Swiss Riviera, Montreux & Glacier 3000 Day Trip from Geneva
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Overview
This day trip from Geneva follows the Swiss Riviera along Lake Geneva and climbs into the Vaud Alps to Glacier 3000, a snowfield at almost 3,000 metres. On the default option your cable car tickets from Col du Pillon are included, together with access to the Peak Walk suspension bridge and the snow Fun Park. On the way back you have free time in Montreux on the lakeshore. You travel by coach with a map and itinerary booklet and explore at your own pace. It suits active travellers and families.
Highlights
- Cable cars from Col du Pillon to Glacier 3000, included on the default option
- The Peak Walk, the first suspension bridge in the world linking two summits
- Views of more than 20 peaks over 4,000 metres, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc on clear days
- Snow all year and a Fun Park with sledges on the glacier
- Free time in Montreux on the Swiss Riviera
- A scenic coach journey along Lake Geneva and through Les Diablerets
Full Description
Glacier 3000
Glacier 3000 is a high-altitude area on the Tsanfleuron glacier, in the Vaud Alps above the village of Les Diablerets. Cable cars climb from Col du Pillon in two stages to the top station at Scex Rouge, close to 3,000 metres, where the snow lasts all year. The panorama takes in some of the most famous summits of the Alps.
A Glacier 3000 day trip is one of the easiest ways from Geneva to stand in real snow in summer. The Fun Park offers sledges and snow fun for all ages, and walking trails lead onto the glacier when conditions allow. The best time to visit Glacier 3000 is on a clear day; check the weather, as visibility can change quickly at this height.
The Peak Walk
The Peak Walk is a suspension bridge about 107 metres long that links two rocky summits at around 3,000 metres. When it opened in 2014, it was the first bridge in the world to connect one peak to another, and walking across it feels like floating above the glacier.
From the middle you can see more than twenty peaks over 4,000 metres, including the Matterhorn, the Eiger, the Mönch and, on clear days, Mont Blanc. Access is included on the default option, but, like the Fun Park, it depends on the weather and may be closed in strong wind. The Alpine Coaster, a summer toboggan run on the glacier, is not included.
Col du Pillon and Les Diablerets
The cable car base station stands at Col du Pillon, a mountain pass at about 1,550 metres between the Vaud and Bernese Alps. Nearby, Les Diablerets is a traditional village of dark wooden chalets whose name means the little devils, after local legends about demons that threw stones from the cliffs above.
If you choose the transport-only option, or simply want a quieter afternoon, you can walk along the river in the valley, enjoy the alpine meadows and take in the massive rock walls of the Diablerets massif. The coach leaves the area in the middle of the afternoon to head back towards the lake.
Montreux and the Swiss Riviera
The drive follows the Swiss Riviera, the sunny northern shore of Lake Geneva where palm trees grow beside the water and the steep terraced slopes of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rise above the road. The mild climate has drawn travellers since the 19th century.
In Montreux you have free time on the flower-lined lakeside promenade, where the bronze statue of Freddie Mercury looks out over the water, and where the famous Montreux Jazz Festival has been held every July since 1967. Chillon Castle lies a short distance along the shore. Things to do in Montreux are all within walking distance of the promenade.
Itinerary
- Departure from GenevaMeet at the coach departure point in central Geneva and leave at about 8:15; stops in Lausanne and Montreux pick up other travellers.
- Swiss Riviera driveFollow the shore of Lake Geneva past Lausanne and Montreux before climbing into the Alps.
- Col du Pillon and Glacier 3000Ride the cable cars to the glacier and spend several hours at the top.
- Peak Walk and Fun ParkCross the Peak Walk and enjoy the snow, weather permitting.
- Free time in MontreuxThe coach leaves the mountains mid-afternoon for free time on the Montreux promenade.
- Return to GenevaDrive back along the lake, arriving in the early evening.
What's included
- Return coach from Montreux to Col du Pillon
- Free time in Montreux
- Free time to explore Col du Pillon
- English-speaking tour staff
Not included
- Glacier 3000 cable cars
- Peak Walk and Fun Park
- Alpine Coaster
- Food and drinks
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers who want the view from the air
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.6/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes 3000 days
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You are afraid of heights
Not suitable for
- Children without an accompanying adult
- People with heart problems or difficulty at high altitude
Meeting point
The default option departs from a meeting point in central Geneva at about 8:15. The exact address is sent with your booking confirmation. Other options start in Lausanne or Montreux. A map and itinerary booklet are handed out at departure. Hotel pickup is not included.
Important information
- Bring warm clothes, sunglasses, sun cream and comfortable shoes: it is cold and bright on the glacier even in summer.
- The Peak Walk, Fun Park and chairlift are included with the cable car option but depend on the weather and are confirmed only on arrival.
- Visibility is not guaranteed, and it can snow at any time of year.
- The Alpine Coaster is not included.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Food and drinks are not included; smoking and pets are not allowed.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Glacier 3000 and Montreux day trip cost?
The price depends on the option you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and for children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The default option departs from a meeting point in central Geneva, and other options start in Lausanne or Montreux.
How long is the trip?
About 10 hours from Geneva, 8.5 hours from Lausanne and 6 to 7 hours from Montreux.
Is Glacier 3000 suitable for children?
Yes. Children love the snow and the Fun Park. They must be accompanied by an adult and dressed warmly.
Are the cable car tickets included?
On the default option, yes, together with access to the Peak Walk and Fun Park. The transport-only options do not include the cable cars.
What is the difference between the options?
You can start from Geneva, Lausanne or Montreux, and choose either the day trip with the Glacier 3000 cable cars or transport only, which suits Swiss Pass holders or those who prefer to stay in the valley.
Is there a guide?
There is no live guide on the cable car options: you explore at your own pace with a map and itinerary booklet in English, which also gives the coach times.
What should I wear?
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves, sunglasses and sturdy shoes.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, if the booking panel still shows availability for that date.
Is Glacier 3000 worth it in summer?
Yes. It is one of the few places near Geneva where you can walk on snow in July and August, with superb Alpine views.
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