Gruyères Castle, Switzerland

Written by Dave:  While we were waiting for our new engine to arrive, we decided to take a weekend trip up to the town of Gruyères to visit the Castle.  As it turned out, our timing was quite fortunate.  This has frequently happened to us, where without planning, we arrive at a place just in time for a festival or some type of celebration.  This time, we arrived for the annual Saint John’s Festival.

During this festival, the castle reclaims its feel of old, with around a hundred participants from four different companies.  They bring a theatrical recreation of what life was like in and around the castle.  There are cooks preparing food in the kitchen, musicians roaming the grounds, skirmishes in the courtyard, and artisanal booths providing anything from good food to crossbows and armor.

This was our first glimpse of the festival that we didn’t know was happening.  What a happy surprise!

Inside the courtyard, they were demonstrating some combat skills.   It was a bit congested, so we moved on.

Here is a view of some of the venders, where you could buy armor and some weapons.  We didn’t foresee a need for this, but it was fun to look at.

We moved on to the castle.  It was very well preserved, and the kids loved exploring.  It was fun to watch the cooks preparing meals, but a bit warm in the kitchen.

This is one of the three capes from the Order of the Golden Fleece captured by the Swiss during the Battle of Morat in 1476.

Walking through the castle, there were many beautifully decorated rooms.

In this room, highly detailed tapestries were on all the walls depicting different biblical events.  This one depicted the story of Samson, and shows him blinded, and turning the mill wheel.

This was the music room, with the piano taking center stage.

Here is the family in the Knights Hall.  This was a very impressive room.  The imagination starts to run wild envisioning the table surrounded by knights discussing the previous battle.

Back outside the castle, the views were stunning.

The garden grounds were green, lush and beautiful.

We are now looking back towards Bulle in the distance, and towards the lake we were staying by.

We had to take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking scenery behind us.  Also, our legs were getting tired.

This is the view looking back up at the castle from the garden grounds.

Luie was able to participate in “Compagnons du Paladin”, where he overcame tests of skill and courage, ultimately receiving his knight certificate.  He had a great time, and is standing proudly with his certificate.

Here is a video of some of the activities he was able to participate in to earn his certificate.