SwitzerlandFebruary 9, 2026, by flowererman

The Guide to Vaud, Switzerland: Montreux Area (Part 1)

Switzerland, February 9, 2026, by flowererman

The Guide to Vaud, Switzerland: Montreux Area (Part 1)

In the French-speaking part of Switzerland lies the canton of Vaud, affectionately called "Little Switzerland" by locals. Mountains, lakes, vineyards, snow, and endless vistas: everything that makes the average Swiss heart beat faster comes together here.

The situation around Lake Geneva is no different, with the mountains in view and the vineyards of the Lavaux region (a UNESCO World Heritage site) as a backdrop. The lakeside town of Montreux is a blend of history, culture, wine, and hiking. Montreux itself is tranquil and a perfect base: countless beautiful excursions are within easy reach.

Château-d'Oex Hot Air Balloon Festival

While summer is an obvious draw thanks to the sun-drenched lake, it's just as appealing in winter. Especially at the end of January, when the hot air balloon festival takes place in Château-d'Oex. Once a year, the sky above the town fills with color during the International Balloon Festival. Below, a cozy festival awaits with plenty of food and drink (fondue in a baguette!), while at the top you'll be rewarded with a beautiful view over a blanket of white snow.

Please check the website for current dates. Logically, it's busier on weekends: more balloons in the air, but also more people on the ground. Take advantage of that.

To browse

Montreux offers surprisingly good shopping: from boutiques with beautiful brands to specialty stores where you can easily empty your bank account. As with all the beautiful Victorinox products, a Swiss Army knife is simply part of the local tradition. Incidentally, they're no longer just red: all sizes and vibrant colors are available.

Also make a stop at Ladurée for macarons and fuel up with a hot chocolate at ZürcherProfit warning: the hot chocolate and pastries are delicious, but the inn's appearance is a bit (okay, quite) lacking.

Also not unimportant: Montreux is teeming with pharmaciesLet the luminous green crosses guide you and seize your opportunity.

The area around Montreux is also more than worth exploring on foot. Montreux Riviera Tourism you can easily choose a walk.

Forewarned is forearmed: the Swiss devour steps and don't shy away from a challenging hike. On a scale of 1 to 5, the Swiss are rated Level 1, which, for us in the Low Countries, feels like Level 3 or 4.

Restaurants

The Molino
A creamy pizza, a heaping bowl of tiramisu, and a glass of local wine. Voilà, the perfect fuel.

Montreux Jazz Café
You don't just come here for the food, but especially for the bar. An old wooden bar, a jazzy look and a smoky vibe Without the smoke. The mood is set. Order a drink at the bar, take a seat, and let the live music do the talking.

And the restaurant? Also top-notch. Think before you start (on the menu), because you'll want to save room for that delicious crêpe Suzette. Incidentally, the seating is also excellent for the other courses.

Fan of Queen? There is a Queen tour, with an emphasis on Freddie Mercury. Montreux was his second home—aha!—and Freddie wouldn't be Freddie if he hadn't left his mark here. Think recordings, concerts, and of course, the iconic Mercury monument on the promenade.

Soak up culture at Château de Chillon

Castle Chillon, a 13th-century castle and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, draws tourists from far and wide. However, it's highly recommended not to explore on your own, otherwise it'll just feel like another castle. Take a tour and ask for Dominic: a passionate guide who truly brings the château to life.

Kids corner

Fort de Chillon
While the average museum is often a matter of "hands-off," here it's quite the opposite. This interactive museum is a true discovery paradise for children. Switzerland is teeming with forts, and this one has now been transformed into one hands-on making, Museum. You can indulge in all things military: mail delivery, bed testing, cooking, and a host of other educational games.

Restaurant Mona – Fondue tube
Switzerland equals: Fondue. Here you eat outdoors in a tube-shaped glass tent. Inside, the fire crackles, and sheepskin rugs keep the chairs warm. Fondue! Happy kids, happy you.

Train spotting

Anyone traveling from Montreux to Zweisimmen (en route to Château-d'Oex) simply can't miss two trains. For the atmosphere, choose the Belle Époque: a train so beautiful that you feel like you're stepping back in time. Old wood, brass details, velvet seats; a vintage experience. Reservations are recommended, but you can also board without a reservation if there's room. Want to enjoy the view? Take the GoldenPass PanoramicFor an extra fifteen francs, you can sit at the front of the train, with a stunning panoramic view. Paying extra isn't generally necessary, but check the train schedule to see when these trains run.

Sleeping wing

Time to hit the hay? Settle down at Grand Hotel Suisse MajesticThe hotel is perfectly located: on one side the train station – you can practically step straight from the train into the hotel (or vice versa) – and on the other side the Montreux promenade.

The rooms are spacious, bright, and clean. The breakfast is extensive, and perhaps – and we're not taking anything away from the hotel – the best part of it all: the view of Lake Geneva. Book, or request, a room with lake view.

Traveling to Montreux is easy by train. Once in Switzerland, Swiss Travel Pass your husband. To the Swiss Travel Pass There are many other advantages. You can read about them here.

The Guide to Vaud, Switzerland: Montreux Area (Part 1)