Montreux is full of locations that offer panoramic views of lakes, mountains and rolling hills. Here are some of the just visit places when you are in Montreux:
1. Quays of Montreux: Along the shores of Lake Geneva, the Quays of Montreux grants the view of mountains surrounding the area, the exotic flowers and the ginormous palm trees. One of the notable places in Montreux city, this place attracts visitors with its organised plantations of a variety of flowers.
During dusk, when the sun is spreading the last of its light of day on the sky, a walk along the 13-kilometre long gravelly pathway or a quiet, evening sitting around could be relaxing. The scents of flowers that the gardeners have planted and taken extreme care of, help make the evenings even calmer.
Location: 527 Centre Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
2. Rochers-de-Naye: Soaring high at an altitude of 2,042 meters, the peaks of Rochers-de-Naye proffer a spectacular overlooking view of Lake Geneva and other breathtaking mountains of the Swiss Alps range. Undoubtedly one of the top favourites of the hikers and mountain climbers, the view from the peak is worth all the tough grind to reach atop.
There is also a cogwheel train from Montreux for those who are not avid climbers that takes you through the steepest mountain sides, as you could enjoy the alpine picturesque scenery along the way.
Location: Rochers-de-Naye, Montreux 1820 Switzerland.
Entry fees: For Adult: CHF (Swiss Franc) 68.40, For Children: CHF 34.20
3. Freddie Mercury Statue: The frontman of the rock band Queen had managed to touch the hearts of many and impacted lives even more with the band’s work. His love for Lake Geneva and Montreux, in general, led Freddie to settle down in the town.
To honour the last album by Freddie Mercury with the band “Made In Heaven” that was recorded in Montreux, a bronze statue was erected in 1996 by the waterfront. Today, hundreds of fans of the band visit the statue to pay their respects.
Location: Place du Marche 6B, Montreux 1820 Switzerland.
Entry Fees: Adults: CHF 50.26 (for 2 persons).
Timing: 24 hours.
4. Chillon Castle: If you have been always fascinated by the fortress of medieval eras, this castle is situated on the Lake Geneva shores. It is considered an island castle and it is one of the most visited sites of Montreux Tourism, receiving more than 400,000 visitors every year.
In its centuries of existence, this castle has first been occupied by Counts of Savoy for four centuries from the 12th to 16th centuries. It was then conquered by the Bernese from 1536 to 1798. It is now owned by the State of Vaud. The castle consists of three courtyards, twenty-five buildings, with arts and paintings from different centuries.
Location: Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland.
Entry Fees: For adults: CHF 13.50, for children: CHF 7.00.
Timing: Monday through Saturday – 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m.
5. Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces: Spanned over 800 hectares of land and one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, the astonishing view of Vineyard Terraces at Lavaux will take your breath away. The view of greenery running along the steeped shores of Lake Geneva's never-ending crystal blue water, gives a spellbinding view, unlike anywhere. You could also taste unadulterated locally produced wine while learning about the authentic process from vine to wine.
Location: Canton of Vaud, Switzerland.
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 6a.m to 6p.m.
6. Old City of Vevey: Filled with various historical monuments and museums, Old City of Vevey is located on the north shore of Lake Geneva, near Lausanne. The household name for all chocolate and beverage lovers, Nestlé founded in 1867, has the headquarters in Vevey.
It is also the city where the world-famous comedian and British American actor Charlie Chaplin spent his last years before passing away in 1977. If you walk through the streets of Vevey, even today you will be able to feel the memories of ancient times seeping out each building and walls.
Location: Grande Place 29, 1800 Vevey, Switzerland.
Timing: 24 hours.
7. Eglise St Vincent: Reached by an uphill walk, in the city of Montreux, is the gothic church Eglise St. Vincent. This quaint church not only offers an amazing interior for all the gothic structure lovers, but it also offers an amazing outdoor view of Lake Geneva and the Montreux town.
The quiet surrounding, enveloped in the alpine beauty of mountain one the sides and the lake at the bottom, the time spent on the church could be quite meditative. The blend of original and modern windows in the interior gives the church a mysterious yet welcoming vibe.
Location: Rue du Temple 30, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland.
8. GoldenPass Panoramic: The GoldenPass Panoramic is a train ride between the German and French-speaking regions of the country. The train that passes through the scenic views of these regions where you could often witness cows grazing on the lush green bed of grass, traditional wooden houses.
When covered in snow during winter, looking something like right out of a magazine cover and the great Alpine heights running along with the backdrop of it all. The leisure train ride not only takes you through the changing scenic routes but also helps you understand how these two regions are one of many reasons for Switzerland's diverse cultural heritage.
Location: Interlaken to Montreux or vice versa, Switzerland.
Entry fee: CHF 33 per person (includes food and beverages).
Timing: The duration of the train ride is 1hour 48 minutes. Confirm timing is available at the time of ticket booking.
9. Dent de Jaman: For the hikers and mountain climbers, Dent de Jaman is another mountain overlooking Montreux. Situated at the north of Rochers-de-Naye, the elevation is 1,875 m. It is a part of the Bernese Alps mountain range and offers a wonderful hiking trail for adventurous people.
Once you are atop the Dent de Jaman you could lay on the grassy slopes during the summer and soak in the sun. During winter, when the whole range is covered in snow, hiking might get a little bit uncomfortable. However, it is a heaven for the skiers as the slopes provide them with the perfect slanting to practice their sessions.
Location: Les Rochers-de-Naye 1824 Caux, Switzerland
10. Casino Barrière Montreux: After a long day walk around the various sites at Montreux, if you are interested in little unwinding good booze, poker or other table games, the Casino Barriére at Montreux offers its visitors everything. Established in 1881, the casino has a long history of hosting many symphony orchestras and well-known conductors throughout the twentieth century.
Many rock, blues, jazz artists started performing in the casino by the late 1960s, few among which are Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Evans, etc. Today the casino, along with good music and delicious fares, offers various electronic games, slot machines where anyone could try their hands at.
Location: Rue du Théâtre 9, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland
Entry fee: CHF 10.
Timing:
- Sunday through Wednesday – 10 am to 3 am
- Thursday- 10 am to 4 am, Friday & Saturday – 10 am to 5 am.
