Château-d’Oex, Mountain municipality in Vaud, Switzerland
Château-d'Oex is a mountain municipality in the Vaud region that sits on an alpine plateau. The settlement has scattered houses, open meadows, and forests spread across its territory.
The settlement first appeared in written records in the 12th century and was ruled by the Counts of Greyerz for a long time. Over the centuries, control passed between different lords before joining Switzerland.
The community maintains long-standing practices in cheesemaking, with locals still following traditional methods passed down through generations. This craft remains woven into daily routines and shapes how people here work together.
The area is accessible by public transportation and has parking for visitors who drive. Winter brings skiing and snow sports, while summer offers hiking and outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
Each winter, the municipality becomes a gathering place for hot-air balloonists from around the globe during an international balloon festival. This event draws thousands of spectators who watch the colorful flights fill the sky.
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