Tourbillon Castle
Explore the dramatic ruins of 13th-century Tourbillon Castle, perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of Sion and the Rhone Valley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for the climb
Tourbillon Castle
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for the climb
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the dramatic ruins of 13th-century Tourbillon Castle, perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of Sion and the Rhone Valley.
"Impressive castle ruins with fantastic views over the town and mountains. Well worth the climb!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up is uphill and can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable visit.
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
The climb is exposed, especially in summer. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Valley Views
Summit of Tourbillon Hill
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Sion, the Rhone River, and surrounding mountains. A photographer's dream!
Fascinating Castle Ruins
Tourbillon Castle
Explore the remnants of a 13th-century stronghold, offering a glimpse into medieval history and architecture.
Valère Basilica Vista
Tourbillon Castle
Enjoy a unique perspective of the iconic Valère Basilica perched on the opposite hill.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Climb to the Castle
Free Guided Tours for History Buffs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up is uphill and can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable visit.
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
The climb is exposed, especially in summer. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
📅 Check Opening Times
The castle ruins are generally open from mid-March to mid-November.
🗣️ Join a Free Guided Tour
Highly recommended for historical context and access to special areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up is uphill and can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable visit.
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
The climb is exposed, especially in summer. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
📅 Check Opening Times
The castle ruins are generally open from mid-March to mid-November.
🗣️ Join a Free Guided Tour
Highly recommended for historical context and access to special areas.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are stunning, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tourbillon Castle for its stunning panoramic views of Sion and the Rhone Valley, and the fascinating historical ruins. The free entry and engaging, often free, guided tours are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some note the uphill walk can be challenging, especially in summer heat, and that the ruins themselves offer limited interior exploration.
"Impressive castle ruins on one of the hills in the old town area. Something of a walk from the station, quite a lot of it uphill, but doable. Impressive views from the top over the town and to the mountains around the town. Fun for families and those with children. Well worth spending a couple of hours. In the old town area of Sion. Worth seeing all the castles."
Timothy Pang
"Fascinating ruins of a castle overlooking the nearby basilica and the city of Sion down below. With the free guided tour (given by a very passionate and enthusiastic guide Cedric) we could also see the chapel and the tower together with the amazing view of the entire valley and hear more about the history of the place. We liked the whole experience a lot and would absolutely recommend a visit."
Andraž Košir
"Was hosted by the charming and knowledgeable Cedric for the free guided tour. It is a must do and provides insights and access not usually open to the public. Would happily pay a ticket price for this 90 min experience. It's a fab venue to explore, just make sure you allow time for the ascent. Well worth it. Stories and Sion's history on display with views to match!"
Marc Checkley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Sion train station, it's about a 20-minute walk to Tourbillon Castle. The path involves an uphill climb through the old town.
Parking is available in Sion town, but the castle itself is best reached on foot. The walk from the town center is part of the experience.
While there isn't direct public transport to the castle ruins, buses and trains to Sion town are readily available. From there, it's a walk.
The walk is uphill and can be steep, especially in summer. It's considered doable but requires moderate fitness.
Most visitors approach from Sion's old town, enjoying the scenic walk up the hill. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Tourbillon Castle ruins is free.
No, tickets are not required for entry to the castle ruins as it is free to visit.
The castle ruins are typically open to the public from mid-March to mid-November.
No, the castle ruins are only open seasonally, generally from mid-March to mid-November.
The guided tours are often free, though donations are appreciated. Check locally for specifics.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views of Sion and the valley. The ruins themselves also make for dramatic shots.
Absolutely! The combination of medieval ruins, stunning valley vistas, and the view of Valère Basilica makes it a photographer's paradise.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for capturing the ruins and the landscape.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and national parks. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a standard zoom can capture details of the ruins.
🎫 🏰 Onsite Experience
You'll find impressive castle ruins, enjoy spectacular views of Sion and the Rhone Valley, and can explore the historical site.
Yes, families often enjoy exploring the ruins and the expansive views. It's a fun adventure for kids.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the ruins and soak in the views, plus time for the ascent and descent.
Built in the late 13th century, it served as a defensive structure and bishop's residence before being destroyed by fire in 1788.
Facilities are limited at the ruins themselves. It's best to use restrooms in Sion town before your ascent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider joining a free guided tour, as the engaging storytelling can captivate younger audiences. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for the uphill walk. The free entry makes it an accessible and enjoyable outing for the whole family.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Opting for the free guided tours further enhances the value of your visit without any additional charge. This makes it a highly rewarding experience that doesn't break the bank, allowing you to enjoy history and stunning scenery on a budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing the sweeping panoramas, while telephoto lenses can highlight details within the ruins or distant mountainscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Despite its historical importance, Tourbillon Castle has faced significant challenges. It was partially destroyed by the Upper Valais in 1417 and later suffered a devastating blow in 1788 when a hurricane-like storm ignited a fire that consumed much of the structure. Today, what remains are impressive ruins, meticulously maintained and restored by the Fondation du Château de Tourbillon, allowing visitors to connect with its storied past.
The archaeological evidence suggests the hill was inhabited even earlier, with findings indicating settlement in the 5th millennium BC. This deep history adds another layer to the site's significance, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts. The ongoing restoration efforts ensure that the legacy of Tourbillon Castle continues to be preserved for future generations.
The Ascent and the Views
Upon arrival, the panoramic views are the undeniable highlight. From the castle ruins, you are treated to breathtaking 360-degree vistas encompassing the entire Rhone Valley, the picturesque town of Sion spread out below, and the majestic surrounding mountains. A particularly striking sight is the Valère Basilica, perched on the opposite hill, creating a dramatic and iconic landscape.
+2These stunning views are a major draw for visitors, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities and a chance to appreciate the strategic importance of the castle's location throughout history. The combination of historical ruins and expansive natural beauty makes the climb well worth the effort.
+1The Value of Guided Tours
These guided experiences often provide access to areas not typically open to the public, including the castle chapel and tower. Visitors consistently praise the guides for their enthusiasm and the wealth of information shared, making the 90-minute tours a highly recommended part of the visit. Many feel the experience is so valuable they would happily pay a ticket price for it.
Participating in a guided tour transforms a visit from a simple exploration of ruins into an immersive historical journey. It's an excellent way to learn about the castle's construction, its role in regional conflicts, and the events that led to its current state.
Social
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