Rochers-de-Naye: the must-knows

  • This is a journey with a history: steam trains have been running from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye since 1892.
  • If you’re a Christmas fan, travel up to Rochers-de-Naye in December to visit “Santa’s Home”.
  • Take a hike near mid-station Caux in May or June for an abundance of daffodils.
  • The train trip is discounted or free with several rail passes.
Min. time required: 3:00
Season: all year
Recommended season: early January to late February, early April to late October and early December to late December
Max. altitude: 1968 m (6457 ft)

What is Rochers-de-Naye? Copy link to clipboard

Rochers-de-Naye is a viewpoint at 1968 m altitude in the mountains north of Montreux on Lake Geneva. It's in the canton of Vaud in south-western Switzerland. You can reach this mountain by a scenic 50-minute ride in an electric cogwheel train from Montreux.

The top station has several restaurants and terraces with panoramic views over Lake Geneva, an alpine garden, a small marmot zoo, and plenty of hiking trails. In winter 'Santa's Home' is located at the top, as an addition to the famous Christmas market of Montreux.

Prices, tickets and reservations Copy link to clipboard

Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel train prices 2024

PriceMore information and pricesDescription
CHF 27.50more infoReturn trip with a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex
CHF 36.40more infoReturn trip with a Swiss Half Fare Card
CHF 0more infoReturn trip with a Regional-Pass Lake Geneva-Alps
CHF 72.80more infoReturn trip with a normal ticket, full fare

Where to buy your Rochers-de-Naye tickets

You can get your tickets online or at any staffed railway station in Switzerland.

Reservations

You don't need reservations. Just show up with your valid ticket or pass and board the train to Rochers-de-Naye at your preferred departure time.

Find tickets for Rochers-de-Naye Copy link to clipboard

Switzerland Travel Centre
Ticket Rochers-de-Naye
Mountains
The Rochers-de-Naye ticket entitles you to a return journey from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye. It takes just 30 minutes to reach 2,042 metres above sea level via cogwheel railway.

Offered by Official SBB shop: swissrailways.com

  • Official webshop of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), operated by Switzerland Travel Centre (STC)
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  • Free cancellation until 1 day before travel, if you choose the FLEX OPTION. No questions asked.
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MySwissAlps
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City trip, Culinary, Mountains, Museum, NaturePrivately guided day tour
Enjoy a fully customized day trip at your own pace, with one of the best private guide Switzerland has to offer.

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Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye: Alpine Adventure Ticket
Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye: Alpine Adventure Ticket
Day tour
Rochers-de-Naye: Where the Swiss Alps unfold in a breathtaking embrace

Offered by GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com

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Discounted train tickets with your rail pass Copy link to clipboard

The below rail passes offer discounts or even free traveling to Rochers-de-Naye.

PassDiscount
Day Pass Free:
  • Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye (train)
Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps Free:
  • Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye (train)
Saver Day Pass Free:
  • Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye (train)
Swiss Half Fare Card Discount 50%:
  • Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye (train)
Swiss Travel Pass Discount 50%:
  • Haut-de-Caux to Rochers-de-Naye (train)
More information:

Montreux to Haut-de-Caux (train): free.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Discount 50%:
  • Haut-de-Caux to Rochers-de-Naye (train)
More information:

Montreux to Haut-de-Caux (train): free.

How to reach Rochers-de-Naye: directions and map Copy link to clipboard

SBB|CFF|FFS
From
To
Via (optional)
Via (optional)
Departure date
Example: 01.07.= 1 July
Departure time
Example: 13:15=1:15 PM

How does the timetable work?

Getting to Montreux

The cogwheel train to Rochers-de-Naye departs from the rail station in Montreux. Montreux can be reached by train, car or boat as described here.

Duration of the train ride

A single ride between Montreux and Rochers-de-Naye takes about 50 minutes.

From Montreux to Glion

Once the train has departed from the station in Montreux, it immediately enters a tunnel and starts climbing. After about 15 minutes the train will reach the village of Glion, 300 m above Montreux. This is where the first steam trains to Rochers-de-Naye departed in 1892.

From Glion to Rochers-de-Naye

Soon after Glion the train leaves the urbanized areas of Montreux and enters the forested slopes. There are several stops along the way. After La Perche, it's just five more minutes and two tunnels before the train reaches Rochers-de-Naye.

Stops on request

Many of the mid-stations between Montreux and Rochers-de-Naye are so-called 'stops on request'. Find out how they work here.

The route to Rochers-de-Naye on a map

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Map

Operation dates, schedules and timetable Copy link to clipboard

When is Rochers-de-Naye accessible?

The trains operate all year, on an hourly basis. They depart from Montreux from about 08:20 until 17:20. The last descent from Rochers-de-Naye takes place around 18:15.

Planning your trip in the timetable

If you plan your trip to Rochers-de-Naye with the Swiss timetable, use these names:

  • "Rochers-de-Naye" is the top cogwheel train station.
  • "Montreux" is the railway station from which the trains to Rochers-de-Naye depart.
  • There are many mid-stations. "Glion", "Glion-Alpes" and "Haut-de-Caux" are just a few examples. You'll find a complete overview in the timetable.

Best months for Rochers-de-Naye Copy link to clipboard

An excursion to Rochers-de-Naye is best in early January to late February, early April to late October and early December to late December. Although the mountain can be reached all year round, we prefer these seasons for these reasons:

  • The hiking trails from Rochers-de-Naye and the stations along the railway track are most suitable for spring, summer, and fall.
  • December is an exciting time to visit the Montreux Christmas market and "Santa's Home" at Rochers-de-Naye.
  • January and February offer the best chances of snow.

Snow on Rochers-de-Naye in winter isn't entirely guaranteed. But in clear weather, you'll have great views of the snow-capped mountains.

Weather tips and forecasts Copy link to clipboard

Always check the weather forecast before going up to Rochers-de-Naye. You need clear skies for the best views over Lake Geneva and the mountain ranges in the north and east.

Favorable forecasts are very important for hiking trips as well: rain, fog, snow or thunderstorms can cause dangerous circumstances.

Rochers-de-Naye: 5-day forecast

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What to see and do at the top

The views from Rochers-de-Naye

The train station at Rochers-de-Naye is located at an altitude of 1968 m. In summer, you can walk to the observation platform at 2042 m. If the weather is good you’ll be able to see a large part of Lake Geneva. There are gentle hills and plains toward Geneva in the south-west, and the higher peaks towering over the Rhone Valley toward the east.

The restaurants at the top

Two restaurants at Rochers-de-Naye allow you to have a drink and bite while enjoying the panorama:

  • Restaurant ‘Plein Ciel’ is located within in the rocks and offers a panoramic view of Lake Geneva. It can be reached through a pedestrian tunnel.
  • The ‘Alpin’ restaurant, next to the train station, offers a view of the Swiss and French Alps.

More to see and do around Rochers-de-Naye

  • In summer there’s a small animal park called ‘Marmots’ Paradise’ where different kinds of mountain marmots can be viewed up close.
  • From June to September, you can enjoy all sorts of beautiful flowers free of charge in the alpine garden ‘la Rambertia’.
  • In May and June, endless seas of daffodils grow in the fields near mid-station Caux.
  • Rochers-de-Naye is an excellent start or end point of several beautiful hiking routes, for example from Les Cases.
  • From May to October (dependent on weather conditions), a via ferrata is accessible.

Rochers-de-Naye FAQ

  1. How long does the trip to Rochers-de-Naye take?

    An excursion to Rochers-de-Naye takes about 3 hours from Montreux, assuming you spend about an hour at the top. This can be much longer if you take your time in the restaurants or plan a hike.

  2. What’s the best side of the train to sit on?

    There’s no major difference. The train constantly twists and turns, so you’ll have good views from both sides. The highlight of the trip in our opinion is the last section between La Perche and the top. As this is at a mountain ridge, you’ll have unobstructed sights from either side of the train.

  3. Which clothes to wear to Rochers-de-Naye?

    Dress in multiple thinner layers, as it’s colder at the top than down in Montreux. Take along sunglasses, and add a scarf, hat, and warm jacket if you visit in winter.

    Solid shoes help if you plan to walk around a bit, and they’re a must if you plan to hike.

  4. What more can I do on the same day?

    If you don’t spend more than half a day on the Rochers-de-Naye excursion there’s time to do some more activities. We recommend staying close to Montreux to reduce traveling time. The Chillon Castle, a boat trip on Lake Geneva, or exploring Montreux and Lausanne are great options.

  5. Can I ski or sledge at Rochers-de-Naye?

    In favorable snow conditions, you can use a couple ski lifts near the top station, as well as winter hiking routes from several stations along the route to Rochers-de-Naye. The top isn’t very high to Swiss standards, so snow can’t be fully guaranteed.

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Arno
Page author: ArnoI have visited Switzerland countless times since 1997. I've explored most of the country, but find myself staying in the Bernese Oberland and Graubünden most frequently. The alps and the rail network remain very impressive, even after all these years.