Bertholod Tower

Bertholod Tower (Tour de Bertholod) rises above the village of Lutry in the canton of Vaud, set among the terraced vineyards of Lavaux. This medieval structure has watched over the slopes running down to Lake Geneva for centuries, and it makes a rewarding stop on any walk through the wine country above the town.

What is the Bertholod Tower?

The tower is what remains of a fortified house that was surrounded by a defensive wall. It was raised for the mayors of the Bishop of Lausanne, officials who ran the church's estates around Lutry. Records mention it from 1312. It took the name Bertholod only in the 16th century; before that it was simply the mayors' tower. Some sources tie its origins to Bishop Berthold of Neuchâtel and the 13th century, when the town's own ramparts went up (1212–1220), though that account is not universal.

The tower keeps an unusual curved ground plan and two storeys pierced by openings. Land-registry plans from 1705 show a crenellated wall once separating it from the main residence.

Who owns it?

In 1545, after Bern took over the Pays de Vaud, the estate passed to the town of Payerne, which still owns it today despite the site lying in a different municipality. Repairs followed around 1553, and in 1642–1643 Payerne turned it into a home for its winegrower. The tower is listed among cultural properties of regional significance in Lutry.

What will you see?

You view the tower and its grounds from the outside; the interior is not open to casual visitors. The real draw is the setting: rows of vines, dry-stone walls and, on a clear day, a broad panorama over Lake Geneva to the Alps on the far shore. The estate counts among Lutry's most prestigious vineyards, and its Chasselas grapes are vinified by the Cave l'Abbatiale of Payerne.

How do you get there?

From the centre of Lutry it is a walk uphill along lanes and vineyard paths. The area is popular with hikers and cyclists, as marked trails cross the UNESCO-listed Lavaux landscape. Wear sturdy shoes, because the slopes are steep. Trains reach Lutry station on the Lausanne–Vevey line.

When should you visit?

Late spring and early autumn work best. May and June bring fresh green vines, while September and October mean harvest time and golden foliage. In summer, choose morning or late afternoon, since the open terraces offer little shade. Evening light flatters both the lake and the mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the tower? No, the interior is not freely open. Visitors admire the tower and its surroundings from the road or path.

Where does the name Bertholod come from? The name attached itself to the building in the 16th century. Earlier it was known as the tower of the Bishop of Lausanne's mayors. Some writers connect it with Bishop Berthold of Neuchâtel.

Can you taste wine nearby? Yes. The estate is known for Chasselas, and Lutry and the wider Lavaux area have many cellars that welcome visitors, ideally with a booking.

How long should you plan for? One to two hours is enough if you combine the tower with a stroll through the vineyards and a wander around Lutry's old town and its medieval lanes.