Montreux's location in the heart of West Switzerland makes it an ideal base from where to explore other places of interest. Among them are Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey, Gruyeres and Gstaad. A number of local trains leaving from Montreux station will take you to the nearby summits, offering panoramic views to Geneva, the Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn: the two most famous are the Montreux-Oberland Bernois (MOB) and the Montreux Crystal Panoramic Express. Steamboad cruises are available for those wishing to tour the Upper Lake and Chateau de Chillon.

Excursions (near Montreux)
Chateau de Chillon
In a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, stands one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland. Erected in the 13th century on older foundations, the Castle of Chillon was the residence of the Counts of Savoy throughout the Middle Ages. Originally a fortress, the Castle of Chillon underwent numerous transformations with a view to its adaptation to the advances in the defensive and offensive weapons of the age. Other modifications were occasioned by amenities and embellishments suited to the pomp and ceremony of life in the castle. Many prominent figures in history stayed there: emperors, popes and princesses.

Chateau La Tour-de Peilz
The magical lakeshore chateau, which was built in the 13th century, hosts the Swiss Museum of Games, a permanent exhibition featuring the games cultures of all the continents of the world from Roman times to the present day.

Chateau de Chatelard
Built in 1441 during the Burgundy Wars by Jean de Gingins, the castle has, over the centuries, become a key focus of local wine production.

St-Saphorin
A typical wine village, terraced in the vineyards of Lavaux, adds to the charm of Montreux and Vevey. Tasting the famous local wines in the village cellars is an old tradition of this region. Local specialties include fresh perch from the lake and local wines such as the light dry whites "St-Saphorin" or "Epesses".

Gruyeres
The small village of Gruyeres is probably one of the most charming on the Old Continent. It is reachable from Montreux via a senic train or by car. You can walk the cobblestone road to the old castle and visit the Cheese Factory. The traditional lunch in all the restaurants is raclette, a must for all cheese lovers!

Wine Train
The "Train des Vignes" is an excellent way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this winegrowing region. The train takes its passengers on a leisurely eight-km/ five-miles journey up through the retraced wineyards, with fabulous views of the lake, the Rhone Valley and the Alps.

City Excursions
Lausanne
One of Switzerland's secret destinations, Lausanne is only 30 minutes' travelling time from Montreux. The city is renowned for its elegance, the historic Cathedral and the Olympic Committee headquarters.

Geneva
Beautiful Geneva is only a 90 minutes rail trip from Montreux and escorted coach tours may be booked from Montreux. Geneva is home to about 200 international organizations, among them the United Nation's European Office, and the International Committe of the Read Cross. Geneva is also considered being a "City of Peace".

Mountain Excursions
Zermatt - Gornergrat (1605 m/5266 ft)
Full-day excursion by rail.
The journey along the sunny southern flank of the Lötschberg provides a first impression of the breathtaking beauty of the Valais. From Brig, the route climbs through rugged valley landscape to Zermatt and the majestic Matterhorn. This popular excursion can also be combined with a trip by cogwheel railway up the 3089-metre Gornergrat.

Gstaad
Full-day excursion
Visit the Gstaad, a rather charming, attractively located resort full of restored weathered-wood chalets - and an abundance of jewelry and other shops. Nonetheless, its high-roller status makes it a village like no other. If you enjoy being among the world's trendiest people, go to Gstaad!

Summer Sports
Hiking
Montreux is an excellent location for leisure hiking. The greater region features many walking paths that provide fantastic views over Lake Geneva. Free brochures with suggestions for walks and various detailed hiking maps are available at the local tourist offices.

Swimming
The Lake of Geneva is a clean lake with several public swimming areas. In the heart of Montreux you will find the popular "Lido" that features a beautiful olympic size pool.

Other Summer Sports
Following you may find a list with all kinds of sports activities: Badminton, Beach Volleyball, Billard/Pool, Bowling, Diving, Fishing, Fitness, Golfing, Horseback Riding, Hydrospeed, Inline-Skating, Minigolf, Mountaineering, Paragliding, Delta Hang-Gliding, Sailing, Sky Diving, Squash and Tennis.

Winter Sports
Skiing/Snowboarding
From Montreux you can ski in two attractive ski areas: "Rougemont-Chateau-d'Oex-Gstaad" and "Villars-Gryon-Diablerets-Leysin-Les Mosses". Valley stations are accessible by train, bus and car.

Entertainment
Casino Montreux
The Casino is located in the Center of Montreux offering a wide range of games and evening entertainment.

Shopping
The shopping experience in Montreux includes boutiques with the latest creations from Paris and Milan, a small department store, several Swiss watches and knives stores and souvenir vendors. Traditional cafes are located along the lake promenade and in the small center of town.

Events
Montreux Jazz Festival
The world famous Montreux Jazz Festival - featuring artists from REM to B.B. King - takes place over two weeks in early July, mainly at the two stages within the Congress Center, plus at the Casino. It covers music from around the world and these days is only loosely committed to formal jazz.
Check online for tickets, otherwise just join the street parties and free entertainment which spring up on the lakefront.

Other Festivals
Montreux's other big events include April's Choral Festival and the Classical Festival de Musique "Septembre Musical" which runs in August and September at venues in Montreux and Vevey.

Museums
Old Montreux
Musée du Vieux-Montreux - 40 Rue de la Gare. In the heart of the old quarter, the museum is installed in two fine wine-growers houses and present a lively account of the region's eventful history.

The Olympic Museum in Lausanne
Experience the highlights of the Games and share the athletes' emotions. At Lausanne's Olympic Museum, you can experience all the great moments of the Olympic Games as if you were really there, thanks to advanced audiovisual, data processing and robotic technology. Unique, lively and interactive. Thousands of documents and films bear witness to the times and achievements of people like Carl Lewis or Jesse Owens. Situated at the "Quai d'Ouchy 1" in the nearby Lausanne.