Getaways

Following Queen’s footsteps in Montreux

Deni Bernardo · Jul 5, 2026, 5:19 AM

Château de Chillon, a medieval island castle located on the shore of Lake Geneva, Switzerland. — PHOTOGRAPHS BY DENI BERNARDO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE

TOURISTS and fans with the bronze statue of Freddie Mercury.

RIDE among the clouds.

Queen, David Bowie, Deep Purple, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Aretha Franklin, to name a few, found their growth as artists in Montreux, a scenic resort town by the Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

Along the flower-lined promenade lies many attractions. First, the Queen Studio Experience offers an intimate encounter with Queen and its front man Freddie Mercury’s artistry through their personal memorabilia, costumes hand-written compositions and studio where guests can also record their own songs.

ALPINE coaster.

Mercury’s bronze statue by the shores of Lake Montreux has become the municipality’s most famous and most photographed landmark. It is by the statue that the town holds its Jazz Festival every July, featuring international stars.

Stroll further along the promenade to see the medieval island castle Chillon Castle, Disney’s inspiration for Prince Eric’s castle in the 1989 animated flick The Little Mermaid.

ICONIC costumes of Freddie Mercury.

large bass drum display featuring a red backlit silhouette, acting as the centerpiece for The Mercury Phoenix Trust.

MEMORABILIA dedicated to Freddie Mercury.

About 45 minutes to an hour from Montreux town proper is Glacier 3000, a famous spot to see snow in the Alps all-year-round and to ride cable cars and an alpine rollercoaster.

FREDDIE Mercury up close.