Santa’s Train to Rochers-de-Naye

From late November through Christmas Eve, Santa's House opens at the summit of Rochers-de-Naye, high above Montreux. A cogwheel train carries you up in about 50 minutes to over 2,000 meters, with the view slowly changing from Lake Geneva to snow.

The train is run by MOB Montreux Oberland Bernois, and the ride itself is part of the holiday experience. Kids can take a photo with Santa, and adults get lake and Alpine views. It works well for families, grandparents with grandchildren, or anyone looking for a special half-day trip in the Christmas season.

This is a seasonal package that includes the return train ride and basic admission. Advance booking is required.

The train leaves Montreux and climbs through Glion, Caux, Haut-de-Caux and Jaman before reaching the summit. The L'Alpin restaurant at the top is a good place to sit down for a meal before heading back.

Trains run roughly once an hour during the Christmas season. Check the exact times when you book.

Rochers-de-Naye Mountain Train Ticket

The Christmas package includes the return train ride and basic admission. Prices are in Swiss francs (CHF).

Note that the Swiss Travel Pass does not cover this trip for free. You still need to buy the Christmas package, but at the reduced pass-holder price of CHF 20.

Santa's House is designed mainly for children and families. It is not recommended for children under 3. For kids under 6, whether they take a seat affects the ticket price, so decide before you book.

Snow at the summit is very likely in December, while the Montreux lakefront may stay snow-free, so the temperature difference is big. Bring a warm jacket, hat, gloves and non-slip shoes. A spare pair of socks for the kids helps too.

On weekdays you have about 90 minutes at the top, enough time to visit Santa's House and have something to eat at the L'Alpin restaurant before taking the free-seating train back down.

Once you are back in Montreux, stop by the Christmas market on the lakefront. In the early evening, Santa flies over the market on his sleigh, a well-known part of Montreux's Christmas season and a nice way to round out the day.