Geneva is home to a large ex-pat community and comes only second to Zurich in terms of population size. This banking and international French-speaking city is surrounded by the expansive Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Even though Geneva is famous for its chic lifestyle and global influences, travelers may also be intrigued by the opportunity to discover the adjacent mountain ranges while they’re there. So which exactly are the closest mountains to Geneva that are in Switzerland?
While there are lots of mountains close to Geneva in the French Alps, for this list, we will simply cover those located on Swiss soil. Mont Salève, for example, is a mountain really close to Geneva. But as it is located in the region of Haute-Savoie, France, we won’t be discussing it in this article. However, you might want to read about it in our other article Nearest Mountains to Geneva, Switzerland For Epic Views.
Below we list the closest mountains to Geneva that are located in Switzerland.
Mont-Pèlerin (1,080 Meters)
Mont-Pèlerin is a mountain in the canton of Vaud overlooking Lake Geneva.
How do you get from Geneva to Mont-Pèlerin?
From Geneva, take the train to Vevey. This train ride takes roughly 51 Minutes. From Vevey, change to the slow train to Vevey-Funi or take one of the buses that will bring you to Vevey, funiculaire. The funicular will take you up to Mont-Pelerin in 11 minutes. The total trip from Geneva to Mont-Pèlerin takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
The train ride from Vevey goes through the Chardonne vineyards. Once you arrive, you can take the lift 270 meters going up – to the viewing platform called Plein Ciel. The viewing platform Plein Ciel is 770 meters above sea level. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy awesome views of the region overlooking Lake Geneva.
Why should you visit Mont Pèlerin?
You will get a glimpse of this UNESCO World Heritage Site via Chardonne. These are the Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces. Up in Mont-Pèlerin, the view of the Savoy Alps and Lac Leman is excellent. You will see Moléson, Rochers de Naye, and Diablerets, among others.
In 1977, a Tibetan Center opened in Mont Pèlerin. It is open to all visitors who find Tibetan culture interesting. The center – Rabten Choeling – provides information about Buddhism and Meditation.
There is also a 123-meter-high television tower on Mont-Pèlerin. It has a lift going up to its 64-meter-high viewing platform. You have gorgeous views of Western Switzerland, the Savoy Alps, and the Jura Mountains from the upper deck. To name a few, you will see Moléson, Rochers de Naye, Diablerets, Dents de Morcles, Mont Velan, Grammot, La Dôle, Chasseron, and Chasseral.
If you would like to learn more about Mont-Pèlerin, you can check out Mont-Pèlerin Switzerland: 7 Best Things to Do.
Mont Tendre (1,679 Meters)
Mont Tendre is the highest peak in the Swiss Jura towering 1,679 meters above sea level. It is located in Canton Vaud.
How do you get from Geneva to Mont Tendre?
From Geneva, you can access it via Montricher through a little road. Alternatively, you can take the Jura Vaudois Bus which goes through Parc Jura. It stops at both Col du Marchairuz and Col du Mollendruz. The trail between Col du Mollendruz to Mont Tendre then down to Col du Marchairuz takes 4.5 hours. It is a 16-kilometer trail.
Why should you visit Mont Tendre?
This mountain is not as easy to access as those served with cable cars and funiculars, but the view is nonetheless fantastic. From the peak, you can see the 360-degree panorama from the Savoy Alps to the Bernese Alps. Seeing the white peaks surrounding Mont Blanc amongst trees from here is amazing. It is a good option for those who want to be a bit away from the hustle and bustle. Mountains that you have to climb are always less busy compared to those that you can visit quickly with a gondola.
Chaumont (1,087 Meters)
The Chaumont is a mountain overlooking Pays des Trois-Lacs. This region encompasses the lakes of Neuchâtel, Biel, and, Murten. Chaumont is located in the Canton of Neuchâtel.
How do you get from Geneva to Chaumont?
From Geneva, take the train to Neuchâtel. Then change to the bus going to La Coudre. The funicular is a short walk from La Coudre. The funicular will take you to Chaumont in 10 minutes. The total travel time with the train from Geneva to Chaumont takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Why should you visit Chaumont?
Near the train station is a 100-year panorama tower. This observation tower is called Tour panoramique de Chaumont. From its panoramic tower, you can enjoy views of the three lakes – Neuchâtel, Murten, and Biel. On a clear day, you can see from all sides the Swiss Alps. In the east, the Glarus Alps and west Mont Salève are visible. You can also combine it with a quick tour of Neuchâtel City afterward.
The mountain of Neuchâtel is the starting point of most hiking paths in Jura. It is accessible with the funicular the whole year round from Le Coudre.
There is also an Adventure Park on Mount Chaumont. Parc Adventure Chaumont has a Treetop Climbing Park, an Outdoor Laser Game, and a Monster Trampoline. It is perfect for a full day of adventure topped with awesome views.
Rochers-de-Naye (1,968 Meters)
Rochers-de-Naye is a mountain in the canton of Vaud. It is near Montreux.
How do you get from Geneva to Rochers-de-Naye?
From Geneva, take the train to Montreux. This ride takes one hour. From Montreux, the cog railway up to Rochers-de-Naye takes around 49 minutes. The total trip from Geneva to Rochers-de-Naye takes 1 hour 59 minutes including transfer time.
The first trains to Rochers de Naye have been going up since 1892. But the trains at that time only reached Glion and Caux. The cogwheel ride from Montreux up to Rochers de Naye is one exciting journey. The views are amazing, especially in Glion.
This area has some hotels from the Belle Époque time. It is also a well-known climatic health resort.
Nowadays, the train goes up to Rochers-de-Naye. From the train station, it takes only 10 minutes to reach the peak. You can also see Jura and the Savoy Alps. From here, you also have impressive views of Lausanne and Lac Leman.
Why should you visit Rochers-de-Naye?
The stunning views of Lausanne, Lac Leman, Jura, and Savoy Alps are reason enough to go to Rochers-de-Naye. There is also an alpine garden called La Rambertia.
The Rambertia is on the southeastern ridge of Rochers de Naye. It is easy to get to it on foot as it is only 400 meters away from the train stop. It is open from the middle of June until the end of September. There is no entrance fee. The garden features different plants from the alpine regions of Switzerland, the Pyrenees, the Carpathian, and the Caucasus.
There is also a small marmot park near the restaurant called Marmot’s Paradise. It is open from April to the end of September. It has a couple of marmots living in an enclosed space.
Le Moléson (2,002 Meters)
The Moléson is a mountain of the Swiss Prealps. It is located in the region of Gruyéres in the canton of Fribourg.
How do you get from Geneva to Le Moléson?
For Le Moléson, I highly recommend going by car instead of the train. This journey will take 1 hour and 46 minutes. Take the freeway A12 to the Bulle exit. Then drive towards Gruyères. From Pringy, follow the signs to Moléson-sur-Gruyères. Parking is available close to the base of the lifts. Unfortunately, the train connections take 3.5 hours and involve changing the train 6 times.
The road to Moléson passes through the picturesque town of Gruyères. It is, in fact, the symbol of Gruyères and Canton Fribourg.
Moleson-Village, located at 1,130 meters, is a developed tourist destination. With charming alpine chalets, hotels, railways, and fun offers, it has touristic possibilities. In Winter, there are 35 kilometers of downhill slopes. Further, up the village, Moléson has awesome panoramic views. It lies 2,002 meters high.
Why should you visit Le Moléson?
Le Moléson describes itself as the following:
Truly a balcony over the Prealps, the summit of Le Moléson allows you to contemplate the entire French part of Switzerland, from the Lake of Geneva to the famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland as well as from the Mont Blanc to the Jura Mountains and the 3 Lakes region.
– Moleson.ch
The views on the summit of Le Moléson are amazing. They also have various activities for guests such as hiking, climbing, downhill carts, and minigolf. For children, they have bouncy castles and a playground. There is a mountain cheese dairy called Fromagerie d’Alpage. The dairy holds 45-minute demonstrations on how to produce cheese on a daily basis.
Les Diablerets – Glacier 3000 (2,950 Meters)
Les Diablerets is a village and ski resort in Ormont-Dessus. It is located in the canton of Vaud.
How do you get from Geneva to Les Diablerets?
From Geneva, take the train to Aigle. This ride takes around 1 hour and 22 minutes. From Aigle, transfer to the train heading to Les Diablerets. The total trip for the best connection from Geneva to Les Diablerets takes 2 hours and 3 minutes including transfer time. From Les Diablerets, the bus takes an additional 18 minutes to Col-du-Pillon, Glacier 3000, where the cable car awaits.
Les Diablerets means literally “the abode of devils.” It is a village 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. This was designed by well-known architect Mario Botta.
Why should you visit Les Diablerets?
First, here is a fantastic video from Glacier 3000. Have a look and see how beautiful it is up there.
From Scex Rouge at 2,950 meters, you get a glimpse of the following mountain peaks: Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Dent Blanche, Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, and Jura. The Savoy and Vaud Alps can also be seen.
The glacier plateau offers also further attractions. There is an Alpine Coaster with ten curves. It is open daily between May and September as long as the weather permits. It is the highest-situated toboggan run in the world.
520° circles, 10 curves, 6 waves and 3 jumps promise action-packed speeds of up to 40 km/hour on a one-kilometre stretch: The Alpine Coaster will quickly raise your adrenaline level and get your heart beating hard! You will experience weightlessness up to 6 metres above the ground on this high-flying adventure in an mountain environment you will never forget.
– Glacier3000
Another exciting activity is going on the Peak Walk by Tissot Suspension Bridge. It is the only mountain bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks.
Hiking, glacier walks, climbing, dogsled rides, and snow sports are some other interesting activities on Les Diablerets.
If you would like to visit Glacier 3000 and Montreux from Geneva with a tour guide, you can book it via GetYourGuide here – Geneva: Glacier 3000 Experience and Montreux.
Berneuse (2,041 Meters)
Berneuse is a mountain located right above Leysin in the Canton of Vaud. From the top of Berneuse, you can enjoy fantastic views of Eiger, Diablerets, Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc.
How do you get from Geneva to Berneuse?
From Geneva, you can take the train to Aigle. In Aigle, you will change to the connecting cog-railway train up to Leysin-Feydey. Afterward, a gondola will bring you to Berneuse. The total journey takes around 2 hours and 8 minutes. For those who wish to take the car, the 132-kilometer drive will take around the same time going via A1 and A9.
Why should you visit Berneuse?
Berneuse not only offers fantastic views of the French and Swiss Alps. It also has a rotating glass restaurant on top called the Kuklos. In fact, this is the only revolving restaurant in western Switzerland. This revolving restaurant completes one turn every hour and a half, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic, 360-degree views from the comfort of your seat. It is open daily during peak winter and summer months. Both skiers and hikers have a chance to take a short (or long) break from their activities. There is also a play area and an animal park for small children.
There are hikes and bike trails as well as the alpine cheese-making Le Temeley.
Fun fact: The Kuklos restaurant (meaning circle or ring in Greek) turns using its own solar-generated power.
Crêt du Midi (2,326 Meters)
Crêt du Midi is a mountain in the village of Vercorin. It is on a high plateau on the edge of Val d’Anniviers in Canton Valais. This picturesque village is also a ski resort.
How do you get from Geneva to Crêt du Midi?
For Crêt du Midi, I highly recommend going by car. This journey will take 2 hours and 14 minutes. Take the freeway A1 and A9/E62 to Route d’Hérens in Sion. Then take Route de Chippis, Route de Loye, and Route du Vallon to Mayens de Rechy in Grône. The train connections to Vercorin, on the other hand, take 2 hours and 50 minutes. This involves taking the train from Geneva to Sierre, changing in Sierre to the bus going to Chalais, téléphérique. From Chalais, change to the cable car going to Vercorin. In Vercorin, you can take the gondola up to Crêt du Midi.
The modern cable car takes you up to Crêt du Midi from the village of Vercorin in 15 minutes. It provides a beautiful viewpoint over the forest. The panorama shows lots of mountain peaks of more than 4,000 meters over the Pennine Alps.
Why should you visit Crêt du Midi?
To visit Crêt du Midi, you will also see the small, old, charming village of Vercorin. When you reach the Crêt du Midi, you will be rewarded with splendid views of the Pennine Alps. You can see Dents de Morcles, Diablerets, Wildhorn, Wildstrubel and Bietschhorn.
Summary: Closest Mountains to Geneva
Here is a brief summary of the closest mountains to Geneva and how far away these are (in kilometers, approximate).
| Mountain | Height (meters) | Distance from Geneva (kilometers) | Canton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mont-Pèlerin | 1,080 meters | 86 km | Vaud |
| Mont Tendre | 1,679 meters | 71 km | Vaud |
| Chaumont | 1,087 meters | 131 km | Neuchâtel |
| Rochers de Naye | 1,968 meters | 103 km | Vaud |
| Le Moléson | 2,002 meters | 127 km | Fribourg |
| Les Diablerets Glacier 3000 | 2,950 meters | 129 km | Vaud |
| Berneuse | 2,041 meters | 132 km | Vaud |
| Crêt du Midi | 2,326 meters | 178 km | Valais |
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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.