Holiday in Montreux

City in Switzerland — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇨🇭

Country

Switzerland

Type

City

Best time to travel

May–Sep (Jazz Festival in July)

Budget/day

150–240 €

Getting there from Germany

By train via Bern or Lausanne (about 2.5h from Zurich). Nearest airport: Geneva (1.5h by train).

About Montreux

Montreux is the pearl of the Swiss Riviera and unfolds a charm on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva that has captivated artists, musicians, and nobility since the 19th century. The city is world-famous for the Montreux Jazz Festival, which attracts over 250,000 visitors every July and has brought legends like Miles Davis, Prince, and David Bowie to the stage since 1967. Freddie Mercury spent his last years in Montreux — his monument on the lakeside promenade is now a pilgrimage site for Queen fans from around the world. The lakeside promenade stretches for several kilometers between Vevey and Château de Chillon, lined with palm trees, subtropical flower beds, and Belle Époque hotels. Château de Chillon, picturesque on a rock in the lake, is the most visited historical building in Switzerland and inspired Lord Byron to write his poem "The Prisoner of Chillon." Visiting the medieval fortress with its dungeons, banquet halls, and views over the lake is an absolute must. The cogwheel train to Rochers de Naye (2,042m) offers a spectacular panorama over the entire Lake Geneva and the Valais Alps. At the top, alongside the alpine garden, there is also a marmot park. The nearby vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, rise in steep terraces from the lake to the slopes and produce top-quality Chasselas wines. A wine hike through Lavaux is one of the most beautiful experiences in Western Switzerland. Montreux combines musical history, Belle Époque elegance, and lakeside romance into an irresistible total work of art.

Safety
95
Culture
85
Urban
85
Food
65
Nightlife
65

Top 5 highlights in Montreux

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Château de Chillon

The water castle on Lake Geneva is the most visited historical building in Switzerland and inspired Lord Byron.

2

Montreux Jazz Festival

One of the largest and most prestigious jazz festivals in the world, held every July since 1967.

3

Freddie Mercury Statue

The bronze statue of the Queen singer by the lakeshore commemorates his years in Montreux, where he recorded his last album.

4

Lakeside Promenade

The flower-adorned lakeside promenade runs from Vevey through Montreux to Château de Chillon.

5

Rochers-de-Naye

By cogwheel train to 2,042m – at the top awaits a panorama, a marmot park, and an herb garden.

Hotels in Montreux

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

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Reise-SIM für Montreux

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Montreux

Recommended travel time

May–Sep (Jazz Festival in July)

Summer

20–28 °C, very mild

Winter

2–7 °C, little snow

How much does a holiday in Montreux cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

90–130 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

150–240 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

270–470 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

Book a package holiday to Montreux

Compare thousands of package holidays to Montreux and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

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5 travel tips for Montreux

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Book Jazz Festival tickets early – many free concerts by the lake!

GoldenPass panoramic train: Montreux-Interlaken in 3h through breathtaking landscapes.

Approach Château de Chillon by boat – the most beautiful perspective.

Christmas market Montreux Noël: One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland.

Lavaux vineyards: UNESCO World Heritage site just 20 min away – hike with wine tasting.

Food & drink in Montreux

These specialties you must try!

Filets de Perche
Fondue au Vacherin
Papet Vaudois
Malakoff
Vin de Lavaux
Gâteau du Vully
Suitable for:JazzLakeCultureRivieraCastle

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