Welcome to the postcard-worthy paradise of Montreux! This town sits right on Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, and it’s full of spots that’ll make you say, “I’m gonna need more time here than I thought!”
Now, I’m sure that you’ve heard about some of the popular tourist hotspots we’re about to mention, but we’re also going to sprinkle in a few hidden gems. So grab your sunglasses or your camera and let’s start with an unexpected spot — because we love showing you places that aren’t on every typical tourist itinerary, but totally should be.
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Fort de Chillon
You’ve probably heard of Château de Chillon, right? Of course you have. But have you heard about Fort de Chillon? It’s a secret military fortress tucked right beside the castle — hidden in plain sight as one of the Swiss army’s best-kept secrets!
If you’re familiar with European history, then you know how many people were puzzled that Germany did not invade Switzerland during World War II. We’re not here to solve that question, but Fort de Chillon shows you how well-prepared Switzerland would have been if that had ever happened.
This bunker was built in 1941 and utilized until 1995, where it strategically defended Lake Geneva and the route to the Swiss Alps from both ground and air attacks. It wasn’t declassified until 2001, and this museum didn’t open until 2020.
You can explore more than 20 rooms across various levels, like living quarters and the ammunition depot and rooms with cannons. The interactive exhibits are super fun and really help you gain a feel for what it was like to live here as a soldier.
Château de Chillon
If you’re looking for things to do in Montreux, Château de Chillon is probably the number one thing that you’ll see recommended. According to their website, they’re the most visited historic building in Switzerland. Chillon is a medieval castle that was first mentioned in the 1100s and has a fascinating history!
- Chillon is built on a small oval island so it’s surrounded by a natural moat.
- It looks like one castle from the outside but it’s actually a complex of 25 buildings and 3 courtyards.
- In fact, the waterfront side is built for defense with arrow slits and ramparts. But the opposite side is dubbed as the “Princely residence” with fancy windows and living chambers. And in between are the courtyards, treasure room, and keep.
- Throughout its history, Chillon has had various owners: the Counts of Savoy, the Bernese bailiffs and, currently, the Swiss Canton of Vaud.
- At one point it was also a defensive fortress, a weapons storage facility, and even a state prison.
- And apparently the castle in The Little Mermaid was inspired by Chillon too!
By the way, if we haven’t met, we’re Jana and Brett, Aplins in the Alps, and we help you travel Switzerland with confidence. We first came to Montreux on our Swiss honeymoon in 2012 but we’ve been back here at least 5 times since. And now that we’re properly introduced, let’s head move on to our next activity.
Montreux Promenade
Since Château de Chillon is on the waterfront, let’s talk about the Montreux Promenade next.
In Latin, Montreux translates to “rocky promontory” — which makes sense when you see all of the rocks lining the water! This promenade technically extends along 13 km / 8 mi of the shoreline from Vevey to Chillon, and most of it is lined with flowers, sculptures, and colorful gardens. What a beautiful place for a stroll or even a morning run. In fact, Brett ran along the entire promenade last time we were here!
Queen Studio Experience (and Freddie Mercury Statue)
If you’re into classic rock music, make sure your walk along the promenade includes a stop at the Queen Studio Experience! It’s housed in the Casino where the band recorded six albums in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Brett’s favorite part is the control room (which has not changed at all since Queen worked here) and where you can make your own mixes of Queen’s classic songs!
But if nothing else, at least snap a selfie with the iconic Freddie Mercury statue that proudly overlooks Lake Geneva.
Montreux Palace Gardens
Another spot worth stopping at along the promenade is the Montreux Palace Garden. This 2.5 acre greenspace was originally designed as a calm retreat space for guests at the opulent Fairmont Montreux Palace Hotel, but now the lawn is sprinkled with statues of famous jazz musicians, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Carlos Santana. And during the Montreux Jazz Festival, this garden hosts free concerts in the park.
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Montreux Jazz Festival
And speaking of music, Montreux is also famous for its world-class Jazz Festival, which is actually one of the biggest cultural events in Switzerland! Every summer since 1967, more than a quarter million people enjoy hundreds of concerts throughout the city. So if you’re here in July, you might just be able to catch some live music by the lake!
Funky Claude’s Bar and Montreux Jazz Cafe
But if you’re not here at that time, you can still sway to some blues at Funky Claude’s Bar in the Fairmont Hotel. They have live music in the evenings and are known for their signature “smoke on the water” cocktail. Yes, that’s right, the famous song by Deep Purple was written in Montreux about a fire that broke out during a concert and none other than Funky Claude himself helped people escape to safety.
Next door is the Montreux Jazz Cafe, a splurge-worthy restaurant for a special meal or fancy dessert with jazzified names and the ambience of the annual music festival.
Montreux Christmas Market
Montreux is more than just castles and concerts — although it does those pretty well. Another reason people flock to Montreux, and specifically the promenade, is for the Christmas markets.
Of course there are magical lights, hundreds of cozy market stalls, and incredible food. But Montreux is most famous for its flying Santa! He makes his appearance in the sky and waves to the crowds every evening.
Montreux’s market usually runs from late November through Christmas Eve, making it one of the longest-running Christmas markets in Switzerland. So if you’ll be in Switzerland during the holiday season, you’ll want to add Montreux to your itinerary!
Montreux Riviera Card
Before we talk about the next few activities, we wanted to quickly mention the Montreux Riviera Card, which you’ll receive if you stay overnight in Montreux or one of the nearby towns. It provides free local transport, reduced prices at more than a dozen museums, and a discount on lake cruises and mountain railways — including a handful of spots on this list.
Now if you have our Travel Guide to Montreux and the Swiss Riviera, we’ve already included all the relevant details you need to know about the Riviera Card, so be sure check that out after finishing this post.
Glion–Territet Funicular
For a view above the city, hop on the Glion-Territet Funicular, which is one of the oldest in Switzerland.
A steep 8-minute, 600-meter ride in a Belle Epoque carriage takes you to an impressive viewpoint overlooking Lake Geneva and Château de Chillon and even the Alps in the distance.
Walk the Rose Trail to Montreux Old Town (Temple of Saint-Vincent)
In fact, you can get off midway at the Collonge station to enjoy the Rose Trail to Montreux Old Town. We enjoy the luscious gardens, towering palm trees, elusive homes, and never-ending vistas. The walk leads toward Saint-Vincent Temple, a 15th century church with a relaxing terrace. And then wind down the charming streets of Old Town Montreux.
Rochers-de-Naye
But that same Glion-Territet Funicular also pairs perfectly with a ride up to Rochers-de-Naye, since you can hop on board the cogwheel train from either Montreux or Glion.
After a 45-minute ride, you’re about 2,000 meters high with sweeping views of the Eiger in the Swiss Alps, Mont Blanc in the French Alps, and Lake Geneva below.
After you snap plenty of pictures of the views, you can enjoy the free La Rambertia flower garden with more than 1000 species, take a hike, or dine in one of the two mountain restaurants. And if you happen to be here at Christmas, you can come here to meet Santa too!
Les Avants–Sonloup Funicular
If you’re not up for going so high, try the Les Avants-Sonloup Funicular instead. Since 1910, it’s brought passengers up to the charming village of Sonloup where you can enjoy scenic strolls through the meadows, which are filled with narcissus flowers in the Spring.
Gorges du Chauderon
Gorges are Jana’s favorite landscape, so of course we had to add the Gorges du Chauderon to our list! The trail starts in Les Avants near the funicular, where you descend into the forest. For the next 5 km / 3 mi and about an hour and a half, you’ll walk past gushing streams and flowing waterfalls as the gorge gradually narrows before dumping you right out into Montreux Old Town.
This hike was closed for 2 years for renovations to make the footpaths safer, and now it’s a stunning place to leave the hustle and bustle of the riviera behind for a hobbit-like dream world.
Ride a Boat on the Lake
And one of the best things to do in Montreux is ride a boat on Lake Geneva! Or as the locals call it — Lac Léman. Or Genfersee, or Lago Lemano, or Lago di Ginevra depending on their language… but we’ll just stick with Lake Geneva.
This is Switzerland’s largest lake, and whether you choose a classic steamboat, a dinner cruise, or a sightseeing tour, you’ll glide past vineyards, castles, and charming villages. Boats depart from Montreux, Vevey, Lausanne, and Geneva — and some routes even cross into France!
More on the Montreux Riviera
So far we’ve only talked about what you can do right here in Montreux.
But where else should you go on your trip to Lake Geneva?
Find out by reading this next, or see how all the activities on this list fit together in a realistic, done-for-you itinerary in our 3-Day Guide to Montreux and the Swiss Riviera.
And we’ll see you in Switzerland!
