something out of a postcard. We didn't go inside, but wandering around the exterior and the surrounding grounds was more than enough to make the stop memorable. The views of the rolling green hills and mountains are stunning, especially on a clear day. There are plenty of spots to take photos, and the scenery alone makes it worth the climb. The area around the castle is peaceful and beautifully maintained, perfect for a relaxed stroll. Even if you're short on time or just passing through for cheese and chocolate, stopping to admire the château from the outside is a must.

From the statue of Freddie Mercury, it's almost a perfect 2 miles down to the Chateau du Chillon…read moreand the whole walk is gorgeous, planted with stunning flowers throughout. It gets much nicer the closer you get to Montreux, but you'll find them the whole way down. A well paved path, it's pretty highly used by all manner of walkers, runners, and dogs. Not to be missed - definitely take it to/from the castle if you have the time.

The Neuchatel Castle is now home to the Neuchatel cantonal legislative offices, the cantonal law…read morecourts (hold hearings here), and other administrative offices. Between 1st April and 30th September, the castle is open for free guided tours. Guided tours leave from the main entrance at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on weekdays and 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on Saturdays and at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on Sundays and public holidays. The guided tour takes you through several of the legislative and court rooms, knights room, and offices. The tour guide was extremely informative and friendly, probably one of the best tour guides I have had. The inside of the castle was definitely worth seeing. There are some beautiful art pieces and historic Neuchatel Clocks on display within some of the rooms.

You can enter the castle for free. Upon crossing the stone bridge and entering the castle gate you…read moreare immediately transported to a peaceful garden like courtyard. You can freely explore the courtyard and enjoy the peaceful setting on a bench. Take the time to climb the wooden stairs and peep through the loopholes of the castle wall to enjoy some views over the town. The castle is also home to the Vitromusee Stained Glass Museum and the town Préfecture (local government offices). For CHF 10 you can enter the Stained glass museum for an interesting look at the evolution of Stained glass across the centuries.

Want to step back into medieval times? Then definitely check out the Château de La Bâtiaz. This…read moreis a 13th Century medieval castle built as a fortress, not a residence, in order to protect the neighboring area. No fancy royal balls were thrown here, the only thing thrown here most likely were large objects from a catapult. From Martigny, you need to walk across the river, out of town, and up into the cliffs. It's a short trek, but worth it. Check out the website for information on visiting times. We went during the off season, but were lucky to catch a demonstration of one of the many catapults they have on display in the courtyard as you enter the castle. There is supposed to be a display of torture devices, and while there were a few, I think that either it was shut down for the season, as we went through the turn style without having to pay, or, it was under renovation. We climbed up the tower (which it appears you typically have to pay for, but for some reason there was no ability to pay - you just walked up at the time), and from the top of the tower is a great view of the region. Also, one of the special surprises was that there is a medieval tavern on site. The food was really good! They also appear to put on shows at the castle during the open season. I would definitely go back.

Very original and good medieval food and service :)read more

Yelp Review 2026 #162:…read more Place de la Palud is in the heart of Lausanne's Old Town. It's been an important area for merchants when a market was established in 1220. Til this day, there is a market here. Vendors selling flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheese and other food. This was once a marshy area. There's a water fountain, a clock that surprised me. I happened to walk in front of the clock and all of a sudden, I witnessed a show. It's animated clock that goes off every hour from 8am to 9pm. There's shopping and restaurants nearby. It's a busy place.

Yelp Review 2026 #155:…read more I got here around 10:30am and there was a tour group that took over this place taking a bajillion pictures, selfies, group photos. So, I just waited until they were gone. 15-20 minutes later, they left and I was able to take quick pictures. I don't understand why it should take 5 minutes to take pictures. This statue is next to the lake. It's a nice walk along the promenade. Why is there a copper statue of Freddie Mercury when he's from Zanzibar and grew up in England? Freddie Mercury has an apartment in Montreux. Queen recorded many of their albums here. Walk for 5 minutes and you've reached Queen Studio Experience. You can walk 15 minutes or take a bus and walk for 7 minutes to see Freddie Mercury's penthouse from this statue. I like how this statue does look like Freddie and it's in an interesting pose. It's a free thing to see and there are lots of cafes and restaurants in the area.

Freddy Mercury statue in Montreux is a must see! It is a lovely tribute to this special artist. The…read morestatue is in a great place to eat lunch and people watch too.