Château de Tourbillon

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.

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.

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!

Tourbillon Castle is a castle ruin located on the hill of the same name, northeast of Sion's old town. Tourbillon was built at the end of the 13th century by Bishop Boniface Challant. In 1788, the castle was destroyed by the great city fire. Archaeological excavations show that the hill was already inhabited in the 5th millennium BC. In the Middle Ages, it served as a watchtower during times of war. This is indicated by the remains of a keep. A document from around 1270 lists the names of people who were required to man the watchtower on the hill in times of war. The construction of the castle in its current dimensions was initiated by Bishop Boniface Challant in 1297. The building was intended to protect the city of Sion from the rebellious nobility under Peter IV of Turn. In 1373, Bishop Gitschard Tavel acquired the "Meier's Tower," located on the western slope of the hill, and made it his main residence. In the summer and during periods of impending danger, Tourbillon Castle served as his seat. From 1352 to 1361 and from 1384 to 1392, the Counts of Savoy occupied and administered the castle. In 1417, Tourbillon was finally conquered and partially destroyed by the Upper Valais during the Raron trade. Between 1440 and 1450, Bishop William III of Raron had the castle rebuilt on its original foundations and the castle chapel repainted. On May 24, 1788, a hurricane-like storm swept across the Rhône Valley. At 1:00 p.m., it sparked a fire that the firefighters were unable to extinguish. Within three hours, 226 buildings fell victim to the fire, including the episcopal castles of Majoria and Tourbillon. The complex is currently being restored and maintained by the Fondation du Château de Tourbillon. The castle ruins are open to the public from mid-March to mid-November.

The castle is rather a ruin. You don’t get to see a lot once you enter. However, you get a fantastic view over Sion and the whole valley. I would recommend it. It takes about 20 minutes to get there. If summer, can be very hot as the climb is exposed to the sun. The entrance is free. However, if interested in the history, there is the possibility to do a guided tour.

Visiting Tourbillon Castle in Sion was truly a special experience. The castle stands on a high hill, and though the path up is somewhat steep, the views along the way are already remarkable. Reaching the top, I was rewarded with a breathtaking panorama that stretched over the town of Sion, the Rhône Valley, and the majestic Swiss Alps in the background—a beauty beyond words. Walking among the ancient stone walls and the remnants of the castle, I felt transported back in time, imagining the important role this place must have played in the medieval era. While Tourbillon Castle now stands as a ruin, its architectural beauty and the harmony it shares with the surrounding natural landscape give it a unique and almost mystical charm. There’s a romance to the place, enhanced by its weathered structures and the sense of history that fills the air. The castle offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings, and visiting in the late afternoon was especially magical. The setting sun cast a golden light over the mountains and the town, creating a scene that felt like a painting. In those quiet moments, I found myself reflecting on the lives of the people who once lived here and the history that this castle has witnessed—it was truly moving. If you ever have a chance to visit Sion, Tourbillon Castle is an absolute must-see.

Nice and pleasant walk from Sion train station to the top of this castle takes about 25min. You can have a lunch on the top or just sit down and relax on the Grass or rocks even in the winter when castle is closed for visitors...still nice to walk around

The castle on its own is fantastic, and the views are incredible. But the experience is made much richer by doing the tour (by donation). Our tour with Cedric, was one of the best historical tours we've experienced. He provides a rich depth of information and access to the chapel and tower which were well worth it. Highly recommended!