My boyfriend has been my guide through Switzerland and decided today we'd visit the Tower of Fart…read more I know apparently how you pronouce Peilz sounds the same as the word fart. Later on I'll be reviewing the Castle of to shit. Anyways, this tower is situated near the lake and is in the city near Nestle. Yes the company is from Switzerland. Saw the building too. The tower has some kind of walk way to it, but it was closed when we got to the door. We then took a walk around the tower. There was a cave with water dripping through the top as it was raining when we were there. Also a little area full of yachts. Cute place to meander around. The museum of games is here too.

The Prison Tower claimed to be the oldest building in Neuchâtel with foundations dating back to the…read more10th century. The Prison tower can be found at the base of the Neuchatel castle and is definitely worth a stop for anyone touring the area. Inside the tower as you climb the steep wooden stairs up you will find two two wooden cells that were used until 1848 (couldn't believe how tiny they were!). Once you reach the top, you will find a fantastic view of the city, lake, and surrounding mountains. For only 2 chf entrance free it is definitely worth a visit for the view. The entrance is automated, and there are no humans manning the gate. The tower closes at 6pm. You have to feed the machine exactly 2 CHF in coins, no more, no less. If you don't give it exact change, the door won't open, and you won't get your coins back. We were 10 cents short, and it wouldn't give us back our money, we had to run to a nearby store to get 10 cents to feed into the machine in order for it to let us in. It was quite frustrating. Also, there is a large turnstile gate and a door. It is not the door that you enter it is the claw like turnstile. After you feed the machine 2 chf there is no sound or indication that the door has been released, you just go through. Then the next person is free to feed the machine money. Other than the frustrating entrance turnstile, I enjoyed the view awaiting me at the top.

The Neuchatel Castle is now home to the Neuchatel cantonal legislative offices, the cantonal law…read morecourts (hold hearings here), and other administrative offices. Between 1st April and 30th September, the castle is open for free guided tours. Guided tours leave from the main entrance at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on weekdays and 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on Saturdays and at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on Sundays and public holidays. The guided tour takes you through several of the legislative and court rooms, knights room, and offices. The tour guide was extremely informative and friendly, probably one of the best tour guides I have had. The inside of the castle was definitely worth seeing. There are some beautiful art pieces and historic Neuchatel Clocks on display within some of the rooms.

This iconic medieval clock tower is not just a historic landmark but a fascinating glimpse into the…read morecity's past. Watching the astronomical clock's mechanical figures put on their little show every hour is surprisingly mesmerizing--it's like stepping back in time. We didn't have time and energy for the guided tour. The surrounding streets are charming, filled with cafés and little shops perfect for exploring afterward. Even if you're just strolling by, catching the hourly chime and clock performance is free and worth it.

The 179 ft clock tower is the oldest monument of the city with its 15th-century astronomical clock…read more I, and others, assumed there was going to be something special that happened every hour. There wasn't.

You can enter the castle for free. Upon crossing the stone bridge and entering the castle gate you…read moreare immediately transported to a peaceful garden like courtyard. You can freely explore the courtyard and enjoy the peaceful setting on a bench. Take the time to climb the wooden stairs and peep through the loopholes of the castle wall to enjoy some views over the town. The castle is also home to the Vitromusee Stained Glass Museum and the town Préfecture (local government offices). For CHF 10 you can enter the Stained glass museum for an interesting look at the evolution of Stained glass across the centuries.

Want to step back into medieval times? Then definitely check out the Château de La Bâtiaz. This…read moreis a 13th Century medieval castle built as a fortress, not a residence, in order to protect the neighboring area. No fancy royal balls were thrown here, the only thing thrown here most likely were large objects from a catapult. From Martigny, you need to walk across the river, out of town, and up into the cliffs. It's a short trek, but worth it. Check out the website for information on visiting times. We went during the off season, but were lucky to catch a demonstration of one of the many catapults they have on display in the courtyard as you enter the castle. There is supposed to be a display of torture devices, and while there were a few, I think that either it was shut down for the season, as we went through the turn style without having to pay, or, it was under renovation. We climbed up the tower (which it appears you typically have to pay for, but for some reason there was no ability to pay - you just walked up at the time), and from the top of the tower is a great view of the region. Also, one of the special surprises was that there is a medieval tavern on site. The food was really good! They also appear to put on shows at the castle during the open season. I would definitely go back.

Very original and good medieval food and service :)read more

Totally worth a visit for fans and the curious…read more I grew as a fan of the Alien franchise, so it was definitely a treat to see some of the other work from HR Giger. The museum is small, but there's enough for you to spend an hour or two checking things out. The artwork is somewhat trippy and incredibly iconic and unique, with a combination of cyberpunk, body horror, religious, and sexual imagery. It's a pretty weird and random fit for the idyllic and quaint Gruyeres, but the contrast makes it part of the fun. Definitely check it out if you are in Gruyeres. Admission was included as part of my Swiss travel pass.

I'm a fan of Giger's work in the Alien, Species, Dune and other projects so when I was in…read moreSwitzerland I made a point to come here. The fact that it's located in a historic medieval village and cheese making region is quirky, but adds a dimension to balance out those activities. The museum is located in an old medieval castle/gate type building. There are several floors featuring Giger's creations along with an area for rotating exhibits by other artists in the same genre. Obviously the biggest draw for most people is the art related to the Alien movies. There are concept drawings, models, and actual pieces used in the movies, enough to keep you satisfied! Giger also branched into making other items in a similar theme, check out the dining table and chairs amongst other things. There's a room with erotic art, you need to be over 18 to see that, however there isn't anyone actively enforcing this. You have the opportunity to buy original pieces of art actually created by Giger, along with prints and t shirts, and bottles of the artist's own brand of absinthe. Sadly it's all expensive (even the t shirts were around 40 francs) so be aware. This museum is worth a visit for fans of Giger's work. Definitely consider if your kids can handle visuals like this if they're with you. It's dark by definition.