Fort de Chillon
Explore a secret WWII Swiss Army bunker, now a highly interactive museum with hands-on exhibits and unique dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Fort de Chillon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a secret WWII Swiss Army bunker, now a highly interactive museum with hands-on exhibits and unique dining.
"A super interesting, creative, and unique museum that truly captures the essence of a real bunker."
🎯 Interactive Fun for All
Kids and adults alike love touching and operating the exhibits, like turrets and machine guns!
⏰ Allow 2.5-4 Hours
You'll need ample time to explore the 2,125 m2 fort and its many interactive displays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the fort
Engage with history by touching and operating exhibits, including moving turrets and aiming machine guns.
Swiss Army Bunker Experience
Inside the mountain
Discover the living quarters, kitchens, and defense systems of a WWII Swiss military bunker.
Play Area & Learning Zone
Designated area
A fun space for kids to test their knowledge of Switzerland and learn in an engaging way.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Interactive Fun for All
Kids and adults alike love touching and operating the exhibits, like turrets and machine guns! 
⏰ Allow 2.5-4 Hours
You'll need ample time to explore the 2,125 m2 fort and its many interactive displays. +1
🍽️ Unique Dining Experience
Enjoy a meal in the fort's restaurant, offering a unique 'army mess tin' dining experience.
🗺️ Easy to Navigate
Follow the numbered rooms and floor arrows for a clear path through the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Interactive Fun for All
Kids and adults alike love touching and operating the exhibits, like turrets and machine guns!
⏰ Allow 2.5-4 Hours
You'll need ample time to explore the 2,125 m2 fort and its many interactive displays. +1
🍽️ Unique Dining Experience
Enjoy a meal in the fort's restaurant, offering a unique 'army mess tin' dining experience.
🗺️ Easy to Navigate
Follow the numbered rooms and floor arrows for a clear path through the museum.
🚗 Convenient Location
Easily accessible via public transport, with bus and train stops nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Fort de Chillon, calling it a 'super interesting, creative, and unique museum' that masterfully blends historical authenticity with engaging humor and interactive elements. Many highlight the exceptional experience of being able to touch and operate exhibits, making it a standout attraction for all ages.
"A super interesting, creative, and unique museum that truly captures the essence of a real bunker. At the same time, the exhibits are presented with clever humor and interactive elements, which help balance out the potentially heavy emotions of the setting. There is also a play area, where you can check your knowledge about Switzerland and learn new things."
Gayane Vardanyan
"The fort de chillon has to be one of the best military fortification museums in the canton vaud I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Swiss military history"
Ricardo Magana Garcia
"So interesting to walk around the museum, with so much information written in different languages. You are given a map to follow but the rooms are also numbered with arrows on the floor pointing you in the right direction. The whole museum is so interactive and reasonably priced. It took us around 2.5 hours to see everything"
Chloe Boyce
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort de Chillon is conveniently located near Veytaux-Chillon train and bus stops, making it easily accessible by public transport. If driving, there is parking available nearby.
Absolutely! Fort de Chillon is a perfect addition to a day trip in the Montreux Riviera area, often combined with a visit to Chillon Castle.
While specific parking details can vary, the fort is generally accessible with parking available in the vicinity, especially near the Veytaux-Chillon transport hub.
While not directly accessible by boat, the fort is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, making it a scenic destination to reach by public transport after a boat trip on the lake.
Yes, there is an admission fee for Fort de Chillon. Prices can vary, but typically range around CHF 25 for adults and CHF 17 for children (ages 6-15). Children under 6 are often free.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to save time. Check the official website for current pricing and booking options.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Fort de Chillon website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Yes, discounts are sometimes available, particularly for families and through special offers or promotions. Keep an eye out for deals like the one offering 40% off.
Information regarding the acceptance of the Swiss Travel Pass at Fort de Chillon is not readily available. It's advisable to check with the Swiss Travel Pass provider or the fort's official website for details.
Most visitors spend around 2.5 to 4 hours exploring the fort, with some noting that children might stay even longer due to the interactive elements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Fort de Chillon offers a unique museum experience within a former Swiss Army bunker. You can explore living quarters, kitchens, defense systems, and engage with interactive exhibits like moving turrets and machine guns.
Yes, the fort is highly interactive! Visitors are encouraged to touch and operate many of the exhibits, making it a hands-on and engaging experience for all ages.
Fort de Chillon is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits and a dedicated play area where children can learn about Switzerland in a fun way.
Yes, the museum provides information in various languages, making it accessible to a wider range of international visitors.
Photography is generally permitted inside Fort de Chillon, allowing you to capture the unique bunker environment and interactive displays. However, always check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions in certain areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Fort de Chillon features a restaurant that offers a unique dining experience, allowing visitors to eat 'in the mess tin' like soldiers.
While there's a restaurant on-site, bringing a picnic to enjoy by the lake before or after your visit is also a popular option, especially during good weather.
The restaurant offers a unique experience, with some mentioning a 'mess tin' style of serving, reminiscent of army rations.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's always a good idea to inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival for current menu offerings.
Fort de Chillon can be a unique venue for events. Special events like Halloween candy hunts have been hosted there, suggesting possibilities for private functions.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique interior of the bunker, the interactive exhibits like the turrets and machine guns, and the overall historical atmosphere provide excellent photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed inside Fort de Chillon, allowing you to capture the unique military bunker setting. Always be mindful of any posted signs regarding photo restrictions.
The control room with the movable turret, the living quarters, and the defense installations are often highlighted as visually striking areas for photography.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial due to the bunker's interior. A wide-angle lens can help capture the confined spaces, while a standard zoom is versatile.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to avoid using flash photography in historical sites to protect artifacts and maintain the atmosphere. Check for any specific signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2Beyond the interactive displays, there's a dedicated play area designed to educate children about Switzerland in a fun and accessible way. The fort's layout, with its simulated living quarters and defense systems, provides a unique glimpse into military life that can spark curiosity and imagination. Don't miss the chance for a unique dining experience at their on-site restaurant, which offers a fun, army-themed meal.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the intricate network of tunnels, living quarters, and defense installations. The interactive elements, such as operating turrets and learning about the fort's operational systems, offer a hands-on understanding of its historical significance. The extensive information provided in multiple languages ensures a comprehensive learning experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Experiment with low-light photography to highlight the atmosphere of the underground facility. The interactive exhibits themselves, like the machine guns and control panels, offer dynamic subjects. Remember to check for any specific photography guidelines within the fort to ensure you capture your shots respectfully.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Fort de Chillon
The fort's purpose was to serve as a defensive stronghold, equipped with living quarters, medical facilities, and armaments. Visitors can explore these areas, gaining insight into the daily lives of soldiers stationed there and the military strategies employed. The interactive nature of the museum allows for a tangible connection to this significant period of Swiss history.
Today, Fort de Chillon operates as a unique museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into Switzerland's military past. Its transformation from a secret bunker to an accessible tourist attraction highlights its historical importance and provides an engaging educational experience for visitors of all ages.
+1Interactive Exploration for Families
+3Key attractions for younger visitors include the opportunity to move turrets, aim machine guns, and explore the various rooms that simulate soldier life, such as the kitchen and hospital. There's also a dedicated play area where kids can test their knowledge about Switzerland through games and activities. This makes it an ideal outing for families looking for an educational yet entertaining experience.
+1Parents often praise the fort for its ability to keep children engaged for extended periods, with some noting that kids can spend even longer than the recommended 2.5-4 hours. The blend of historical significance and playful interaction ensures that Fort de Chillon is a destination that appeals to both adults and children alike.
+2Unique Dining Experience
The dining concept is often described as eating "in the mess tin," reminiscent of how soldiers would have been served. This adds an authentic and memorable layer to the meal, making it more than just a stop for food, but an integral part of the fort's overall experience.
While specific menu details aren't widely publicized, the novelty of the setting and the 'army-style' service are the main draws. It's a chance to combine historical exploration with a distinctive dining opportunity, making your visit to Fort de Chillon even more unforgettable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit