At 2,042 m above sea level, the Rochers de Naye tower over the Vaud Riviera with views of Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura. You reach the top from Montreux by cogwheel train, for hiking in summer or skiing, sledging and snowshoeing in winter.
Viewpoints & lookouts
Rochers de Naye
Main highlights
- 360° panoramic view from the summit over Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura
- Cogwheel railway dating from 1892, linking Montreux to the summit in about 55 minutes
- La Rambertia alpine garden, created in 1896, with more than 1,000 species of mountain plants
Overview
The Rochers de Naye are a limestone mountain rising to 2,042 m on the border between the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg. It is the highest point of the Prealps in the Montreux area. The name is thought to come from the jagged cliffs, likened to “naies”, bird nests in the local dialect.
The summit is served by a cogwheel railway opened in 1892. The line climbs more than 1,600 m in elevation over 10.6 km from Montreux. The site has become a popular year-round destination combining nature, sport and the discovery of alpine flora.
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What to see and do
At the summit, an observation platform offers a 360° view over Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura. The La Rambertia alpine garden features more than 1,000 species of mountain plants from around the world. At the Marmot House, you can watch these alpine rodents in a suitable habitat. Mongolian yurts let you spend the night at 2,000 m.
Several trails start from the summit : a 45-minute panoramic loop, the ridge trail to the Dent de Jaman, about 1 hr 30, and the descent to Les Avants via the Jaman alpine pasture, about 2 hr 30.
In winter, a family-friendly ski area offers 7 km of slopes. You will also find marked ski touring routes, a natural sledging run and snowshoe trails.
Practical information
Getting there : cogwheel train from Montreux station, a journey of about 55 minutes. Experienced hikers can walk up from Les Avants or Caux.
Visit duration : half a day for the summit, longer with a hike.
Suitable for : families, hikers and skiers.
On site : panoramic restaurant serving Swiss specialities, terrace, souvenir shop and public toilets.
Visitor tips
Ideally come on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds. Bring warm clothing even in summer : above 2,000 m, temperatures drop quickly with the wind. Check the weather forecast, as fog can hide the view.
In high season, book the train in advance, and especially the yurts. This place is part of the selection Vevey and Montreux : gems of the Vaud Riviera.
Nearby
- The Col de Jaman, at 1,512 m, provides access to the Dent de Jaman and offers a view over Lake Geneva.
- The Gorges du Chauderon, above Montreux, can be explored along a shaded trail punctuated by stairs.
- Chillon Castle is a medieval fortress with well-preserved architecture on the shores of Lake Geneva.
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