8 Things to Do in Montreux 2025

9 Highlights in Montreux

• The Montreux Riviera offers a Mediterranean vibe along the lakeshore, flanked by 2000-meter high mountain peaks. The water castle Château de Chillon is an iconic landmark of the Riviera.
• The Rochers-de-Naye, standing at 2042 m above sea level, is the local mountain of Montreux. A cogwheel train takes visitors from Montreux via the Station de Jaman to Rochers de Naye.
• The Golden Pass MOB Belle Epoque train travels on narrow-gauge tracks in the romantic retro style of the 1930s. It starts its journey at Lake Geneva and ends in the mountains at Zweisimmen. Additional trains on the Golden Pass Line continue all the way to Lucerne.
• The “Funi” is a nostalgic cog railway from 1910. It runs from Les Avants in Montreux up to Sonloup. In spring, the hillside turns into a vast daffodil meadow, while in winter it becomes a sledding track.
• A 3-meter tall bronze statue of Freddy Mercury stands in the marketplace by the lake, honoring the famous artist who made Montreux his home. Here, he wrote Queen's album “Made in Heaven.”
• Since 1967, the annual Montreux Jazz Festival has been held along the lakeside promenade.
• The Lavaux region, known for its picturesque vineyards, is located between Montreux and Lausanne. The wine terraces are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• The Casino Montreux Barrière is designed with the charm of the 1970s.
• The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace was built in 1906 on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known as the “pearl of the Vaud Riviera,” it is now an elegant 5-star hotel.

East of Lausanne lies a hidden paradise. It features a maritime mountain landscape with palm trees and artworks right by the Riviera. The fresh mountain air, combined with the lake, makes for a true delight. The city is rightly connected with great artists from bygone times.

Sights in Montreux

The Montreux Riviera reveals itself in all shapes and colors. From the water castle to the bronze statue at the Montreux marketplace, you can discover all its facets. Let the diversity that this lakeside town has to offer inspire you.

Chillon Castle

Just a 10-minute train ride from Montreux station takes you to a place steeped in history. On a rocky island right by the shore, a water castle with historical character awaits you: Chillon Castle. Once, this fortress was owned by the Count of Savoy. From the 17th century, the Bernese and later the Vaudois fought for control of the lakeside castle.

You can also reach Chillon Castle by bus or boat. Once there, you’ll find a variety of impressive murals, buildings, and courtyards. Let yourself be inspired by this remarkable place during a guided castle tour.

Your ticket for Chillon Castle can be booked directly with us.

Montreux Riviera

The Montreux Riviera stretches from Villeneuve to Lutry. It enchants with a Mediterranean flair and invites you to dream. Along the promenade right by the lakeshore, all paths from the surrounding region converge. On a stroll from Montreux to Clarens, allow yourself to be inspired by the impressively decorated facades adorned with stucco. Along the way, you can also discover the vibrant nature by the roadside. Palms and colorful plants are everywhere.

High up in the mountains, you can regularly see trains entering the mountain tunnels. It’ll feel like you’re gazing into a miniature postcard landscape. But it’s all real.

Freddie Mercury Statue

Directly on the market square, Montreux reminds its visitors of a great artist and former resident. The 3-meter bronze statue depicts singer Freddie Mercury. As the singer and producer of the band Queen, he looks towards the lake. At sunset, the view over the shoulder of the statue becomes magical.

At the end of the 1980s, Freddie Mercury settled in Clarens / Montreux. He wrote the lyrics to the album "Made in Heaven" here. Together with the band Queen, Mercury also rented his own recording studio. Today you can admire the studio and numerous finds from the life of the band in the Casino. It is about 7 minutes walk from the marketplace.

Queen - The Studio Experience

Follow in the footsteps of the world band Queen and their lead singer Freddy Mercury and visit the exhibition The Studio Experience. The exhibition is located in the Montreux Casino on the first floor. Here you can admire a piece of the band's history. Former stage outfits, instruments, records and much more are presented

What to expect:

• Handwritten original lyrics by Freddy Mercury
• Signed records and Freddy's inimitable microphone
• In the former studio you can prove yourself as a sound mixer.
• You enter the exhibition via the casino entrance.
• The entrance is free of charge. But you can share a donation to the Freddy Mercury Foundation on the spot.

Chaplin's statue and the fork of Vevey

You can experience the landscape heroine of Lake Geneva in Vevey. It is an oversized metallic fork. It was placed 10 meters in front of the Alimentarium, a museum about food, close to the lake shore and rises out of the water. Between them, on the boardwalk, is the statue of Charlie Chaplin. Like the Mercury statue, the statue faces the lake. It was created from bronze by sculptor John Doubleday

Chaplin's World

The eminent artist Charlie Chaplin also left his mark on the Montreux Riviera. in 1952 he moved with his family to Vevey to the Villa Manoir de Ban, where he lived until his death in 1977. The villa is now a museum and surrounded by a large park. In the Charlie Chaplin Museum you can learn exciting information about Chaplin's professional and private life.

Tickets can be reserved online. The ticket costs 29 CHF for adults and 19 CHF for children. The museum is open between 10:00 and 19:00. (On weekends until 17:00)

Other places of interest

Montreux is home to a number of magnificent residences and hotels built from the mid-19th century onwards. They are part of the city's list of cultural assets worthy of protection. The following sights also belong to Montreux:

• Parish Church of Saint-Vincent: The present building dates back to the 15th century, as does the adjacent ossuary.
• Castle Châtelard in Clarens: It was built in the 15th century and belongs to the cultural assets worthy of protection.
• The Montreux railroad station was opened in 1861. It stands above the lakeshore on the hillside.
• The Audiorama** is a Swiss museum for sound and image. It is located between Montreux and Chillon Castle. In the museum you will experience first hand the technical changes in the field of media.
• Freddie Mercury apartment: In the apartment house Les Tourelles he lives in the top apartment with the curved roof. He once lived there and wrote the song "A winter's tale" sitting on the balcony. If you walk east along the Quai des fleurs from Montreux, you will come to it after about 15 min.
• Port of Clarens: The small port in Clarens is not big. Nevertheless it is worth a visit. Many beautiful boats are moored and there is also a Bain de Clarens for outdoor pool fans in the summer.

Excursions from Montreux

In the area around Montreux, you experience nature up close. Mountains, cities, and Lake Geneva are all interconnected around Montreux, which makes the region unique. The terraces of Lavaux between Montreux and Lausanne are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Boat trips on Lake Geneva from Montreux

The postcard-perfect landscape around Montreux is best viewed from the water. You can board one of the charming, old paddle steamers that invite you on an impressive cruise across the lake. These ships were originally built in 1903 and are a popular photo opportunity for visitors. There are several boarding points from Montreux to Vevey.

During the cruise, you'll see the Haute-Savoie Alps and below you, the magnificent Chillon Castle. You can also spot the well-known Duck House from the lake. This unassuming 5-room villa with its 1,800 m2 garden is located on a peninsula in Clarens. The Duck House was once a retreat and source of inspiration for singer Freddie Mercury and the band Queen. It appears on the cover of their last album, Heaven.

Swiss Activities Offer:

• Boat trip on Lake Geneva from Montreux

Lavaux - UNESCO World Heritage

If you want to drive from Montreux to Lausanne, we recommend taking the road along the lake. The play of light, sky, and water is particularly beautiful from here.

Additionally, you have the chance to discover the unique Lavaux region that you'll pass through. Lavaux is a vineyard area with steep slopes that formed over 15,000 years ago. If you dare to venture to the highest vineyard terrace point in Lavaux-Oron, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the area.

Grangettes Nature Reserve

You can drive for 13 minutes east along Route 9 by the lake to reach Grangettes. This is a nature reserve covering over 6000 hectares of land and water. The area is located below Villeneuve. Grangettes is the last protected shoreline section on Lake Geneva.

You can best explore nature here on foot or by bike. There are many different species of plants and animals to admire, along with a stunning view of the lake.

Rochers-de-Naye

Rochers-de-Naye is the local mountain of Montreux. It is situated above Veytaux and Villeneuve at an elevation of 2042 meters. The best way to get there is by taking the cogwheel train from the station. The journey takes about 55 minutes. Once you reach the summit, you are treated to breathtaking views of the mountains and Lake Geneva.

In winter, you can ski up here. During the summer months from March/April, we recommend hiking or visiting the marmot experience park. The animals come out of their hideouts in the outdoor enclosures in spring. If you have a bit of patience, you’ll definitely spot a few furry friends. This visit is especially great for families with children.

Other Trip Destinations

• The GoldenPass Line: Trips on the GoldenPass Line take you to Lucerne in just about 5 hours. From Montreux, a ride on the narrow-gauge train to Zweisimmen is very popular. The hiking paradise offers several themed hiking trails. + It’s only a 15-minute drive to Vevey. A day trip here with a coffee at the Café Littéraire by the lakefront is definitely worth it.
• Lausanne is also worth a visit. The old town and the impressive cathedral are key highlights. You can reach it by car from Montreux in about 30 minutes.
• Lutry is a place between Montreux and Lausanne. Its medieval old town is very well preserved. The Bertholo Castle at the foot of the vineyards dates back to the 13th century.
• Funi: The nostalgic funicular railway runs from Les Avants in Montreux up to Sonloup. This wonderful hiking area is also known for its white daffodils, which bloom in spring and blanket the hillside like a giant flower bed.

Swiss Activities Tips Montreux

Montreux Riviera Card The card has a lot of advantages for you as a visitor, from which you can benefit in the whole region:

• You can use the public transport of Montreux and Vevey for free.
• You get 20 to 50% discount on admission to museums, action parks, boat trips or mountain railroads.
• The card is usually given to you at your accommodation.

Pralines from the Confiserie Zurcher

You will find something sweet to enjoy at the Confiserie Zurcher near the casino. The confectionery has been in family hands since the 19th century. Especially delicious: the breakfast and the chocolate cake.

Sunset at the Quai de fleur

The sunset is best watched from one of the many benches on the Quai de fleur. On the small banks, the water of the lake is quite calm. Thus, the sunlight is reflected in it particularly beautiful.

Beach feeling in Clarens

A small sandy beach invites you to linger by the water in the summer months. Around it are meadows and trees. The beach is, even if it is well visited, relatively quiet and secluded.

Activities and Experiences in Montreux

Montreux has something for both thrill-seekers and those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Whether you're with kids, flying solo, or with family, you’ll find the right activity for everyone in Montreux and its surroundings.

• Hiking between Vevey and Montreux
• Escape Games in Montreux
• Wine tasting at Château de Crêtes
• Aquapark Le Bouveret

Hiking around Montreux

Between Montreux and Vevey, you’ll find not only pleasant strolls but also proper hikes up to the mountain plateau. As a hiker, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake. On clear days, make sure to catch the sunrises.

The following two hiking destinations are especially beautiful for getting to know the region:

• Terrasse de Lavaux: Hike through the historic vineyards between Montreux and Vevey to Lutry. You'll wander through the vines past the charming village of St-Saphorin. You’ll be surprised by how many wine cellars you come across along the way. Take this opportunity to enjoy a glass of local wine along with some snacks.
• Claude Nicollier Planet Trail: Climb up the mountain Les Pléiades, which is right behind Montreux. In Spring, starting in May, you can admire the beautiful fields of daffodils up there. The so-called Planet Trail is an educational course where you can learn more about the solar system and space. You can take a cogwheel train back down.

Escape Games in Montreux City

There's a new activity in Montreux aside from the Escape Room: the Outdoor Escape Game! Here, you can embark on a treasure hunt around Montreux in a team. For both games, you'll need to solve a puzzle together. Action is guaranteed in this game that lasts up to 4 hours.

You can choose from the following Escape Games in Montreux:

• Outdoor Escape Game Go on a treasure hunt through the city. Your route will be displayed via a smartphone web app..
• Escape Room Game Right in the city center, you'll also find an Escape Room offering an action-packed adventure within four walls.

Wine Tasting at Château de Crêtes

If you want to experience the Montreux Riviera's flavors, visit an exclusive wine tasting at Château de Crêtes. Located above Clarens is the La Cave Vevey-Montreux winery, a winemaking cooperative that's been around since 1864. This activity is perfect for both wine enthusiasts and novices.

Here's what you can expect:

• Taste wines from various grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Chassela, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc.
• The wine tasting takes place exclusively in the historic wine cellar.
• Group bookings available upon request via the website.

The Lavaux region is also popular for wine tastings. Guided tours combine panoramic bus rides through the vineyards with wine tasting and dining.

Aquaparc Experience Le Bouveret

The water park is located in Le Bouveret. It is about a half hour drive south from Montreux. The aquapark is an experience for the whole family. Palm trees, water slides and swimming fun can be found on an area of 27,000 square meters.

What awaits you:

• Large-scale children's and family world with paddling and wave pools and tire slides.
• In the slide world you can try a 103 m long looping slide.
• In the wellness area, several saunas, whirlpools and steam baths await you to relax.
• From March, the water park is open from Wednesday to Sunday between 10:30 and 19:00.

Montreux Shopping

You can shop for souvenirs and regional specialties around the Montreux marketplace. We also recommend the various markets around the Montreux Riviera:

• Market in Blonay: small market with regional delicacies, always on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
• Market of Tour de Peilz, always Thursday from 7:30 to 13:00 and Saturday until 13:30
• Vevey market, always Tuesday and Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m

Other activities

• Biking A beautiful route from Montreux to Geneva is the Rhone route. Along the Rhone you cycle past Lake Geneva and the UNESCO heritage site of Lavaux. The route is 308 km in total and takes about 4 to 5 days. Small sections are limited to the Montreux Riviera or the vineyards of Lavaux.
• Inlining around the lake There are designated trails from Montreux Casino from which you can start.
• Paragliding Villeneuve: Seeing Montreux from above is always worth a flight. In Villeneuve there are several flying schools. There you can glide together with a pilot from the mountain down to the lake.
• Water sports:** Lake Geneva is perfect for practicing various water sports such as stand up paddle, kayaking or boating. There are several providers on Lake Geneva that rent boats and kayaks. For guided kayak tours from Montreux, the starting point is in Port-Valais. You can reach it from Montreux by train via St-Maurice in about an hour.

Events in Montreux

The Montreux Riviera is known for its artistic and charming character. During the summer, numerous musical and artistic events take place under the sunshine and pleasant Mediterranean temperatures.

Winter in Montreux also has a lot to offer, especially during the Christmas season. In December, you can even see Santa Claus riding his sleigh across the lake along the promenade.

Montreux Jazz Festival

The Montreux Jazz Festival is arguably the most famous music event in the jazz field in Europe. Since 1967, numerous music greats such as Aretha Franklin, Charles Lloyd, Prince, and many more have performed. The two-week festival takes place every July. Stages are set up all over the Riviera for artists to present their music. Admission is free. Tickets for selected concerts can be booked in advance.

Other Events:

• Montreux Noel: The Christmas market takes place every year from November 24 to December 24 at the lakeside. 170 exhibitors and vendors present lovingly crafted goods in small wooden stalls. Starting at 4:00 PM, Santa makes an appearance on his sleigh every hour. A perfect experience for families and anyone looking for a touch of Christmas and reflection.

• Permanent Cultural Exhibition of Vaud: A permanent exhibition entitled "The Collection" features works from the 18th century to the present. This exhibition is open year-round and provides a comprehensive insight into the cultural heritage of Vaud.

• Montreux Biennale: An extraordinary event takes place every 2 years along the lakeside promenade in Montreux. Artists from Switzerland collaboratively design sculptures that they then display along the promenade.

Getting to Montreux

Montreux is located in the canton of Vaud, positioned in the northeast by Lake Geneva. Locals refer to it as the “Pearl of Lavaux.” The city is well-connected, making it easy to reach by car or public transport.

by Car

Driving from Basel to Montreux takes about two and a half hours, covering a distance of around 186 km. Take the A2 highway towards Bern, then continue on the A12. At Pont-en-Ogoz, switch to the E27 heading towards Vevey. At the Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz exit, you'll see Montreux down in the valley by Lake Geneva.

by Public Transport

You can easily reach Montreux by train, as the city has its own railway station. Montreux is connected via InterCity and InterRegio train services to and from Basel, Geneva, Bern, and Zurich. The Golden Pass Line connects Montreux to Lucerne via Interlaken, Spiez, Zweisimmen, and Gstaad.

The S-Bahn is linked to RE trains through Vevey:

• S1: Yverdon-Les Bains - Vevey - Lausanne
• S3: Allaman - Vevey - Villeneuve

Hotels in Montreux

Accommodation in Montreux is both sophisticated and affordable. There is a suitable accommodation for every budget and price range. Whether luxury hotel or simple youth hostel: you are free to decide where you prefer to go.

Fairmont Montreux Palace

This luxurious hotel is located close to the city and has 236 luxury rooms and suites. Every room has a lake view. The Belle Epoch facade presents an impressive appearance. The hotel has several restaurants, a fitness and spa area with large indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Suitable for: Travelers on a budget

Eurotel Montreux

The Eurohotel is located directly on the lakeshore and, with its four stars, belongs to the mid- to upper-range hotel class. The hotel is stylishly furnished. You can choose between classic rooms and various suites with panoramic views. The hotel has a beautiful sun terrace directly on the lakeshore.

Suitable for: Travelers with a medium budget

Montreux Youth Hostel

You will find a simple but comfortable youth hostel at the beginning of Quai-Ami Chessex. It's a 4-minute walk from the Montreux-Territet train station along the lakeside promenade. There are modern double and multi-bed rooms. Breakfast is included in the rate. Lunch and dinner can be booked on request.

suitable for: Travelers with small budget_

Restaurants in Montreux Riviera

Gourmet fans will not be disappointed in Montreux Riviera. The region is known for good and varied cuisine with many of its restaurants. From small snacks to noble luxury restaurants, which even have a Michelin star, every taste is catered for.

Les Ateliers Vevey

Les Ateliers has a Michelin star and is a restaurant of the upper luxury class. A visit there is like an adventure: the delicious delicacies are served in the historic, industrial walls of a former stainless steel workshop. Jean-Sébastien Ribette has defined two special menu variations that have proven their worth for 16 years

Suitable for: High budget

Le Mai Thai Clarens

Excellent Thai cuisine with a wonderful sun terrace and view of the lake: that's what you get at Le Mai Thai on a small hill in Clarens. A variety of fish and meat dishes are available here at moderate prices.

Suitable for: Medium budget

Café de la Poste Cully

This traditional restaurant is located in Cully and has a large sun terrace with beer garden. For small and large appetites, the café always has just the right thing on its weekly menu. The local sausage specialties are particularly appreciated here.

Suitable for: Small to medium budget

The Montreux Riviera is always the right choice as a destination from spring to winter. If you want to get to know the region and its many small towns and countryside spots as far as Vevey and beyond, we recommend a trip of 3-4 days.

Photo rights large photo

• Maude Rion Montreux Tourisme