Montreux is associated with the world famous Jazz Festival that is held every July in this dynamic city. Montreux can in fact be called a giant open-air music theater. Every street has a music club or a theatre. Add to that the charms of the castles and vineyards of the surrounding region, and you begin to understand why Montreux has been called the "Swiss Riviera".
The Castle of Chillon is the place to start your Montreux tour. This is where Lord Byron composed the famous poem "Prisoner of Chillon". The Rochers de Naye Mountain towers 2045 meters over sea level, making it the highest peak in the region. The vineyards of Lavaux, close to Montreux, are a popular tourist destination owing to the sun kissed orchards and fruit gardens that have an almost Mediterranean feel to them. If you are a rock enthusiast, then the Freddy Mercury Memorial is also a must visit on your Switzerland Montreux tour itinerary.
Montreux is also famous for the various events held here round the year. The Auditorium Stravinsky features classical music performances, comedy and opera from October to April. The music festivals feature bands from all over the world, from Africa to Europe, Asia to Latin America, making this city an exemplar of cosmopolitanism.
Boating in the Lake Leman, or hiking on the Prealpes is also a good option for nature lovers. This apart, Montreux is also a sports lover's paradise, where people can indulge in horse riding, tennis, golf, water sports and volleyball.
