Montreux: A Swiss Riviera Gem for Your Holiday

Nestled royally on Lake Geneva’s shores with Swiss Alps for a background, vineyards to explore and top places to visit like Shelleys, Chillon Castle and Freddie Mercury Statue – Montreux is a wonder of its kind in the Swiss land.

Best things to do in Montreux, Switzerland

1. Château de Chillon

A 30-minute walk from Lake Geneva takes you to this 13th-century citadel of Europe and one of the most visited architectural building in Switzerland. Initially built by the House of Savoy, Château de Chillon was later confiscated by the governors in Bern. The famous poet Lord Byron has also written a poem about this fortress’ beauty – ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’. Inside Château de Chillon, you can find 7 pillars of Gothic mould, period furniture, medieval artworks and Gothic underground prisons. As haunting as it might look, a walk inside medieval structure will indeed be an exciting experience!

2. Montreux Jazz Festival

If you are visiting Montreux in July, then you are in luck. Established in 1967, the all-time famous Montreux Jazz Festival fills the streets of Montreux with bubbling energy. Jazz music and other diverse musical performances take place during this Jazz festival. While most of the concerts are for free, you might have to get a ticket if you want to be a part of a bigger gig. Famous musicians and bands like Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Paul Simon, BB King, Sharon Jones, Van Morrison and Dap-Kings have played here during this festival. Excited to be a part of this musical excellence already?

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3. Rochers de Naye

If you are someone who gets fascinated by what nature has to offer, Rochers de Naye is your place to be. A scenic range of the Swiss Alps on the banks of Lake Geneva and with Villeneuve on its side – Rochers de Naye is feast to your eyes. We’d advise you to take the cog railway which will take you through some of the best looking fields, gardens and forests. Once you are at the top, you can check out the marmot species, take a visit to the La Rambertia alpine garden or just chill in a Mongolian love yurt.

4. Lavaux Vineyards

The Lavaux Vineyards offers some of the magnificent views of Lake Geneva’s shores. Stretching between Montreux and Lausanne and covering up to 830 hectares of land, Lavaux Vineyards have separate trails for hiking also. Sipping some of the best wines ever since Benedictine and Cistercian monks’ period in a peaceful setting and serene outing, a visit to Lavaux Vineyards is definitely one of the best things to do in Montreux, yeah?

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5. Freddie Mercury Statue

Fan of the rock band Queen? Well, we have a surprise for you then! Head to Quai de la Rouvenaz to check out the Freddie Mercury Statue, sculpted by Irena Sedlecká, a Czechoslovakian sculptor. Standing tall at 3 metres high, this statue was unveiled on 25 November 1996 on Freddie’s death anniversary. Pay a visit to this statue and give your love and respect to Freddie!

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6. Musée de Montreux

Featuring under one of Vaud’s most important architectural works, Musée de Montreux is home to some of the best artworks and design works in Montreux. From Roman furniture and coins to woodwork accessories, art and sculpture, you can witness some of the best historical works of the city in this museum.

7. Gorges du Chauderon

If you are somewhere close to the Old Town in Montreux, make sure you halt at the Gorges du Chauderon. This beautiful gorge is the starting point of the river of La Baye de Montreux which joins Lake Geneva in the end. Offering wonderful landscapes, wooden enclaves and neat trails to hike on, Gorges du Chauderon is one of the best places to visit in Montreux if you’re looking for some adventure.

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8. La Rambertia

La Rambertia botanical garden is seated on the Rochers de Naye valley and is home to 1000 plants of 600 different varieties. Opened in 1896, La Rambertia was named after the poet and writer Eugène Ramber, who loved the natural wonders that Montreux has to offer. Edelweiss – one of the national emblems of Switzerland- is grown on this lovely alpine garden.

We hope you are now eager to explore this Swiss fairytale! For more insights on planning your Switzerland travel, get in touch with us over here!

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Interlaken Enlightenment | Swiss adventure | Gorgeous Geneva

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