Montreux is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland and is truly one of the most beautiful cities. Incidentally, I wanted to ride the Golden Pass Line train to Montreux. In addition, Montreux happened to be the perfect day trip from Interlaken. It is a place that transports you to another time with its charm and beauty.
Montreux is a picture-perfect city in Switzerland set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. However, the main highlight of Montreux is a stunning promenade by Lake Geneva. In fact, the promenade is around 13 kms long and lined with art pieces, exotic flowers, Mediterranean trees, and Belle Époque buildings.
To sum up, Montreux is a representation of the French part of Switzerland. For instance, it is a balanced mix of enchanting nature and true luxury. Most of the residents in Montreux speak French but tourists are welcomed, and English is widely spoken too.
Moreover, Montreux is also known for its Jazz Festival which is held every July, Freddie Mercury, the Chillon Castle, and many more attractions.
Best time to visit
Montreux is a beautiful destination any time of the year. However, it is a bit crowded during the summer months of July and August. Therefore, you may have to stand in long queues at the popular attractions during this time.
It is best to visit in the months of May, June, or September. If you don’t mind the cold, it is also a great winter destination.
Getting there
The best and most scenic way to reach Montreux is by the Golden Pass Line. For instance, you could catch the Golden Pass Line trains from Lucerne or Interlaken and ride up to Montreux. However, you can also come from other cities like Zurich or Basel with normal trains until Zweisimmen and then change to the last leg of the Golden Pass Line.
As a matter of fact, we took the Golden Pass Line while going to Montreux and took a different route via Visp while returning. In fact, it was faster, and the scenery was different and quite charming.
Please note: Only the trains mentioned in this timetable are the Golden Pass line trains.
Tip: To find the shortest connections every time download the SBB app and use it throughout your trip in Switzerland.
You may also like: Golden Pass Line – Everything You Need to Know
Our day in Montreux...
We visited Montreux in July and the weather was perfect. Our day in Montreux could be divided into five major activities. Here goes..
The Golden Pass Line
We started our day at Interlaken and took a train to Zweisimmen. After that, we boarded the famous Golden Pass Line train till Montreux. I could certainly go on and write an entire article about the journey in the Golden Pass Line. To clarify, it was a spellbinding journey across the best of the Alps. For instance, both sides of the train offer spectacular sights, but I would prefer to sit on the right for the best views.
The entire journey looks like a fairy tale. For example, do not miss the views of the tiny mountain villages like Gstaad that come on the route of the Golden Pass line. In fact, you would feel like getting down in each one of them. Therefore, I noted down the names of a few places I wanted to visit the next time. Before approaching Montreux, we saw the grand Lake Geneva from a distance and it truly looked marvelous.
You will find all the information about the Golden Pass line here.
Walk along Montreux Promenade
After getting down from the train we pointed our map towards Lake Geneva. The lake welcomed us with extraordinary views of the Alps on the backdrop of a never-ending Lake Geneva. Therefore, we reached a point along the lake and just started walking along the shores. As a matter of fact, walking along the lakeside in Montreux is an experience.
For instance, there are different kinds of palm trees and exotic flowers along the promenade and it is meticulously decorated. In addition, there are also many art pieces along the promenade that you could stop and admire. In fact, you could also take a dip in the lake in summer. There are several platforms reaching into the lake and enough room for everyone.
Freddie Mercury Statue and Queen Studio Experience
After a short walk along the promenade, we came across the highly-anticipated Freddie Mercury. Surprisingly, it calmly stood tall on the banks of Lake Geneva. Truthfully, it is a place of wonder and a must-visit even if you are not a big fan of Queen. For example, the atmosphere here is electric. In addition, there are Queen songs playing on loudspeakers. Also, everyone wants to take a picture with the famous Rockstar.
After taking some pictures with Mr. Mercury, we decided to walk along one of the lanes connecting to the main road to visit the Queen Studio Experience. Incidentally, it was one of our best experiences in Switzerland. Surprisingly, the studio had all the original instruments and equipment used by the band during their stay at Montreux. In addition, it also had some of the most outrageous outfits that Mercury performed his best shows in. Best of all, I loved the handwritten poems by the band which were kept intact at the studio.
Tip: The Queen Studio Experience is located inside the Montreux Casino and a short walk from the promenade. After entering the Casino, do not get confused with the queues as they are for entry to the Casino. In fact, you simply have to take a left and walk straight into the studio area. It is free to enter the Queen Studio Experience, but you could donate or buy a souvenir to support the studio.
Visit to Chillon Castle
After a while, we made our way back to the promenade and walked towards our next stop which was the Chillon Castle. As a matter of fact, this part of the walk was especially peaceful. Therefore, we decided to have a picnic by the lake while admiring the view of Chillon Castle at a distance. So we sat and enjoyed lunch with nothing but the sounds of the birds and bees as company.
After that, we slowly made our way to the castle. There was a short queue at the entrance after which we entered the castle.
Tip: Do take an audio or paper guide at the entrance to fully enjoy the charm of the castle. For instance, the main areas are numerically mentioned. Therefore, if you follow it you will get a full tour of the castle without getting lost or running around in circles.
Tip: The entry to the castle is free with the Swiss Pass. Therefore, you have to show it at the entrance to receive a ticket. Alternatively, you could also buy the tickets at the entrance. You could find the information here.
The Chillon Castle, although a marvellous structure to look at, has been through its share of complicated history starting from the Roman times. Truthfully, I was fascinated to learn some of the stories mentioned in the paper guide.
At one time, it was used as a prison and somehow, the prison cells are still being kept intact. However, it is a bit disturbing to visit these areas but there are also some good parts. For example, the windows of the castle are especially beautiful with sweeping views of Lake Geneva. In addition, there is also a light and shadow show inside one of the prison cells which was pretty interesting.
We spent around 1.5 hours in the castle before finally heading out. As a matter of fact, the day had almost come to an end and we were quite tired. Therefore, we sat at a pier outside of the castle to enjoy a drink and get some great shots of the castle.
Instead of walking back to the station, we took a bus back along the promenade.
Tip: The bus number 201 takes 10 minutes to reach the station and the journey is included in the Swiss Pass. You have to board the bus at the Veytaux, Château de Chillon stop and get down at Montreux, Escaliers de la Gare.
Train journey from Montreux to Visp, sneak peek of Spiez
After a long day, we decided not to take the Golden Pass line back because it was a longer route. Besides, we still had fresh memories of the route from that morning. Therefore, we took the route from Montreux to Visp, Visp to Spiez, and finally Spiez to Interlaken. However, I do not regret this route at all. In fact, it was one of the highlights of our trip.
For instance, the journey from Montreux to Visp was especially scenic. In addition, there were many tall snow-capped mountains on both sides of the route with a river stream flowing along the train line. To add to the charm there were beautiful waterfalls along the whole way. However, the journey from Visp to Spiez was short and mostly through a tunnel.
We had some time in Spiez so we decided to explore a bit outside the station. Incidentally, there is a beautiful viewpoint outside the station with sweeping views of Lake Thun and the Alps in the background. In fact, Spiez itself is a beautiful city with a castle overlooking the lake and definitely on my list the next time I visit.
We took the last train from Spiez to Interlaken. As a matter of fact, this route is one of my favourites and one that we took many times during our stay in Switzerland. Sit on the left side to enjoy some dreamy views of Lake Thun. Thus, ended one of the most exciting day trips in our trip to Switzerland.
What to eat
The entire promenade of Montreux is lined with great restaurants. However, they are all on the expensive side. For instance, even a Spritz at a street side shop costs about 15 Francs. Therefore, we decided to pack a picnic from our Airbnb and enjoyed it in one of the many seats provided in the lakeshore along with some refreshing mountain water from one of the springs.
Where to stay
Staying in Montreux could be very expensive. If you can afford it, you can stay for a night or two. For example, the nearby town of Vevey is a good option for staying.
On the other hand, Montreux can be visited easily from Interlaken or Lucerne with much pocket-friendly accommodation options.
Activities and Budget
Must Do
- Take a walk along Lake Geneva.
- Take a picture with the Freddie Mercury statue.
- Visit the Chillon Castle.
Unique Experience
- Visit the Queen Studio Experience.
- Have a picnic by the lake.
Budget
A day trip to Montreux can be done within 20-50 Euros if you carry your own food. However, this cost does not include transportation.
Please note: The entire journey to Montreux along with the entry to Chillon Castle is included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
Accommodation price 200 Euros and more for one night.
Lunch for 2 with drinks – 100 Euros and more.
