Montreux is a city that looks like a dream and smells like money. But on our trip to Montreux, Switzerland, we’ll stay away from casinos and expensive hotels. Instead, surrounded by panoramic views of the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Geneva, flowers, a fairytale castle, and houses with colorful shutters, we’ll try to find the peace Freddie Mercury was talking about.
So, let’s head on a virtual journey and discover what to see in Montreux, a city whose beauty has inspired songs.
Location: Montreux, Switzerland
Cost: Mix of paid and free attractions
Length: 1 day
How to get there: By car or by public transport
What to See in Montreux in One Day
How can you tell you’re in for an adventurous day?
Even on the journey from Geneva to Montreux, it’s hard to tear your eyes away from the window. The vineyards glide past, winding up the steep slopes. Though the leaves are just starting to bud and it’ll be a while before they reach their full lushness, the beauty is undeniable.
The Postcard-Worthy Chillon Castle in Montreux
Has an entrance fee – check prices & working hours.
Have you ever heard of the castle perched on a stone peninsula, surrounded by water?
Imagine standing by the shore, where the water is so clear you can see every stone beneath the surface. In front of you rises one of Montreux’s must-see attractions – an ancient stone castle, with thick walls and towering spires. Behind it, the majestic mountains loom in the distance.
How long will you stand there, wide-eyed, simply taking in this postcard-perfect view?
Is this the peace we were hoping to find in Montreux? No, it feels more like the promise of an adventure. Let’s go inside!
But before we do, here’s a little riddle for you – how much do you think there is to explore in Chillon Castle? I’ll let you in on a secret – my first guess was way off, so I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised as well.
A Fairytale or a Horror Story? The Cellars of Chillon Castle in Montreux
Since we’re adventurers at heart, let’s plunge straight into the depths of the dungeons.
The first rooms are surprisingly bright for what you’d expect from a dungeon. Soft lighting highlights the elegantly arched ceilings, creating a striking contrast – while the ceilings are meticulously crafted, the floor below resembles a dragon’s den, with massive, jagged boulders poking up from the earth. The rough texture practically invites you to reach out and touch them, as they look as gritty as sandpaper.
The dungeon of Chillon Castle in Montreux is vast, with numerous rooms to explore. It feels like a labyrinth down here. And then, out of nowhere, you spot it – the gallows.
That’s when it hits you – these dungeons were once used as a prison. Your eyes are inevitably drawn to the countless scratches etched into the stone walls. Are they the marks of curious tourists, or the desperate carvings of prisoners, once chained down here?
On the bright side, this might just be the prison with the most stunning view.
As we continue deeper into the Chillon Castle dungeon, the atmosphere grows darker, creepier. The walls are bare, radiating an icy chill that seeps into your bones. Somewhere in the distance, you hear the unsettling drip of water. We move cautiously through the narrow corridors, and suddenly, a shadow flashes across the room – a human silhouette. Someone is moving silently. Then, another shadow follows.
But don’t worry – it’s just a projection. A clever illusion designed to send a shiver down your spine. And right here, you’ll find a staircase leading you back into the daylight.
Luckily for us this was the scariest place to see in Montreux, the rest is all bright and cheerful.
How Many Courtyards Can One Castle Have?
Do you remember when I asked how much there is to see in this castle? Chillon Castle in Montreux is like a magician pulling an endless string of colorful scarves from a matchbox—seemingly simple, yet you can’t quite grasp how they all fit inside.
And that’s exactly what happens with the courtyards. From the outside, I couldn’t have guessed there were four courtyards hidden within these walls. But somehow, they all fit in.
If you’re looking for peace, you might find it sitting on a bench beneath a tree in the courtyard with the charming little garden.
Of course, that is, if your curious adventurer spirit allows you to sit still, rather than examining the dried grapes clinging to the walls or trying to decode the plant names in the flowerbeds. You might even catch yourself wondering how those other tourists managed to scale the walls and take a leisurely stroll up there.
But don’t worry—we’ll be up there soon enough!
Time-Worn Wall Paintings of Chillon Castle in Montreux
The rooms, as expected in such an ancient castle, are very empty. At times, it seems that the only furniture people had back then was chests and chairs. Maybe that’s true?
But look at the fireplaces! Nearly every room has one, and they look bigger than my bathroom. You’d need a full bonfire to warm those up!
And don’t forget to take a look at the wall paintings of Chillon Castle! They depict coats of arms and landscapes. Many of them have suffered the wear and tear of time—you can tell that some colors have held up better than others. Blue and red, it seems, are especially resistant.
Finally, Climbing the Chillon Castle Tower
At the end of our castle adventure in Montreux, we’re also given the opportunity to walk along the castle walls (with a view of the inner courtyard) and climb the tower (providing a breathtaking panorama of Montreux and the shimmering blue waters). I can’t help but wonder—did the people who once lived here truly appreciate the beauty that surrounded them every day?
But there are still more stunning places to see in Montreux, so after a few hours discovering the castle, it is time to set off to uncover what else this enchanting place has to offer.
Fun thing I learned in Montreux, Switzerland
In Switzerland, if you order apple juice, don’t be surprised if you’re served a lightly sparkling apple soda instead. It’s a popular local drink!
What to See in Montreux Old Town?
The Montreux waterfront is lined with hotels and cafes, but I’d also heard rumors about an Montreux old town tucked away somewhere nearby, so we set out to find it. Unfortunately, Google Maps isn’t much help this time—suspiciously so.
But we’re not about to give up! After digging through several travel articles about Montreux, I pieced together a rough idea of the area—somewhere between St. Vincent Temple and the start of the trail leading to Chauderon Gorges.
Given how brief the article was, I should have suspected what was coming next.
After a small climb uphill, it becomes clear that Montreux’s old town is less of an area and more of a street. We stumble upon a perfect little lane lined with historic houses, large copper pots filled with vibrant flowers, lanterns hanging by the doors, and beautifully crafted signs on the buildings. I’m absolutely in love with the colorful shutters, and I can’t resist the wisteria climbing up one of the houses. It’s truly magical. What do you think?
And if you turn around, the sharp spire of St. Vincent’s Church rises into the sky.
Let’s head over there next to admire the ancient charm of the stone building and take in the breathtaking panoramic view of Montreux from the stone walls that surround the church. As you gaze out over the landscape, that sense of peace washes over you once again.
If You Wish to Enjoy Some Hiking in Montreux
My more sporty friends will be pleased to know that, although the trail to the waterfalls – Chauderon Gorges – is closed (there’s an ominous sign warning of landslides blocking the way), there’s another hiking trail nearby.
So, if you’re looking to catch panoramic views of Lake Geneva’s blue waters and the rooftops of Montreux from an even higher vantage point, you can wind your way through narrow streets and then climb up the mountain via some stairs.
Unfortunately, I didn’t know about this trail in advance, so I ended up walking in high-heeled boots. As a result, we couldn’t quite make it all the way to the top, and the summit remains a mystery for now. But, you can still enjoy the halfway view!
And finally, it is time for the moment we have all been waiting for…
What to See in Montreux Lake Promenade?
If I had to describe what I think a paradise garden looks like, I’d say it looks just like Montreux’s lakeside promenade.
The Montreux promenade has two distinct ends. One pulses with vibrant energy, while the other invites quiet, serene calm. Let’s begin with the livelier side and save the sweet tranquility for later.
By the Freddie Mercury statue, a crowd has gathered, all eager to snap a photo. Nearby, stalls line the promenade, selling everything from food and souvenirs to an unexpected abundance of colorful phone cases. Am I missing something here? Does Switzerland have a secret passion for phone cases?
We continue on, making our way to the quieter end of the Montreux promenade, where I finally experience what true peace feels like. Peace is sitting on a bench on a sunny day, gazing at the impossibly blue waters, surrounded by hundreds of vibrant flowers lining the path, with the mountains looming majestically in the background. In late April, you can still spot traces of snow on the peaks.
Back at the castle, I asked how long you could stand there, mesmerized by the view. But here, I find myself wondering – how many hours could you sit, watch the water, and simply be?
How did you enjoy this little virtual day trip to Montreux?
Montreux is a dream—a dream of peace, beautiful life, and sunny days along the lakeside promenade. But now, it’s time to move on—let’s hop in the car and head to Broc to taste some authentic Swiss chocolate!
Discover full Switzerland trip itinerary