Montreux: Scenic Lakeside Beauty, Vibrant Jazz Heritage, and Rich Culinary Scene

Montreux, which is tucked away in the Swiss Alps and situated on the beaches of Lake Geneva, is a veritable haven of peace and beauty — dubbed the Pearl of the Swiss Riviera.

The town's beautifully maintained lakeside promenade is dotted with flowers, sculptures and Mediterranean trees, and offers a serene walk that stretches from Chillon Castle, an architectural jewel of the region, to the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides its natural and cultural offerings, Montreux is a hub of culinary delights, featuring a diverse array of restaurants that cater to every taste and preference.

If you enjoy hiking, music, water sports, history and culture, Montreux should definitely be on your travel itinerary when visiting Switzerland. Here are my recommendations for the top Montreux activities throughout the year, ranging from lake cruises and water sports to the fabled Chillon Castle and the Swiss chocolate train.

Directions to Montreux

The easiest way to get to Montreux from the nearest airport is to take one of the regular trains that runs from Geneva International Airport.

The trains leave at least twice an hour, and the trip takes around one and a half hours. I promise you, the vistas are so amazing that you'll wish the trip could last longer!

The GoldenPass Line, a picturesque train route that connects Lucerne, Interlaken, Zweisimmen and Montreux, passes via several stations, including Montreux.

By train, Montreux is also easily accessible from other Swiss cities and towns.

If you have a rental automobile, you might decide to use it instead. Depending on traffic, the drive from Geneva to Montreux takes approximately one hour. The journey takes around two and a half hours from Zurich.

Tip: In case you choose to drive, Montreux has several parking lots. One of the biggest and most affordable parking lots in the city is the one in the Place du Marché. Parking is also possible along the lake, close to Chillon Castle.

Swiss Pass for Travel

The Swiss Travel Pass is something we strongly advise obtaining if you're planning to travel throughout Switzerland. With the pass, you can go around the nation on the majority of public transportation options, including buses, trains and boats.

It's an economical and practical way to see the breathtaking Swiss landscape and quaint cities like Chur, Spiez and Montreux.

The pass is available for purchase for varying lengths of time, from three to fifteen days, contingent upon the length of your stay in the nation. The pass also offers free admission to numerous prestigious museums and exhibitions across Switzerland.

When to go

Although there are winter sports resorts nearby, Montreux is not recognized as a ski destination like other Swiss travel destinations.

Even in December, January and February, Montreux experiences average nighttime lows of -1 to -2°C.

Summertime in Montreux is also rather warm, with typical daytime highs of 23 to 25°C. All year-round, Montreux is a popular destination due to its warm climate.

The Christmas market is a popular winter attraction— summer visitors are more likely to be drawn to boat cruises, hiking, water sports and paragliding.

If you love jazz, you should definitely visit the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival, which takes place on the banks of Lake Geneva every July.

Spring is another fantastic time to visit Montreux when the magnificent flowers that line the lakeside promenade are in full bloom. While it's not as hot as it would be in the summer, it is a slightly more tranquil time of year to visit than the busy summer vacation period.

The 10 Top Activities in Montreux

The Lakeside Promenade in Montreux

The eight-mile-long lakefront promenade in Montreux connects Vevey, Montreux and Chillon Castle. The route is quite attractive, as it passes by the lake's shimmering waters and snow-capped peaks in the distance. Along the journey, flowers and palm trees create an almost tropical atmosphere.

If you're pressed for time, I'd recommend just walking the portion that leaves from town. Otherwise, you can walk the entire trip.

The Chateau de Chillon

One of the greatest things to do in Montreux is to view Château de Chillon, also known as Chillon Castle (it's actually one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire nation).

The castle offers stunning views of France across the lake, and there are also courtyards, turrets and even former jail cells to explore on the property.

Jazz Festival in Montreux

When to go: July's first two weeks

For many years, the Montreux Jazz Festival has been a globally renowned musical extravaganza that goes beyond its genre. It is also well-known for the 1971 fire that took place there, which is remembered in the Deep Purple song Smoke on the Water.

Big-name performers and bands including Pink Floyd, Lady Gaga, David Bowie and Prince have all performed at Montreux. Jazz vocalists such as Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald have also been included.

Tip: If you intend to attend, I'd suggest making reservations for your travel, lodging and tickets as soon as possible because the Montreux Jazz Festival, which takes place in July, sells out quickly.

Queen: The Experience in the Studio

For those who enjoy music, I would also suggest "Queen: The Studio Experience" in Montreux.

The museum, which Brian May inaugurated in 2013, is crammed with artifacts associated with the British rock group. For lovers of pop or rock music in general, as well as the group's music specifically, it is consequently essential listening.

Take a hike

There are hiking paths in Montreux to suit every skill level, and hiking is very popular there. I suggest taking a trip through the UNESCO-designated Lavaux vineyard for a comparatively brief excursion.

Alternatively, go for a lengthy hike through the Montreux Riviera's mountains.

Some routes are 10 or more miles long, but the smallest ones are only two or three miles long. In season, there is a variety of mountain hikes, and picturesque routes around lakes and vineyards. Just ask your concierge for detailed orientation.

Good to know: Hiking is an immensely popular activity among the Swiss, largely due to Switzerland's diverse and scenic landscapes. The country's extensive network of well-maintained trails caters to all levels of hikers, from leisurely walkers to serious mountaineers. Switzerland's commitment to conservation and outdoor activities is evident in its preservation of natural sites and the accessibility of its hiking paths.

Lake Geneva boat excursion

I would recommend taking a boat cruise on Lake Geneva as one of the most serene and breathtaking things to do in Montreux. A vintage paddle boat with a distinctive viewpoint of the town, lake, mountains and countryside can be boarded from the town center's jetty.

All year-long, Lake Geneva boat cruises provide an exceptional chance to glide across the water against the stunning backdrop of the Alps.

Water sports at Lake Geneva

Montreux hosts a plethora of sporting events around Lake Geneva. Swimming is a popular summertime activity, while other nearby water sports include paddle-boarding, sailing, kayaking and canoeing.

Good to know: there is a municipal council prohibition on jet skis, jet boats and parasailing on Lake Geneva, though.

Christmas Markets in Montreux

The Montreux Christmas market, which features more than 150 wooden huts selling a wide variety of seasonal goods, takes place every year between mid-to-late November and Christmas Eve.

Held beside the lake, the lit market is a charming event with a charming celebration vibe.

Hang-Gliding

Many people consider going paragliding over Lake Geneva, which offers a bird's-eye view of Montreux and the surrounding water, vineyards and mountains, to be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The chocolate train in Switzerland- perfect with kids!

The Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory is located in Broc, and the Swiss chocolate train travels there from Montreux.

The Swiss Chocolate Train excursion is well worth it with its historic Belle Epoque carriages and breathtaking views over the lake and vineyards.

Day trips

There are several day trips from Montreaux that offer breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences:

Les Diablerets and Glacier 3000: This trip takes you to the stunning Alpine peaks with opportunities to walk the Peak Walk by Tissot, a suspension bridge linking two mountain peaks. Glacier 3000 is about a 50-minute drive from Montreux and offers spectacular views and adventurous activities such as skiing and snowboarding depending on the season​.

Gruyères: Just about an hour and a half away, Gruyères offers a peek into Swiss heritage with its famous cheese dairy, the medieval town, and the Château de Gruyères. You can also visit the nearby Maison Cailler in Broc to indulge in Swiss chocolate​​.

Lavaux Vineyards: If you prefer something closer, the Lavaux Vineyards are perfect for wine lovers. You can explore these terraced vineyards, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site, either on a leisurely hike or on a guided tour to learn about local winemaking and sample exquisite wines​.

Zermatt and the Matterhorn: For a longer trip, Zermatt is about 2.5 hours by train and offers dramatic views of the Matterhorn. This car-free village is a hub for skiing, hiking and mountaineering and offers numerous boutiques and restaurants​.

Le Palais Oriental — Renowned for its exquisite Lebanese and Persian cuisine, this restaurant presents a lavish decor reminiscent of a Sultan's palace. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying rich, flavorful dishes with a beautiful lakeside view

Montreux Jazz Cafe — This restaurant is themed around the famous Montreux Jazz Festival and offers a menu of French and international dishes. It's known for its creative cuisine and vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists​

Rouvenaz — Italian and Mediterranean dishes are the specialties here. Offering everything from seafood to pizza, this restaurant is appreciated for its quality ingredients and central location, just a few steps from Lake Geneva​

Restaurant Le Museum — Nestled in a quaint and historic setting, this restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem in Montreux. It offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere with a fireplace and serves traditional Swiss dishes, including fondue and raclette, which are perfect for chilly evenings.

Funky Claude’s Bar — Located within the Montreux Palace Hotel, this bar offers not only a great selection of drinks but also a fantastic menu that includes both local and international options. It's a vibrant spot for enjoying live music and a casual, stylish dining experience (it's not your usual hotel bar).