Rochers-de-Naye by cogwheel train

A summit at 2042 meters, within train reach from Montreux

From the Montreux train station, a small red cogwheel train sets off and slowly climbs to the heights. In about fifty minutes, it takes you to Rochers-de-Naye, at an altitude of 2042 meters. As you ascend, the landscape transforms: vineyards and villages give way to forests, then to alpine pastures and rocks. Your children will see Lake Geneva shrink beneath their feet as the peaks draw closer. Once at the top, a whole mountain world opens up, far from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera.

What your children will discover

The journey is already an adventure in itself. Your children will love feeling the train grip the slope thanks to its cogwheel, passing through tunnels and along impressive cliffs. At the summit, the panorama embraces Lake Geneva, the Vaud and Valais Alps, and on clear days, you can glimpse Mont Blanc to the Bernese peaks. It's an opportunity to show them the high mountains up close, with its flowers, stones, and great silence.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a balcony suspended above the lake. You take the time to look, breathe in the fresh air, and walk a little. The alpine garden La Rambertia, freely accessible from June to September, gathers more than 1000 mountain plants: a lovely botanical walk at child height, punctuated by signs and small paths. Several family hikes start from the summit, to be adapted according to age and weather. Be sure to allow for some leeway: at altitude, the weather changes quickly and it is always cooler than down below.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 4 years old, and up to about 14 years for hikes
• Duration: half a day to a full day
• Booking and prices: train tickets via the MOB website; check rates and schedules on the official site
• Stroller accessibility: mountain terrain, all-terrain stroller recommended and limited to the vicinity of the arrival station
• Transport: cogwheel train departing from Montreux station (CFF)
• To bring: good shoes, warm jacket, cap, sunscreen, water, and picnic
• Ideal season: from June to September, when the alpine garden is open and the paths are clear

Parents' tips

• Dress your children in layers: it can be 15 degrees cooler than in Montreux
• Sit on the lake side of the train to enjoy the view during the ascent
• Bring snacks and drinks, altitude increases appetite
• Keep the younger ones close to you on the paths, as some sections are along the edge
• Check the weather before leaving: in foggy weather, the panorama disappears

Useful information

• Address: departure from Montreux station, 1820 Montreux (Vaud)
• Official site: https://mob.ch
• Timetable: train running all year round; check detailed schedules at https://journey.mob.ch
• Access: CFF station in Montreux, direct connection with the cogwheel train

Why we recommend it

Because it’s a true high mountain outing without the imposed walking effort, accessible directly by train from the Riviera. The contrast between the lake and the peaks, the magic of the little red train, and the pure air at the summit make for a memorable day for the whole family, from the little ones to the older ones.

In two words

A cogwheel train ride from Montreux to a grand panorama at 2042 meters, with an alpine garden and family hikes. An unforgettable breath of altitude.