Things to do in Montreux
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Top 10 attractions in Montreux
Chillon Castle
Chillon Castle stands on a small rocky island jutting into the eastern end of Lake Geneva, facing the lakeside town of Montreux and connected to the shore by a wooden bridge. The entire castle follows the contours of the oval island rock, surrounded by water on all sides. From the shore, it appears to float on the lake, with its gray-white stone walls and reddish-brown conical towers reflecting the lake and mountain scenery like a painting. The land-facing side is studded with arrow slits and shooting ports, forming a heavily fortified defense structure, while the lakeside features elegant Gothic arched windows, once the residence of the House of Savoy—a harmonious blend of strength and grace in this ancient waterborne fortress. The earliest written records of the castle date back to the mid-12th century, though its central keep was built in the 11th century, predating documented history. Strategically located on a vital north-south European trade route, merchants traveling to Rome via the Great St. Bernard Pass would pass by its gates. The House of Savoy leveraged this position to collect tolls and expanded the castle into their summer palace in the 13th century. After Bernese forces captured it in 1536, it successively became a bailiff's residence, armory, and prison. The castle's fame stems partly from its dungeon: François Bonivard, abbot of Geneva's St. Victor Abbey, was chained to a pillar here for years after opposing the Duke of Savoy's control of Geneva, until his rescue by the Bernese. In 1816, Lord Byron visited, immortalized the story in his poem "The Prisoner of Chillon," and carved his name on the pillar. Rousseau featured it in "Julie, or the New Heloise," while Hugo and other literati also wrote about it. Crossing the wooden bridge into the castle reveals courtyards, halls, bedrooms, the keep, and dungeons—like stepping through a three-dimensional medieval history book. The underground prison is particularly noteworthy: its walls are built from the island's natural rock, topped with Gothic vaulting typically reserved for cathedrals, with Byron's inscribed pillar still standing. Several grand halls once hosted Savoyard feasts, their windows framing Lake Geneva's vistas. The Bernese bedroom displays an elaborate four-poster bed with heating, a bathroom, and running water—remarkably advanced for its time. The Chapel of St. George preserves 14th-century religious murals, rare survivors of Reformation iconoclasm. The armory exhibits medieval to 17th-century weapons—swords, halberds, arquebuses, crossbows, and armor—offering insights into period warfare. Visitors should linger: beyond interior artifacts, the lakeside path offers classic panoramic views of this aquatic fortress.Veytaux · 2.8 km from Montreux
Golden Pass Railway
Two languages, three worlds, six lakes, one route: this is the Golden Pass route. In Montreux, the palm trees and southern vibes along the "Swiss Riviera" still prevail. French romance fills the air. Vineyards and gardens can be captured as the Golden Pass Express goes uphill, the trains are fading away, and a look back at Lake Geneva, the tunnels, and more. The Golden Pass Express is a fascinating route connecting the beautiful lakes of Switzerland such as Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and Lake Lucerne.Montreux · 15m from downtown
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is located on the border between Switzerland and France, nestled between the Alps in a crescent shape, with approx. 60% of its waters within Switzerland. The lake water is clear and blue, with distant snow-capped mountains reflected in it, forming a typical view of theAlpine region. Numerous views and landmarks are distributed along the lakeshore. Chillon Castle, built on a rock in the lake, has stood for nearly a thousand years and is one of Switzerland's famous medieval buildings, and Byron once wrote a famous long poem about it. The towns along the shore each have their own charm. Geneva blends modern urban vibes with historical heritage, and Montreux is known for its pleasant lakeside climate. Taking a boat cruise on the lake is a classic way to enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Geneva and the scenery on both shores. In summer, you can enjoy water activities such as sailing and kayaking on the lake, while in winter, you can head to the nearbyAlpine regionto ski.Saint-Prex · 29.2 km from Montreux
The Fork - Alimentarium
The Fork is a unique public art installation located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Vevey, right next to the Lavaux Food Museum. Standing about eight meters tall, the giant stainless steel fork stands in the lake, creating a striking landscape along the lakefront. The Fork was initially installed temporarily to celebrate the museum's 10th anniversary, but due to its popularity, it has since become a permanent exhibit. Visitors can stroll along the lake and admire the integration of this artwork with the lake and the mountains. The Fork is not only a popular spot for taking photos, but also provides visitors with an opportunity to think about the relationship between food and culture. The nearby Lavaux Food Museum offers more exhibitions on the history and culture of food, which is worth a visit as well. The city of Vevey, where the Fork is located, is easily accessible by train or bus. The city center is just a short walk from the lake, and there are many restaurants and cafes around, so it is convenient for visitors to enjoy a meal after viewing the Fork.Vevey · 5.5 km from Montreux
Lavaux Vinorama
Lavaux Vinorama is situated on the lakeside slopes between Lausanne and Vevey, right in the heart of the Lavaux vineyard terraces. Since the Middle Ages, winemakers have cultivated these slopes into terraced vineyards, which are dotted with villages, old-fashioned taverns, and wine cellars. Ample sunshine, light reflected from the lake, and heat stored by stone walls all nourish the vines, making Lavaux a renowned wine region in Switzerland, where Chasselas white wine is the signature. This is not a traditional museum displaying ancient artifacts, but a tasting center dedicated to Lavaux wines. The interior features nearly 300 wines selected by local winemakers, resembling a wine library where you can find everything from Chasselas white wines from different estates and red wines made from the ancient Lavaux variety Plant Robert, to Grand Cru vintages. The tasting experience is also layered. You can start with a horizontal comparison of several Chasselas wines, followed by an in-depth tasting that includes Grand Cru white wines paired with cheese. With a glass in hand, you can sit in the indoor tasting area to savor the wines slowly, or step out onto the terrace to take in the view of Lake Geneva and the shadows of the mountains on the opposite shore. You can also join a guided walking tour of the terraces organized by the venue, ranging from short tours of 1 or 2 hours to half-day tours that include a wine cellar visit, which can be followed by a tasting.Puidoux · 11.1 km from Montreux
Statue Charlie Chaplin
The Charlie Chaplin statue is located in Corsiers on the shore of Lake Vevey, only about 500 meters away from the estate where Charlie Chaplin lived in his later years. Inspired by the style of "Modern Times", artist John Doubleday created the classic image of Charlie Chaplin leaning on a cane. The base is scattered with sculptures of top hats and leather shoes, which allude to his wandering screen life. Take bus No. 201 from Vevey Railway Station and walk to the estate; if you drive, you can park in the free parking lot next to the estate. The statue is located at the entrance of the vineyard trail, with Lake Geneva and the Alps in the background. The light in the early morning or at dusk is suitable for taking silhouette photos. You can visit the nearby area in series: walk east to the Chaplin family cemetery, and go west to the Vevey Food Museum to see the bread dance props of "The Gold Rush". In summer, open-air silent film screenings are often held by the lake. For specific schedules, please check the official website of the Vevey Tourism Bureau.Vevey · 5.5 km from Montreux
Glacier 3000
Glacier 3000 is located on the way from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Alps, so it is easily accessible from Geneva, Montreux, Lausanne, etc. If you have limited time in Switzerland, this is a great place to save time viewing the glaciers and have fun with the snow. The restaurant on top of the hill was designed by world designer Mario Botta and is futuristic. From here you can see the European peak Mont Blanc, Switzerland's iconic Matterhorn and the Jungfrau. There are also a variety of snow and ice sports available here: snowboarding, snow golf, snow bus and dog sledding. Here you can enjoy ice and snow fun even in summer. In addition, it is also a paradise for hiking from October to May. Climb the Oldenhorn at 3123 meters, or try the glacier hike from the summit cable car station ScexRouge to the Sanetsch pass and the fixed rope route to Gemskopf.Ormont-Dessus · 24.4 km from Montreux
The Olympic Museum
The International Olympic Committee has been located in Lausanne since 1915, and Lausanne is also known as the "Olympic Capital", and this museum on the shores of Lake Leman is also a famous Olympic museum in the world. Opened in 1993, the museum is the largest Olympic competition information center in the world. It shows people the history of the Olympic Movement from ancient Greece to the present through art, documents, films, etc., and combines sports, art, Olympic spirit and culture. combined. There are also conference halls, bars, coffee houses, and a sculpture park overlooking the Alps and the lake, which is very suitable for taking pictures.Lausanne · 22.6 km from Montreux
Chaplin's World
Chaplin's World is located in Vevey, Switzerland, serving as a museum and cultural center dedicated to the life of cinematic master Charlie Chaplin. Visitors can stroll through Chaplin's former residence, experiencing the living and creative environment of this comedy legend. The museum displays Chaplin's film props, manuscripts, photographs, and personal belongings, vividly recreating his glorious journey from the silent film era to sound cinema. Additionally, visitors can try making their own short films in the interactive experience zone, participate in film workshops, and gain deeper insights into the secrets of filmmaking. Chaplin's World is not just a cultural journey but also a feast of art and creativity.Corsier-sur-Vevey · 6.3 km from Montreux
Olympic Park
Olympic Parkis located in the Ouchy district on the shores of the lake in Lausanne. It is the front garden of The Olympic Museum, with green space spreading out in layers along the slope and extending all the way to the shores of Lake Geneva. Lausanne is known as the Olympic Capital, and the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee is located in this city. This lakeside green space, covering over 8,000 square meters, is the perfect prelude to visiting The Olympic Museum—it is less of an ordinary park and more of an open-air sports sculpture museum. The park is dotted with over 40 sports-themed sculptures, most of which are gifts to the International Olympic Committee from various national Olympic committees and international sports organizations: the "Cyclists" group sculpture, gifted by Hungary, cleverly uses wheels to form the image of the Olympic rings; the bronze "Athlete Tying His Hair," gifted by Greece, has a prototype that can be traced back to ancient Greek sculptures from the 5th century BC; in addition, there is the rounded "Girl with Ball" by Colombian artist Botero, the "Relay Runner" from Monaco, and a memorial statue of the famous Finnish long-distance runner Nurmi. Artistic styles from different countries converge in this same green space; walking through and viewing them is like flipping through a three-dimensional history of the Olympics.Lausanne · 22.6 km from Montreux
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Free things to do in Montreux
Lake Geneva
Saint-Prex · 29.2 km from MontreuxThe Fork - Alimentarium
Vevey · 5.5 km from MontreuxStatue Charlie Chaplin
Vevey · 5.5 km from Montreux
Queen Studio Experience
Montreux · 712m from downtown
Lausanne Cathedral
Lausanne · 23.2 km from Montreux
Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe
Fieschertal · 81.3 km from Montreux
Lausanne-Ouchy
Lausanne · 23 km from Montreux
Piazza del Duomo
Italy · Milan
Rochers-de-Naye Marmottes Paradis
Veytaux · 5.1 km from Montreux
Caux Palace - Montreux
Montreux · 2.1 km from downtown
What travelers say about Montreux
草凡人April 19, 2025
5.0
Take the train to Montreux and stroll along the shore of Lake Geneva. Beyond the water are the snow-capped mountains, stretching quietly. Chillon Castle is on a small stone island near the water. It is not big, but it takes you back to medieval Europe. It is worth a visit.
Chillon Castle
GullyFebruary 2, 2025
5.0
It is one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. In summer time, you’re almost guaranteed to have great weather. There are multiple paths to hike for more and less experiences trekkers.
Golden Pass Railway
yankeJuly 17, 2025
5.0
Lake Geneva, which shares the same name as the city, is very vast, with a sapphire-like color and sparkling in the sun. From Geneva Airport, you can take a train to Nyon, a small town on the shore of Lake Geneva. The hotel rooms there are large, and the lake view rooms also have terraces to enjoy the lake view. The breakfast is very rich and cost-effective. From the dock in Nyon, you can take a boat to the French flower town opposite and experience the fun of crossing two countries in half an hour. The price of the flower town is lower than that of Switzerland, and it is very pleasant to enjoy authentic French food there.
Lake Geneva
Venus111November 6, 2021
4.0
Fork Lake📍
Must-visit attractions when coming to Vevey
Choose a location you like💺
Sit down and stare at the beautiful scenery in front of you in a daze
Feel the sun and sea🌞🌊
Very comfortable😍🌅
The Fork - Alimentarium
NachtischNovember 9, 2025
5.0
The museum is located in the small town of Rütri in the Swiss canton of Vaud, nestled on the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva, at the heart of the Lavaux vineyard terraces.
This museum is not a traditional exhibit displaying antiques, but rather a window into the soul of the Lavaux vineyard terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Converted from an old farmhouse, it blends seamlessly into the surrounding vineyard landscape and is itself part of the heritage.
Lavaux Vinorama
yybalanceJune 30, 2026
5.0
It's beautiful. I came at the end of May, and the weather was very comfortable; you could wear short sleeves to see the snow.
Glacier 3000
110***36July 17, 2026
5.0
Excellent, definitely worth a visit. This is the most worthwhile place to visit in Lausanne. There are many things to see on the first four floors, especially the basement with its many video game exhibits – definitely worth checking out. The building faces Lake Geneva, making it a great spot for taking photos.
The Olympic Museum
小思文April 30, 2021
4.0
The Olympic Park is also a very beautiful place. The whole park is very large and the environment is quite elegant. There are many exhibits in the park, and you can enjoy many Olympic sports here. The visit to the park is also quite unique.
Olympic Park
