Chillon Castle, near Montreux

Chillon Castle is a magical, medieval castle, right on the sparkling water of Lake Geneva, near Montreux. From the moment I saw it with my parents when I was eleven, I have always wanted to return! I kept a postcard of the castle at sunset, and its chunky perfect sandcastle-like shape stayed with me. I returned to it recently with my husband and daughter, and it did not disappoint! The high, high mountains above it add to the mystique, as do the snowy mountains across the lake. 

You can explore inside the castle, which is very educational. You will learn all about medieval life, and also the scary things that took place in the dungeon. Climb to the top of the towers and look out at the view- other family members sitting at the cafe can see you up in the tower window! You cross a drawbridge to get to the castle, which is actually located on an island. This gave the castle a strategic location militarily, with good views of the coastline and the other side of the lake. The courtyards, towers, and nooks and crannies of the castle are fun to explore and you will never forget it.
There are seven pillars of Gothic mould,
In Chillon's dungeons deep and old,
There are seven columns, massy and grey,
Dim with a dull imprison'd ray... 
Lord Byron did not spend time as a prisoner in the castle, but did write a poem (one verse quoted above) about the prisoner Francois Bonivard. Many famous writers visited the castle around the 19th century because of its romantic appeal: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Mary Shelley, Gustave Flaubert, Victor Hugo, and Alexandre Dumas.
There is a little pebbly cove with crystal clear water and framed by trees, accessed by a short trail, north of the castle, and it's nice to take family photos there with views of the castle. Let your kids scramble over the rocks and dip their toes in the freezing water. 
Cafe Byron, a counter service snack bar above the castle, has fantastic views of the castle from its front patio. Unfortunately, it is incredibly musty in the bathrooms, and in the kitchen, with the air wafting out to the patio every so often. The food is not good, but it's nice to sip a cup of tea on the patio and enjoy the sweeping views. Although it says it is open 9-7, it is actually open until 6pm. 
South of the castle is a little park along the water with plants and flowers and amazing views of the castle. Catch the fast, fun ferry here, and admire the castle from the water. It is wonderful! You can also catch the train to the castle, but not every train stops at the Veytaux stop. Use the SBB Mobile app to find the time of the train or ferry.  The bus is not a good choice because it is too bumpy. When you get off at the Veytaux bus or train stop, you are dumped out on the main road! Walk north along the main road until you find a covered bridge, which is an entrance to the castle grounds- this is the easiest entrance.
You can also walk a waterfront path to the castle, from Montreux or Villeneuve, but it is a long way, and your feet are probably already too tired if you've been traveling a while! I recommend avoiding this option if you have kids, because meltdowns are sure to ensue!

Directions

Chillon Castle is open daily 9-6 (and you can stay till 7pm if you are already inside by 6) in summer. Hours are slightly shorter in off-season.
Pay half price for entrance with the discount card, Montreux Riviera Card, that your hotel gives you.
Cafe Byron, the snack bar, is also open 9-6 even though it says 9-7.
There are about 40 parking spaces along the main road above the castle.
You can also catch the train (not all trains stop at the castle), bus, or ferry to the castle. Use the SBB Mobile app to find the time of the next departure. When you get off at the Veytaux bus or train stop, you are dumped out on the main road! Walk north along the main road until you find a covered bridge, which is an entrance to the castle grounds- this is the easiest entrance.

Click on map for interactive view