Fodor's Expert Review Schloss Oberhofen

Even Walt Disney would have a hard time topping Schloss Oberhofen for sheer fairy-tale splendor. The jewel of the village, this delightful hodgepodge of towers and spires sits on the waterfront. Begun during the 12th century, it was repeatedly altered over a span of 700 years. Inside, a museum has a display of the lifestyles of Bernese nobility, along with salons done up in the plushest 19th-century style, plus a Turkish "smoking room," a display of magical medieval stained glass, and a 13th-century chapel with noted Romanesque frescoes. In the Seetürmchen is a lovely, candlelit chamber where all eyes are drawn to an extraordinary carved-wood mermaid chandelier. Those in the know touch the mermaid's belly for good luck. Surrounding the castle is a lovely landscaped park that includes a children's play area.