Castle of Gruyères

Overlooking the medieval village, the castle stands out for its imposing architecture, its historical collection, and its varied exhibitions and events. Exploring the castle and its collections offers a journey through eight centuries of art, history, and legends.

First mentioned in 13th-century historical sources, the castle was built in the Savoyard square-fortress style, a military architectural style borrowed from the House of Savoy, to which the Counts of Gruyère were vassals. Major renovations carried out in the 15th century by Count Louis and his successors in the 16th century transformed it into the stately residence that visitors see today. In 1555, following Count Michel’s bankruptcy, the bailiffs of Fribourg took up residence at the castle to administer the former County of Gruyère. The bailiffs were succeeded by prefects, who occupied the fortress until 1848, when the prefecture was transferred to Bulle. Gruyères Castle, deemed too costly to maintain, was put up for auction and purchased by a Geneva family, the Bovys, who made it their summer residence and hosted the first Swiss artists’ colony there. The bucolic scenes—created notably by J.-B. Camille Corot and B. Menn—as well as the troubadour-style scenes by D. Bovy bear witness to this era.

The museum’s tour route and collections allow visitors to explore the castle’s three periods of occupation: the count’s era, the bailiff’s era, and the artists’ colony era. Temporary exhibitions, as well as activities and events, are offered throughout the year.

Free entry for children under 6.

The entrance ticket gives access to the castle, the garden and the temporary exhibitions. The garden is open from Easter to October. During the winter period, it can be viewed from the ramparts or the castle balcony.

Prices in Swiss Francs
Credit cards and euros (banknotes) are accepted (change given in Swiss francs).

Adults CHF 13.–
Seniors, students CHF 9.–
Groups (minimum of 15 adult entries) CHF 9.–
Children (6 to 15 years old) CHF 5.–
Under 6 years old Free
Familiy tickets (2 adults and up to 3 children) CHF 29.–
Swiss Museum Pass / Raiffeisen (membres plus) / ICOM Free
Friends of Gruyères Castle Free.

Pets allowed

Pets not allowed