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Swiss castles see record visitor numbers 

The 13th century Valère basilica, its walled enclosure and associated buildings perch on top of a snow-dusted hill. The snow-covered Bietschhorn mountain can be seen in the background.
The National Association of Swiss Castles has welcomed two new members: Valère (pictured) and Tourbillon castles in Sion, canton Valais, and Rapperswil Castle in St Gallen. Keystone / Olivier Maire

The National Association of Swiss Castles registered a new record of more than 1.3 million visitors at its 28 castles in 2023.  

The organisation will be ten years old this year and has welcomed two new members: Valère and Tourbillon in Sion, canton Valais, and Rapperswil Castle in St Gallen.  

As a result, Swiss Castles, which is based at Wildegg Castle in canton Aargau, now has 30 affiliated members, the organisation announced on Monday.

+ The king – and queen – of the castle

These will all be open to the public from May, along with their gardens and parks, except for new member Rapperswil Castle, which will open its doors in the autumn following a major renovation.  

The record visitor numbers were an 18% increase for Swiss Castles compared to the previous year. The association says this success is confirmation of the commitment and cultural work of its members.   

The association’s members – former fortified, ceremonial and residential buildings – are spread across 13 cantons.  

Adapted from German by DeepL/kp/sb 

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