Montreux is a charming town on the northeastern shores of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Besides its spa facilities, Montreux is famous for its mild climate, awesome views, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. A stretch of eight kilometers runs from Clarens, through Chillon Castle, and up to Villeneuve. Together with Vevey-Montreux, it has an estimated population of 85,000.
This town’s center is called Riviera (or Riviera vaudoise). This famous and highly frequented resort is the mildest on the north side of the Alps. Thanks to its mild climate, you can expect to see plants that you won’t normally find anywhere else. Though Montreux has so many activities to offer, those who spend several days there might still want to take day trips from the city. Below are some suggestions for the best day trips from Montreux for those based there.
Typically, these day trips are located one to two hours away from Montreux by train. If you would rather stay closer to Montreux, check out our other article on the must-see places to visit on Lake Geneva: 8 Best Places on Lake Geneva.
This article discusses the 10 best day trips from Montreux. Let’s go!
10 Best Day Trips from Montreux
1. Les Diablerets – Glacier 3000
Les Diablerets – Glacier 3000 is an easy day trip from Montreux, located 41 kilometers away. It will take you about 50 minutes to get there by car. This is one of the fastest day trips from Montreux if you want to see glaciers.
Literally meaning “the abode of devils”, Les Diablerets is a village and ski resort in Ormont-Dessus. It is located in the canton of Vaud and surrounded by the Diablerets Massif.
From Les Diablerets, it takes only 18 minutes to reach Col-du-Pillon. From there, the cable car takes visitors up to Glacier 3000 mountain station. Scex Rouge offers spectacular views of the high alpine landscape stretching from Bernese Oberland to Valais and Mont Blanc.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Les Diablerets – Glacier 3000 |
| * Col-du-Pillon * Alpine Coaster – the highest-situated toboggan run in the world * Peak Walk by Tissot Suspension Bridge – the only mountain bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks. * Hiking in the summer * Skiing or glacier walks in winter |
How do you get from Montreux to Glacier 3000?
From Montreux, take the train to Aigle. From Aigle, transfer to the train heading to Les Diablerets. It takes an hour and eight minutes to travel by train from Montreux to Les Diablerets. From Les Diablerets, the bus takes an additional 18 minutes to Col-du-Pillon, Glacier 3000, where the cable car awaits. Les Diablerets is 41 kilometers away from Montreux by car.
2. Verbier
Verbier is an easy day trip from Montreux, located 70 kilometers away by car. It will take you about an hour to get there. This is the best day trip from Montreux for those seeking stunning mountain vistas, thrilling skiing opportunities, and a lively après-ski atmosphere.
4 Vallées is Switzerland’s biggest ski resort, covering Verbier, Bruson, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon. It’s a winter wonderland with 410 kilometers of slopes and 92 lifts, so there’s something for everyone. It is a large, high-altitude ski resort.
Mont-Fort, which towers at 3,330 meters, is the highest with breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss and French Alps. From Mont-Fort, you can take in the breathtaking views of the ski resort, including Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
With more than 200 snow machines, snow is guaranteed even at the foot of the runs from December to April. Piste de L’Ours is a legendary slope that has hosted numerous winter sports competitions. Verbier is famous for its marked off-piste trails, which add to its popularity. And for those who want to have fun, the longest bobsled run in western Switzerland can be found in La Tzoumaz.
In case you were wondering how expensive Verbier is, you can check out this article: Is Verbier Expensive? A Close Look at Its Price and Value.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Verbier |
| * Mont-Fort * Verbier 4 Vallées Ski Area * Verbier Snowpark * Bobsled in La Tzoumaz * Verbier Xtreme Freeride Competition * Les Attelas (2,733 meters above sea level) * Les Ruinettes (2,200 meters above sea level) |
How do you get from Montreux to Verbier?
From Montreux, take the Interregio train to Martigny. In Martigny, take the train to Le Châble VS, where you can change to the gondola that will take you to Verbier. The travel time from Montreux to Verbier is 1 hour and 11 minutes to 1 hour and 19 minutes.
3. Interlaken
The drive from Montreux to Interlaken takes 1 hour and 38 minutes with 148 kilometers covered. Interlaken, with its breathtaking mountain panorama and two stunning lakes, offers a captivating contrast to the more relaxed atmosphere of Montreux. There is also a Golden Pass train that will take you there.
Interlaken, Switzerland is an incredibly popular tourist hub in the Bernese Oberland. In Interlaken, you will find walking trails along the River Aare, many souvenir shops, a Japanese garden, and the local mountain Harder Kulm for spectacular views. A red funicular takes you from Interlaken to Harder Kulm in 10 minutes, with one departure every half hour.
As one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist spots, Interlaken is also a hot spot for outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is also conveniently located between two beautiful lakes – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
For those who are into fun adventures, below are some of the most popular outdoor activities in Interlaken:
- Tandem Paragliding (GetYourGuide): Experience pure serenity as you float weightlessly alongside an experienced pilot and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Jungfrau region from the sky.
- Adventure Park (GetYourGuide): Conquer 9 thrilling rope courses and zip lines soaring up to 23 meters above the ground, with the assurance of a comprehensive safety briefing and top-notch safety gear.
- Kayak Tour of Lake Brienz (GetYourGuide): Paddle through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Brienz with the guidance of an experienced coach, as you soak in the stunning views, including the picturesque Rinngenberg Castle. You may also book this activity in winter (GetYourGuide).
- Canyoning (GetYourGuide): Dive into the ultimate adrenaline rush with a canyoning expedition in Chli Schilere, featuring challenging rappelling, high jumps, fast slides, and an unforgettable adventure in one of the region’s top canyons.
- Scenic Jetboat Ride (GetYourGuide): Experience an exhilarating 45 to 50-minute jetboat ride on Lake Brienz near Interlaken, culminating at Giessbach Falls.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Interlaken |
| * Harder Kulm * Höhenweg * Interlaken-Harder Alpine Game Park * Lake Thun * Lake Brienz |
How do you get from Montreux to Interlaken?
Taking the GoldenPass train between Montreux and Interlaken is a convenient option. The other option is to go through Visp or Spiez if it is not available. Depending on which train you take, the travel time between both places is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours and 15 minutes.
4. Zermatt
Despite being 2.5 hours away by train, Zermatt is an excellent day trip destination from Montreux due to its stunning scenery and ample opportunities for adventure. This car-free town, nestled in the Swiss Alps, boasts the iconic Matterhorn and a charming village atmosphere.
Located in canton Valais, Zermatt has traditional chalet-style houses and a stunning backdrop of the Matterhorn. As Switzerland’s second largest ski resort after the 4 Vallées, it offers 360 kilometers of slopes at varying levels of difficulty. Its highest peak, Matterhorn Ski Paradise, is located at a height of 3,883 meters above sea level.
Car traffic in Zermatt has been prohibited since 1961. Its streets are perfect for horse-drawn carriage rides. Walking along Bahnhofstrasse (the main street of Zermatt) is a pleasure. From here, you can explore the village’s bars, restaurants, bakeries, cake shops, and chocolate shops. There are also boutiques, sports shops, and souvenir shops.
Zermatt has been a popular tourist destination for many years. The ski resort of Zermatt is the highest in Europe and attracts skiers from all over the world. Also a popular hiking destination, Zermatt makes for a wonderful all-year-round getaway.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Zermatt |
| * Gornergrat * Gorner Gorge * Matterhorn Museum * Matterhorn Glacier Paradise * Trockener Steg * Täschalp * Sunnegga * Randa Suspension Bridge * Furi |
If you would like to learn more about Zermatt, you can check out our article How to Spend 1 Day in Zermatt, Switzerland.
How do you get from Montreux to Zermatt?
Zermatt can be reached by train from Montreux via Visp. It takes from 2 hours 31 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes to travel from Montreux to Zermatt. The town of Zermatt is car-free, so I highly recommend leaving your car in Montreux and taking the train. It is also possible to drive to Täsch and take the Zermatt Shuttle from there.
5. Bern
One of the most important day trips you can take from Montreux is to Bern, Switzerland’s de facto capital, which is just 91 kilometers away. It can be reached in 1 hour and 5 minutes by car.
Nestled along the banks of the Aare River, Bern offers a variety of attractions for all tastes, whether you enjoy history, art, animals, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting. It is the federal city of Switzerland. There is much more to discover when you take the time to explore this charming city.
There is no better place in Bern to start your day than the Old Town, located across the Aare River. The Old Town of Bern, which consists of a number of well-preserved buildings from the medieval era, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. A famous symbol of Bern, which dates back to 1218-1220, can be seen right at the entrance to the Old Town: the Zytglogge.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Bern |
| * UNESCO World Heritage Old City of Bern * Parliament Building * Bern Minster Cathedral * Historic Museum * Bern Bear Pit (Bärengraben) * Bern Zoo (Tierpark Dählhölzli) * Zentrum Paul Klee * Gurten * Museum of Communication |
If you would like to learn more about Bern, check out our article How to Spend 1 Day in Bern, Switzerland.
How do you get from Montreux to Bern?
To get from Montreux to Bern, you will have to go via Lausanne. Every hour, Lausanne and Bern are served by two direct trains. It takes 1 hour 38 minutes to 1 hour 39 minutes to travel from Montreux to Bern via Lausanne. Bern is 91 kilometers away from Montreux by car.
6. Fribourg
In just under one hour, you can drive 61 kilometers to the lovely town of Fribourg from Montreux. It is one of the most interesting day trips that you can do from Montreux. In this city, you will see the cultural bridge between the country’s German- and French-speaking regions.
In Switzerland, Fribourg is a bilingual city that serves as a cultural border or bridge between German and French-speaking areas. The city has a picturesque alpine setting, an ancient castle, and many historically significant buildings. The city is also home to Fribourg University, the only bilingual university in Switzerland.
Located on the banks of the Sarine River, the city features both a preserved old town and modern structures. One of Fribourg’s most famous landmarks, St. Nicholas Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
For fantastic views of the city, you can walk up to Chapelle de Lorette, a Baroque-style building dating back to 1648.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Fribourg |
| * St. Nicholas Cathedral * Pont du Milieu * Old City of Fribourg * City Fortifications * Chapelle de Lorette |
If you would like to learn more about Fribourg, check out our article How to Spend 1 Day in Fribourg, Switzerland.
How do you get from Montreux to Fribourg?
To get from Montreux to Fribourg/Freiburg, you will have to go via Lausanne. Every hour, Lausanne and Fribourg/Freiburg are served by two direct trains. It takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 16 minutes to travel from Montreux to Fribourg/Freiburg via Lausanne. Fribourg is 61 kilometers away from Montreux by car.
7. Solothurn
An 80-minute drive from Montreux takes you to Solothurn, which is around 128 kilometers away. Solothurn is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities and well worth a day trip from Montreux.
Solothurn is generally regarded as Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque city. Solothurn is a city, municipality, and the capital of Solothurn, a canton in Switzerland. The city is situated along the Aare River and at the southern end of the Jura mountain range.
Combining French charm with German practicality, Solothurn is a fascinating small city. The old town is a pleasant place to walk among historical monuments, patrician houses, and strong fortifications. It is closed to cars and has many small shops and hotels. Aside from its impressive past, Solothurn offers a wide range of contemporary art and entertainment.
Those looking for a place with a stunning view should visit the St. Ursus Cathedral. With beautiful stained glass windows and interiors, this stunning Cathedral was built between 1762 and 1773 by the architects Gaetano Matteo Pisoni and Paolo Antonio Pisoni. It is the city’s main attraction.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Solothurn |
| * St. Ursus Cathedral * Historic Old Town * St. Verena Gorge and Hermitage * Jesuit Church of Solothurn * Solothurn’s Clock Tower * Museum of the Old Arsenal * Weissenstein Mountain |
If you would like to learn more about Solothurn, check out our article Solothurn – 9 Best Things to Do in this Beautiful Baroque City.
How do you get from Montreux to Solothurn?
To get from Montreux to Solothurn, you will have to go via Lausanne. Every hour, Lausanne and Solothurn are served by two direct trains. It takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to travel from Montreux to Solothurn via Lausanne. Fribourg is 128 kilometers away from Montreux by car.
8. Thun
In just over 80 minutes, you can drive 120 kilometers to the lovely town of Thun from Montreux. As a picturesque lakeside city with an old town, Thun is one of the best day trips that you can do from Montreux.
Described as the gateway to Bernese Oberland, Thun in Switzerland is also one of the biggest cities in Canton Bern. You can find it on the northern part of Bernese Oberland sitting on the northern edge of Lake Thun. Thun boasts of beautiful castles, the reformed town church on the Schlossberg, an old church, a park, an accessible lower bridge, and majestic views of the mountains.
Between April and October, you can take passenger boats on Lake Thun. Boats in Lake Thun stop in Interlaken West, Neuhaus (Unterseen), Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen, Leissinge, Beatenbucht, Merlingen, Faulensee, Spiez, Gunten, Einigen, Gwatt Deltapark, Längenschachen, Oberhofen am Thunersee, Hilterfingen, Hünibach, and Thun.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Thun |
| * Old Town of Thun * Thun Castle * Lake Thun * Schadau Castle and Park * Wocher Panorama * Art Museum * Scherzlingen Church * Aare River * Thuner Wasserzauber (September/October) |
If you would like to learn more about Thun, check out our article 10 Best Things To Do In Thun, Bernese Oberland.
How do you get from Montreux to Thun?
You can get from Montreux to Thun via Visp. The total travel time from Montreux to Thun via Visp is 1 hour 51 minutes to 1 hour 52 minutes. Thun is 120 kilometers away from Montreux by car.
9. Lenk im Simmental
With its waterfalls, mountain peaks, and unspoiled nature, Lenk in Simmental is a fantastic day trip from Montreux. A 90-minute drive from Montreux, it is a place of relaxation and serenity.
An incredibly unspoiled landscape, a modern wellness center, and waterfalls make Lenk im Simmental an ideal day trip from Montreux. It is located in Simmen Valley which has other tourist spots such as Stockhorn, Mittagfluh, and Rinderberg.
A perk of traveling by train here is getting to ride the GoldenPass Express train from Montreux to Zweisimmen.
Sibe Brünne, as shown above, is a magical waterfall and the source of the River Simme.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Lenk im Simmental |
| * Sibe Brünne * Lenkerseeli Lake * Iffigfall * Leiterli Lake * Erlebnisbad Wallbach |
How do you get from Montreux to Lenk im Simmental?
Lenk im Simmental can be reached by train from Montreux via Zweisimmen. A journey from Montreux to Lenk im Simmental takes up to two hours and 33 minutes, with the first leg of the journey taken on the GoldenPass train line. Lenk im Simmental is 95 kilometers away from Montreux by car.
10. Grimentz
In just one hour and 21 minutes, you can drive 104 kilometers to the lovely village of Grimentz from Montreux. With its charming alpine village adorned with red flowers on balconies, stunning scenery, and excellent skiing and hiking opportunities, Grimentz makes for one of the best day trips from Montreux.
At 1,570 meters above sea level, Grimentz is located in Val d´Anniviers. Grimentz is one of the most beautiful villages in Valais, Switzerland.
The traditional Valaisan houses with their red flowers are such a picturesque sight. Maybe because the village is far away from the city, there aren’t a lot of tourists. Away from the city’s hustle and bustle, you can enjoy the fresh air and mountain views here.
Also nearby is Lac de Moiry, a turquoise lake with several scenic trails, as well as Moiry Glacier.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, the Grimentz Ski Area has 52 km of slopes for you to choose from.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Grimentz |
| * Grimentz Village * Lac de Moiry * Moiry Glacier * Grimentz Ski Area |
If you would like to read more about Grimentz, you can check out our article The Picturesque Village of Grimentz, Switzerland.
How do you get from Montreux to Grimentz?
You can get to Grimentz via Sierre/Siders and Vissoie. In Vissoie, take the bus to Grimentz. If you’re heading to the ski area, get off at Grimentz, télécabine. The trip from Montreux to Grimentz takes 1 hour and 55 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes. Grimentz is 104 kilometers away from Montreux by car.
Summary: Best Day Trips from Montreux
For those who are staying for a couple of days in Montreux, Switzerland, and wish to venture out to other places, we hope that this list was helpful.
To summarize, if you are looking for large cities with lots of activities, Bern and Fribourg are great choices. Thun and Solothurn are for those who want something a bit smaller and more laid back.
Grimentz and Lenk im Simmental offer some of the most picturesque landscapes for photographers. Verbier, Glacier 3000, and Zermatt are suitable choices for those who want to visit the mountains. Last but not least, adventurers will enjoy Interlaken’s offerings.
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.