Rochers de Naye

Rochers de Naye is a 2,042 m summit rising above Montreux and Veytaux in the Swiss canton of Vaud. It commands the whole eastern end of Lake Geneva and, on a clear day, a skyline of Alps reaching to Mont Blanc. A historic cogwheel train climbs right to the top, which makes it one of the easiest ways in Switzerland to stand above 2,000 metres.

Where is Rochers de Naye?

The mountain belongs to the Fribourg Alps in the western Alps. It separates the Lake Geneva basin from the Sarine valley and sits on the divide between the Rhone and Rhine catchments. Part of the massif lies in the canton of Fribourg, with the cantonal border running over a lower summit called Grande Chaux de Naye. From the lakeshore near Montreux and Villeneuve you gain more than 1,600 m of altitude.

How do you get up?

Take the MOB cogwheel train from Montreux station. The ride lasts roughly 50 to 55 minutes, climbing steadily above the lake through forest and mountain pasture to the summit station. Up top you will find two restaurants, a hotel and a marmot enclosure. Check the timetable before you go, as the line occasionally closes for maintenance.

What is there to see?

• A 360-degree panorama over Lake Geneva and the Vaud, Valais and French Alps, with Mont Blanc on the horizon.
• La Rambertia alpine garden, home to more than a thousand mountain plant species, open in summer from about June to September.
• Marmots in a dedicated enclosure beside the upper station.
• Walking trails along the ridge and towards neighbouring passes, from a short stroll around the station to a full day on foot.

Food is served at the Alpin restaurant, while the panoramic Plein Roc is generally reserved for groups on request.

When should you go?

Summer brings views, wildflowers and hiking. Mornings tend to offer the clearest air, with cloud often building later in the day. In winter the area turns to snowshoeing and skiing, but conditions change quickly, so dress in layers even when Montreux is mild. The summit is much colder than the lakeshore.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train ride from Montreux? About 50 to 55 minutes each way, depending on the service.

Do I need to be a hiker? No. Enjoying the viewing terrace and the garden needs no special fitness, only sturdy shoes.

Are there marmots at the top? Yes, they live in an enclosure at the summit station.

Is the alpine garden open all year? No, La Rambertia opens in the summer season, roughly June to September.