Holidays in Montreux
A summer holiday in Montreux is a little bit of everything Swiss - lake, mountains and vineyards, cheese, wine and chocolate... and walking of course
- On the shores of Lake Geneva
- UNESCO wine region
- Promenade strolls & hill walks
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![Montreux Panorama]()
Montreux Panorama (Copyright: Jan Geerk) -
![Montreux Rochers de Naye view]()
Rochers de Naye view( Copyright: Switzerland Tourism) -
![Montreux Freddie Mercury statue on lakeside promenade]()
Freddie Mercury statue on lakeside promenade (Copyright: Markus Buehler Rasom) -
![Montreux hikers at Rocher De Naye]()
Hikers at Rocher De Naye (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism) -
![Montreux Chillon Castle]()
Chillon Castle (Copyright: Markus Buehler Rasom) -
![Montreux boat on lake Geneva]()
Boat on lake Geneva -
![Montreux hiker at Rocher de Naye]()
Hiker at Rocher de Naye (Copyright: Matteo Senn) -
![Montreux Lavaux vineyard]()
Lavaux vineyard (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism) -
![Montreux riviera stand-up paddlers]()
Riviera stand-up paddlers (Copyright: Dominik Baur) -
![Montreux city and lake at sunset]()
City and lake at sunset (Copyright: Maude Rion) -
![Montreux veytaux Chillon Castle]()
Chillon Castle (Copyright: Ivo Scholz) -
![Montreux lake cruise]()
Lake cruise (Copyright: Montreux Riviera)
Swiss Half Fare Card included
Up to half price off various modes of transport, plus free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Swiss Family Card.
Montreux Riviera Resort Card included
Free travel on local buses, reduced fares on some mountain railways, plus up to 50% reduction on entrance to many local attractions.
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Book your Switzerland 2025 walking holiday and take advantage of savings up to £200pp!
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Walking in Montreux
Montreux at a glance
- French
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Edinburgh (EDI), Manchester Int. (MAN), Bristol (BRS), Birmingham Int. (BHX), London Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR)
- London St Pancras (QQS)
Travel included to Montreux
Depart on: any day except Tuesdays
Arrive into: Geneva, Zurich, Basel airport or Montreux station
Transfer time: 1 hour 30 minutes - 3 hours 30 minutes
Included in your walking holiday to Montreux
- Swiss Half Fare Card with half price rail, bus, and boat travel (worth over £100 pp) and free travel for children under 16 on mainline trains/buses/boats in Switzerland when accompanied by a parent
- Montreux Riviera Card, given to you by your hotel upon arrival, gives you free travel on public transport and discounts on various activities/attractions
- On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Expert based in Switzerland
- Access to Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks, and useful information on holiday
- Flights or train from the UK, transfers, and accommodation
Walking in Montreux
Walks and hikes
- Walking Trails:
- 100km
- Terrain:
- Diverse terrain from lakeside promenades and vineyard terraces to steeper routes into the hills
With around 100 kilometres of walking paths, Montreux offers plenty of opportunities for leisurely lakeside strolls or more challenging hikes in the hills above town. One of the highlights is the promenade that runs along the shore of Lake Geneva, stretching south from Montreux to Villeneuve and passing the medieval Château de Chillon. The region also features scenic routes through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, which terrace the lake’s northern slopes, and it's just a short trip across the lake to explore walking trails in France as well.
Head up the surrounding mountains to beautiful gardens and flower trails. Or, make your way down to Villeneuve, where ‘Les Grangettes’ nature reserve is an internationally recognised hotspot for songbirds, natural habitats and home to over 250 species.
Our favourite self-guided walks in Montreux
Our accommodations in Montreux
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Offers available
![Hotel Masson Montreux Exterior]()
Hotel Masson
Montreux, Switzerland
Historic charm Stunning lake views Lush garden surroundingsSolo Holidays Family-Run- Half Board
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- London Luton
- Manchester Int.
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- London St Pancras
- +2 More
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Offers available
![Hotel Rene Capt Montreux Exterior]()
Hotel René Capt
Montreux, Switzerland
Stunning lakeside location Comfortable and stylish rooms Plentiful added value and amenitiesCouples Holidays Group Holidays- Half Board
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- London Luton
- Manchester Int.
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- London St Pancras
- +2 More
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Offers available
![Hotel Mona Montreux Aerial View]()
Hotel Mona
Montreux, Switzerland
Stunning lake views Luxurious spa facilities Gourmet dining optionsCouples Holidays Central Location- Half Board
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- London Luton
- Manchester Int.
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- London St Pancras
- +2 More
Discover Montreux
- Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux Vineyards
- Take the Chocolate Train for a unique, culinary day out
- Stroll along the lakeside promenade and hop aboard a scenic cruise
Montreux sits on the north-east shore of Lake Geneva, between bright blue waters and the forested foothills of the Alps. Visitors have long been drawn to the mild climes here – from the monks who first planted the Lavaux vineyards to the well-heeled tourists and rock stars who have stayed in the belle époque mansions and stylish hotels. Trains climb into the mountains, exploring food routes and heading up to high alpine footpaths and viewpoints. The mild climate also fuels the food and drink scene; the whole Montreux Riviera is famous for its wine and cuisine.
Music lovers might spot the Freddie Mercury statue on the promenade—a nod to Queen and other legendary artists like Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, who recorded at Montreux’s Mountain Studios. For the full experience, visit during the Montreux Jazz Festival, held from 4–19 July 2025.
Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland – and one of the best ways to explore it is by boat. Ferries and paddle steamers cruise between the villages, towns and cities that dot the shores. With a day pass in hand, you can hop on and off wherever you fancy, we recommend Vevey for museums and galleries or Lausanne for its café culture and the Olympic Museum. To see the lake from above, head up the Rochers de Naye cog railway from Montreux - there's views for miles and plenty of exciting walking trails to discover.
The Lavaux vineyards were founded by the monasteries that ruled these parts back in the 11th Century. With sunny, sheltered terraces that dip down towards the waters of Lake Geneva, the Lavaux must be one of the prettiest winemaking regions in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning around 800 hectares, it has some of the loveliest walking territory too, including the 11 kilometre-long Terrasses de Lavaux hiking trail. Back in Montreux, you can sip a glass of Lavaux-grown Chasselas with a plate of fresh fish or platter of peppery le petit chaude cheese.
You can take your pick of train stations in Montreux, which is home to the scenic trans-Alpine Simplon railway line. A cog railway also runs up to the viewpoint at Rochers de Naye. From here, you can embark on the final part of the Via Alpina long-distance walking trail, which runs back down to Montreux, or wander the Alpine garden. Alternatively, embark on a typically Swiss culinary day out and hop aboard the Chocolate Train which runs from Montreux. The belle époque-style carriages trundle through vineyards and mountain meadows, to Montbovon where the Chocolate bus takes over, taking you first to the medieval village of Gruyères - famous for its cheese - and on to the village of Broc and the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory.
Trains
Switzerland has an incredible railway system - one of the best in the world. You can use your included Swiss Half Fare Card to get up to 50% off journeys across Switzerland. Montreux has its very own train station, meaning you can enjoy a day trip to nearby towns for a change of scenery and explore more of the local walking terrain.
Routes and timetables are available locally. The best way to enjoy the trains is to pre-book a travel pass.
Mountain railway
The Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel railway takes you to a walking hotspot in just under one hour. From here you’ll experience spectacular views over the Alps, Montreux Riviera and Lake Geneva.
You can get up to 50% reduction on the fare when using your included Swiss Half Fare Card.
Bus
The bus circulates regularly along the lake, from Vevey to Villeneuve via Montreux. The main bus line number is 201, which is perfect for quick and easy access to onward connections and walking trails. There are also plenty of other numbered and colour-coded routes which reach hiking start points and mountain villages as well.
With the Montreux Riviera Guest Card that's included, you have free travel on these local buses, including Villeneuve nature reserve, Vevey and Glion viewpoint.
Boats
There are plenty of ports to stop at when catching one of the ferries or pleasure boats from Montreux. Nearby stops to consider include:
- Vevey
- Lausanne-Ouchy
- Evian-les Bains
Use your Montreux Riviera Resort Card to get 20% discount on regional rides on the CGN’s Belle Epoque boats that sail around Lake Geneva.
Cards and Passes
The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable cars, boats, and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace.
The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets.
This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.
Subject to change.
The ‘Montreux Riviera Resort Card’ is provided by your hotel upon arrival and gives you:
- Free Travel on local buses, including to Villeneuve nature reserve, Vevey and Glion viewpoint above the lake
- Free welcome drink at the tourist office upon arrival
- Up to 50% reduction on entrance to many local attractions, including Château de Chillon and Swiss Toy Museum
- Reduced fares on some mountain railways
Subject to change.
The Lake Geneva Regional Pass is best for getting around on trains, boats and mountain railways in the Lake Geneva region, including Vevey, Evian, Geneva and Rochers de Naye.
There are two passes available:
- Five-day pass - includes two days of unlimited travel and three days with 50% off
- Seven-day pass - includes three days of unlimited travel and four days with 50% off
Subject to change. Please note that the Chocolate/Cheese train is not included.
Travel to Montreux
Travel by air
Flights depart any day expect Tuesdays between 17 May - 25 Oct 25 & 16 May - 24 Oct 26.
Fly from:
- London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Bristol
Fly into:
- Geneva, Zurich or Basel airport
Transfer time:
- From Geneva: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by rail.
- From Zurich: approx. 3 hours by rail.
- From Basel: approx. 3 hours 15 minutes by rail.
Your journey may involve a change of trains or a bus. On arrival at Montreux station, there might be a hotel shuttle or taxi (not for the Hotel Mona) to take you to your hotel. Please advise the hotel of your arrival time.
Travel by train
We offer holidays by train to Montreux which depart London-St Pancras daily. There is a flexible stay from 3 days.
The journey takes around 14 hours from London St. Pancras and you'll be able to enjoy the change of scenery out of the train window as you journey through France and into the Alps of Switzerland.
See below for train journey details.
The provisional outbound timings are:
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London St. Pancras
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Gare du Nord
Change
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Gare du Lyon
Change
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Basel
Change (Onward Travel by Train)
Onward travel from Basel: the transfer from Basel to Montreux will be by train. The journey will take around three hours and will have two or three changes of train.
On arrival into Montreux station, there will be a hotel shuttle or taxi to take you to your hotel.
For your return journey, you will travel back to Basel on Saturday morning by train. The journey takes around three hours and will have two or three changes of train.
The provisional inbound timings from Basel are:
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Basel
Travel to Basel by Train
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Gare du Lyon
Change
-
Gare du Nord
Change
-
London St. Pancras
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