Why Montreux Should Be on Every Traveler’s Swiss Itinerary

Nestled on the northeastern shore of Lake Geneva and framed by the Swiss Alps, Montreux is a town that seems to have it all—breathtaking views, cultural depth, historic elegance, and modern sophistication. Long known as a retreat for artists, musicians, and royalty, Montreux continues to charm visitors with its lakeside walks, Belle Époque architecture, and vibrant festivals.
 

Whether you're here for the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival, a stroll to Chillon Castle, or a leisurely sip of local Swiss wine, Montreux promises a magical escape in every season.

📍 Where is Montreux?

Region: Vaud Canton, French-speaking Switzerland

On Lake: Geneva (Lac Léman)

Population: ~26,000

Language: French (English widely understood)

Nearest Airport: Geneva (1h 15m by train)

🏞️ Why Visit Montreux?

🌅 Breathtaking Lakeside Scenery with palm-lined promenades

🎷 Home of the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival

🏰 Proximity to Chillon Castle, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles

🥾 Easy access to Alpine hiking trails and mountain excursions

🍷 Local vineyards in the Lavaux wine region (UNESCO)

🛳️ Enjoy scenic boat cruises on Lake Geneva

🏛️ Art, literature, and music heritage with connections to Freddie Mercury, Byron, and Stravinsky

🗺️ Top Attractions in Montreux

1. 🏰 Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon) is a must-see, just a 45-minute walk or short bus ride from Montreux.

13th-century castle on a rocky islet in Lake Geneva

Inspired Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon”

Explore Gothic dungeons, grand halls, towers, and frescoes

Amazing lake and mountain views from the battlements

📸 Tip: Visit near sunset for magical golden light reflections on the lake.

2. 🎷 Montreux Jazz Festival

Held every July, the Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious music events.

Launched in 1967, past performers include Nina Simone, Queen, Miles Davis, and Prince

Performances take place in Auditorium Stravinski and along the lakeside

Free open-air concerts, workshops, and exhibitions during the festival season

Year-round legacy at the Montreux Jazz Café and Queen Studio Experience

3. 🎤 Queen Studio Experience (Casino Barrière Montreux)

Inside the Casino Barrière, visit the recording studio where Queen recorded several albums, including parts of “Made in Heaven.”

Free museum featuring Freddie Mercury’s memorabilia

Original mixing desk and interactive exhibits

Perfect for music fans and 80s nostalgia seekers

4. 🌴 Montreux Promenade

One of the most scenic walkways in Europe, the Montreux promenade stretches from Vevey to Chillon Castle.

Palm trees, flowers, sculptures, and lakeside cafes

Don’t miss the Freddie Mercury statue, an iconic photo spot

Great place for a romantic stroll or cycling

5. 🚡 Rochers-de-Naye

For panoramic Alpine views, take the cogwheel train from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye (2042 m).

Journey takes ~1 hour through forests and meadows

At the summit: views of Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc, and the Dents du Midi

Activities include:

Hiking trails

Marmot Paradise (small zoo)

Alpine Garden (summer)

Santa Claus House (December)

6. 🍇 Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Just minutes from Montreux, these spectacular terraced vineyards produce some of Switzerland’s best white wines.

Explore villages like Cully, Epesses, and Saint-Saphorin

Take a wine tasting tour or scenic hike between vineyards

The Lavaux Express tourist train offers a unique way to see the region

7. 🎭 Musée de Montreux

Small but engaging, this museum chronicles the town's history, tourism rise, and cultural evolution.

See Belle Époque photos, early tourism memorabilia, and jazz artifacts

Located in a charming old villa near the promenade

8. 🌊 Lake Geneva Cruises

Cruise across Lake Geneva on vintage paddle steamers operated by CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation).

Popular routes: Montreux to Lausanne, Vevey, Chillon Castle

Enjoy onboard dining and panoramic decks

Ideal for a summer afternoon or romantic evening

🏨 Where to Stay in Montreux

🌟 Luxury

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace – Iconic 5-star hotel with spa, lakefront views, and Belle Époque charm

Royal Plaza Montreux & Spa – Modern rooms and a lakeside terrace restaurant

Eurotel Montreux – Great lake views and ideal location for exploring

🏡 Mid-Range

Tralala Hotel Montreux – Music-themed boutique hotel in the old town

Hotel Eden Palace au Lac – Historic property right by the promenade

💰 Budget

Youth Hostel Montreux – Affordable, clean, and social

Hotel Parc & Lac – Centrally located, with minimalist design and great views

🍽️ Where to Eat in Montreux

Restaurant Le Pont de Brent – 2 Michelin stars; fine dining in a serene village nearby

Chez Gaston – Swiss classics like fondue and raclette

La Rouvenaz – Italian cuisine with lakeside seating

Montreux Jazz Café – Casual but delicious food with musical flair

Bleu Lézard – Trendy bistro in Vevey (nearby)

🚉 Getting to Montreux

By Train:

From Geneva: 1h 15m

From Lausanne: 30 minutes

From Zermatt: ~2h 30m via Visp

By Car: Scenic drives along Lake Geneva, but limited parking in the old town

By Boat: Seasonal connections via CGN steamers

🚌 Getting Around

Walking is best for exploring Montreux’s compact lakeside center

Buses connect outer neighborhoods and local villages

Funiculars & Trains provide access to hilltop lookouts and mountain areas

Bikes and e-scooters are rentable through local apps

📅 Best Time to Visit Montreux

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in Montreux

📍 Freddie Mercury statue with lake backdrop

📍 Chillon Castle with snowcapped Alps

📍 Montreux Promenade in spring bloom

📍 Sunset from Rochers-de-Naye

📍 Vineyards in Lavaux golden hour

📍 Paddle steamer on Lake Geneva

🧭 Suggested 1-Day Itinerary in Montreux

Morning:

Breakfast with a view at La Rouvenaz

Walk the promenade to Freddie Mercury statue

Visit Chillon Castle (open at 10 AM)

Afternoon:

Take the cogwheel train to Rochers-de-Naye

Picnic or lunch with panoramic views

Return for a lake cruise or visit Queen Studio Experience

Evening:

Wine tasting or dinner at Chez Gaston

Sunset photos on the promenade

🎉 Annual Events in Montreux

Montreux Jazz Festival (July) – Global musicians, lakeside stages, vibrant nightlife

Christmas Market (late Nov–Dec) – Swiss chalets, artisan gifts, lakeside lights

Septembre Musical – Classical music festival in the autumn

Montreux Comedy Festival (December) – Laughter with international comedians

🧠 Fun Facts About Montreux

Freddie Mercury loved Montreux so much, he had a home here

Charlie Chaplin lived nearby in Corsier-sur-Vevey; visit Chaplin’s World Museum

Montreux has been a spa town since the 19th century, attracting European nobility

It’s part of the "Swiss Riviera", thanks to its palm trees and warm microclimate

✨ Final Thoughts: Why Montreux Is a Must-Visit Swiss Destination

Montreux offers an irresistible mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and lakeside luxury. Whether you come for the music, the mountains, or just the magic of Lake Geneva, Montreux will reward you with unforgettable views, world-class experiences, and Swiss hospitality at its finest.

Ideal for romantic getaways, solo adventures, or family holidays, Montreux is more than just a stop—it’s a highlight of any Swiss journey.