Montreux is a pretty town that rises above the eastern end of Lake Geneva. It offers a relaxed and enjoyable spot to visit in Switzerland as a spot on its own merit as well as a great jumping off point to explore the cheese and wine hubs nearby by Lavaux and Gruyères. If you are planning a visit here are 10 things to do in Montreux.

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1.) Go Back in Time at Chateau de Chillon

On the water’s edge, just outside of town, sits the Chateau Chillon. This is a genuine medieval castle dating from the 12th century. The original name literally means castle on the rock so you know the view has to be good!

Inside you will find glimpses of the ancient dungeons, medieval framework (who doesn’t love a garderobe room) and more modern touches. The castle is used for special dinners, parties and wedding receptions and you might be lucky to catch a room set for dinner.

On entry, you can pick up a map to help you find your way around along the numbered trail. The final stop on the self guided tour is the tower so save some puff. The view from up here fantastic and there is an interesting room full of armour and weapons in the way up to let you catch your breath.

2.) Place a Bet at Casino Barrière de Montreux

Montreux has had a casino since the 1880s and it has always been a great spot for both a flutter on the tales and to see excellent music. It has played host to orchestras, world class bands and it used to be the main spot for the Montreux Jazz Festival. The casino was rebuilt after a huge fire in 1971. It was this disaster that inspired Deep Purple to write “Smoke on the Water”. The fire was started by flare guns used in a concert…see, it is really full of music history.

In terms of gambling, you’ll find plenty of table games like blackjack and roulette along with slot machines galore. If you love to take on The House then you will have a lovely time.

3.) Take a Swim in Lake Geneva

In the summer months, the water of Lake Geneva makes a refreshing place to take a dip. You will find a nice spot next to the Marche Couvert (covered market). It is a large, round swimming platform which has a couple of ladders into the lake. However, there isn’t a lot of room to sunbathe or relax with friends. For a roomier alternative, head around the lake to Vevey for easier access. You will be astonished by the clear water and the cute little fish darting through the lake.

4.) Fort de Chillon

Fort de Chillon was built into the hill behind Chateau de Chillon during the second world war. It housed a barrage of guns and antitank armaments. These days it houses a really fun museum, all based around the life of a soldier. Visitors can explore interactive challenges, complete problem solving puzzles and play fantastic VR games. You will learn about the defensive strategy of Switzerland, something that was luckily, never challenged during the fort’s active years.

5.) Freddie Mercury Statue

Standing proud on the edge of the lake is a 3m tall bronze statue of Freddie Mercury created by Czech-born sculptor Irena Sedlecka. It was unveiled in 1996, five years after the star’s death. All day, a steady stream of tourists are to be found striking the same famous pose made iconic at the 1986 Wembley concert. Freddy Mercury lived and worked in Montreux for many years and if you want to learn a bit more about it then you need to visit….

6.) Queen – The Studio Experience

To learn more about Queen’s connection to Montreux, and the life of Freddie Mercury, head to the Queen – The Studio Experience. This free museum has some amazing Queen memorabilia including stage costumes, family photos and handwritten lyrics from their song writing sessions. Queen recorded albums at Mountain Studios, their Montreux studio, including Freddie’s very last work. Although this is not the original location of the studio, it does hold a faithful reconstruction in which you can play at producing a track. Rumour has it, the actual studio is still hidden away somewhere in the casino but it is impossible to reach. You can imagine them performing songs for recording n on the large gambling floor though.

7.) Enjoy a Wine Tasting

Just a short train ride from Montreux are hundreds of small, family owned wineries. It is this boutique vineyard set up that mean most of Switzerland’s wine stays within the country. You can visit a couple of the wineries nearby when it’s warm but to get a wonderful overview of the wine produced, take the short train ride around to Lavaux Vinorama. Here there are over a hundred wineries represented and there are loads to try by the glass. You can also opt for one of their tastings, some of which like the Aromatic Whites tasting are rather unique. Its a very casual atmosphere so there is no worry that someone will discover you if your aren’t a connoisseur.

8.) Take a Train Trip

I know, I shouldn’t be telling you to leave the town but there are some really special trains that start and end in Montreux. You can hop on one and ride it up to the next station, changing to another to come back. Both of these trains run on the same tracks, affording stunning views as they climb the hill away from the lake, performing three switchbacks. Everyone gets a great view! Both of these trains can be booked on the MOB website and are included on the Interrail, Eurail and Swiss Travel Passes.

For a full comparison of these trains, check out this post : GoldenPass Belle Epoque vs GoldenPass Panoramic

The GoldenPass Panorama

The Golden Pass panorama has huge windows and, as an added bonus, small windows that face the sky. This may seem gimmicky but when the mountains stretch above you, you will understand why this is so special. If you are sitting in first class, you can pay a supplement and sit at the very front of the train, with just a huge windscreen in front of you. The driver is in the little bubble above you as you enjoy the sight of the rails slipping beneath the train.

The Belle Epoque

This 1930s style train is pulled by a normal locomotive but the interiors are just beautiful. The rich turquoise upholstery and honey-coloured wood are kept in tip top condition and evoke a more romantic age of train travel. The Belle Epoque goes twice a day so when booking your tickets, be sure to check out the operator when you are booking. (09:50 and 14:50 at the time of writing).

9.) Montreux Jazz Festival

Every year, Montreux bursts into life with the Montreux Jaxx Festival. This world famous celebration began in 1967 and these days, doesn’t just celebrate jazz but music from across the spectrum. The main festival now takes place in a huge convention centre but the music spills out across Montreux. Switzerland can be a pricy spot so you’ll be pleased to find out that there are plenty of free events during the festival. Plus, there are acts you’ll have actually heard of; Nina Simone, David Bowie, Marvin Gaye, Elotin John and of course, Queen.

10.) Take a Stroll Along the Promenade

Stretching from the northern end of Montreux, all the way to Chateau de Chillon, the lakeside promenade is a pleasant, pedestrianised place for a stroll. Along the way, the gentle lap of the waves and the perfume of the summer flowers is truly relaxing. The whole walk is 6km long and should take about 1.5 hours.

Final Thoughts

I have read elsewhere that Montreux is sleepy or even boring but it seems that you get out as much as you put in. Who wouldn’t enjoy a meander around a lake or sipping wine in the sun? We only had two days and it didn’t feel like enough! I can see us returning for the festival in the future or just to relax with a view across the glassy surface of the lake, dvine.

Rosie xx