Grandson Castle is a medieval fortress on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, with origins dating back to the 11th century. Here you can discover the history of the 1476 Battle of Grandson, collections of weapons and armour, and the spoils of the Burgundian Wars.
Castles & forts
Main highlights
- Battle of Grandson : the site recalls the defeat of Charles the Bold by the Confederates in 1476
- Spoils of the Burgundian Wars : items left behind by the Duke, including artillery
- Savoyard fortress : a “Savoyard square” castle and a heritage site of national significance
Overview
Grandson Castle overlooks Lake Neuchâtel. Its earliest buildings, a square keep, are thought to date from the early 11th century. Three fortified towers were built in the 1270s and 1280s under Otto I, as confirmed by dendrochronology. The “Savoyard square” building evolved over the centuries and under its successive owners.
In 1476, the castle played a central role in the Battle of Grandson during the Burgundian Wars. Defeated by the Confederates, Charles the Bold left behind a prestigious hoard of spoils. The castle is a heritage site of national significance, protected by the Swiss Confederation and the Canton of Vaud.
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What to see and do
The castle houses collections of crossbows, historic weapons and armour. You can also see part of the spoils of the Burgundian Wars, including numerous pieces of artillery left by the Duke after his defeat.
Several museums occupy the building. The History Museum focuses in particular on the Battle of Grandson and what was at stake. The Regional Museum mainly presents archaeological collections. Together, they shed light on the development of medieval warfare and the fortress’s strategic role on the lakeshore.
The guided tour takes you through the monument with explanations of its architecture and the stages of its construction, from the square keep to the Savoyard towers.
Practical information
Getting there : it’s a 6-minute walk from Grandson SBB station. Buses 625 and 630 serve the Grandson, place du Château stop.
Visiting : the monument can be explored on guided tours.
Visitors : children under 6 are not admitted.
On site : a history museum and a regional museum within the castle walls.
Visitor tips
Wear closed-toe shoes suited to the floors and stairs of a medieval fortress.
To round off your outing, stroll through Grandson’s medieval old town at the foot of the castle, with its cobbled lanes and elegant townhouses.
Nearby
- Yverdon Castle, built in 1259 by Peter of Savoy, is the earliest known “Savoyard square” castle.
- The Pro Natura Champ-Pittet Centre offers birdwatching in the Grande Cariçaie.
- The Maison d’Ailleurs in Yverdon-les-Bains is a museum dedicated to science fiction and utopia.
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