Château Grandson

The origins of the castle date back to around 1050, when the Lords of Grandson built the first castle. The structure was first mentioned in documents around 1100. A comprehensive new construction was realized in the 13th century. The castle played a crucial role during the Burgundian Wars: In February 1476, Charles the Bold besieged the fortress with a large army. After nine days, the garrison had to surrender and was executed. Just a few days later, on March 2, 1476, the famous Battle of Grandson took place, in which the allied Swiss defeated Charles the Bold and captured rich spoils. From 1476 to 1798, the castle served as the seat of the bailiffs of Fribourg and Bern.

Château Grandson is located in the municipality of Grandson in the district of Jura-Nord vaudois in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, at an altitude of approx. 459 m above sea level.

Visitors can explore the castle today and delve into its rich history. It houses various exhibitions, including a torture chamber, a knight's hall with Renaissance seating, an armory with exhibits from the Burgundian Wars, as well as museums dedicated to the Battle of Grandson, castle models, and regional history. An oldtimer museum and a chapel featuring the painting “The Virgin with the Rose” are also found. The historical prison is located in the cellar.

• Château Giez (castle), approx. 2.4 km away
• Château Les Tourelles (Giez) (castle), approx. 2.4 km away
• Ruine Château Montagny (castle ruin), approx. 3.2 km away
• Château Champittet (Cheseaux-Noréaz) (castle), approx. 3.2 km away