Blonay Travel Guide

City Charming town in Vaud region of Switzerland

Perched above Lake Geneva, Blonay offers views over the lake, a medieval château and the Blonay-Chamby heritage railway; visitors walk vineyard terraces, ride steam trains and taste local white wines in village cafés.

Costs

Mid/high-range: $150-250/day

Expect $150-250 per day for midrange hotels, Swiss transport, and dining.

Safety

Extremely safe

Very safe with low crime and reliable emergency services.

Best Time

Best time: May-October

Pleasant weather and hiking from May through October; winter scenery nearby.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

9:25 PM

GMT+2

Weather

57°F

Partly Cloudy

Population

5,244

Infrastructure & Convenience

Excellent Swiss public transport to nearby towns; village is walkable with clear signage.

Popularity

Quiet residential escape popular with Swiss day-trippers and nature lovers nearby Montreux.

Known For

Blonay-Chamby steam railway, lake Geneva views, medieval castle, vineyards, hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, quiet villas, regional festivals

Blonay hosts the heritage Blonay-Chamby steam railway and museum, popular with rail enthusiasts.

Why Visit Blonay? #

Set above Lake Geneva, Blonay pairs gentle hillside vineyards with historic attractions like Château de Blonay and the Blonay-Chamby steam railway museum. Local walking paths and panoramic viewpoints look toward Montreux and the Alps, while nearby cafés serve regional cheeses and wine. The village’s compact charm and seasonal cultural events make it an appealing stop for travelers exploring the Swiss Riviera.

Best Things to Do in Blonay

All Attractions ›

Chillon Castle

Waterfront medieval fortress on Lake Geneva

Castle

Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces

Steep terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, wine region

Historical Site

Olympic Museum

Museum chronicling Olympic history and sports artifacts

Museum

Lake Leman

Alpine lake (Lac Léman) between Switzerland and France

Lake

Dents du Midi

Prominent Swiss Alpine massif with multiple jagged peaks

Mountains

Diablerets

Swiss alpine massif with glacier and ski resorts

Mountains

Lausanne Cathedral

Gothic cathedral dominating Lausanne's old town skyline

Church

Lake of Gruyère

Swiss reservoir in Gruyères, with lakeside castle

Lake

Blonay Bucket List

Don't Miss

Château de Blonay - Medieval castle hosting cultural events and offering lake views from terraces.
Blonay-Chamby Museum Railway - Heritage steam railway and museum running vintage trains between Blonay and Chamby.
Belvédère viewpoint - Hilltop lookout providing sweeping vistas over Lake Geneva and surrounding Alps.

Hidden Gems

Small family vineyards - Small family vineyards producing local wines and offering occasional tastings.
Occasional craft markets at the château - Occasional craft markets at Château de Blonay featuring artisans and regional products.
Quiet forest walks - Shaded trails around the village ideal for short nature walks and birdwatching.

Day Trips

Montreux - Lakeside town with the Montreux Jazz history, lakeside promenade, and boat connections.
Rochers-de-Naye - Mountain peak reachable by cog railway offering alpine gardens and panoramic walks.

Best Time to Visit Blonay #

Blonay is nicest from late spring through early autumn when the lake, vineyards, and nearby trails are at their best. Winters are cool with occasional snow and quieter visitor numbers.

Winter

December - February · -1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F)

Chilly, occasionally snowy winters are quiet-good for cozy lakeside cafés but limited outdoor activities and slower tourist services.

Spring

March - May · 6°C to 18°C (43°F to 64°F)

Blossoming vineyards and mild temperatures make spring ideal for walks, local markets, and fewer tourists than summer, and crisp mornings.

Summer

June - August · 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F)

Warm, sunny days suit lake swimming, terrace dining, and scenic train rides; expect more crowds but generally stable, pleasant weather.

Best Time to Visit Blonay #

Climate

Blonay's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1242 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

JulyAugustJune

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

33°

Warmest Month

-26°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

1°

Feels Like Cold

1°C

Temperature

-3° – 4°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

88 mm

Rainfall

1.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.9h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

-2° – 6°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

90 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.3

UV Index

Low

10.2h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

0° – 9°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

83 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

3° – 13°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

91 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.0

UV Index

High

13.4h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

7° – 18°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

108 mm

Rainfall

2.1 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.4

UV Index

High

14.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

10° – 21°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

135 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

15.6h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Mild

18°C

Temperature

13° – 24°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

117 mm

Rainfall

1.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

15.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Cool

18°C

Temperature

13° – 23°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

117 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.5

UV Index

High

14.0h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

9° – 19°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

106 mm

Rainfall

1.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.0

UV Index

Moderate

12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cold

10°C

Temperature

5° – 14°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

1.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 8°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

105 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.3h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

1°

Feels Like Cold

1°C

Temperature

-2° – 5°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

98 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.5h daylight

How to Get to Blonay

Blonay sits above Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud and is best accessed via Geneva Airport or by train through Vevey/Montreux. Swiss trains and the Montreux-Blonay regional lines provide reliable, frequent connections and make driving unnecessary for most visitors.

By Air

Geneva Airport (GVA): Geneva is the closest major international airport for western Vaud. From Geneva Airport take an SBB train to Vevey (about 1h-direct or with one change) then a local connection to Blonay (MOB or regional train) for a final 5-10 minute ride; expect combined fares in the CHF 20-35 range depending on route and discounts.

Zurich Airport (ZRH): Zurich has more long-haul connections. Trains from ZRH to Vevey or Montreux take about 2h45-3h; add a short local connection to Blonay. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) runs frequent services; fares vary with advance purchase and Swiss Travel Pass options.

By Train & Bus

Train: Blonay is served by the Montreux-Glion-Rochers-de-Naye line (MOB/Rive Droite) with good connections from Vevey and Montreux. From Vevey station the local MOB trains or regional buses reach Blonay in 5-10 minutes.

Bus: Regional Transports publics de la Riviera (VMCV) and other local operators run buses linking Blonay with Vevey, Montreux and nearby villages. Buses are frequent for short hops and are useful for accessing hillside viewpoints and local sites; single fares are typically modest (few CHF).

How to Get Around Blonay #

Blonay is a small, slightly hilly lakeside town that’s pleasant to walk but can involve short climbs. Public transport is good by Swiss standards: regional trains and buses connect Blonay with Vevey and Montreux, and the SBB/MOB network covers longer trips - local fares are higher than in many countries, so check the SBB app for tickets and connections.

Where to Stay in Blonay #

Budget

Blonay / Vevey area - CHF 60-140/night

Blonay is a small, residential town with handful of B&Bs; budget travellers often stay in nearby Vevey or Montreux for more options.

Local B&Bs & guesthouses (Blonay) - Small inns on the hillside.
Grand Hotel du Lac Vevey (budget deals off-season) - Occasional lower-rate offers.

Mid-Range

Vevey / Montreux - CHF 120-250/night

Mid-range choices cluster in Vevey and Montreux - lakeside hotels with easy rail links to Blonay and scenic views.

Grand Hotel du Lac Vevey - Elegant lakeside rooms and dining.
Mid-range hotels in Vevey & Montreux - Comfortable stays by Lake Geneva.

Luxury

Montreux / Vevey luxury strip - CHF 250+/night

Blonay has no luxury resort; the nearest high-end properties are in Montreux and Vevey along Lake Geneva, a short drive away.

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace - Historic grand hotel on the lake.
Grand Hotel du Lac Vevey (luxury rooms) - Top-tier lakeside service.

Where to Eat in Blonay #

Bistros & Bakeries

Blonay, above Lake Geneva, has cozy bistros and bakers offering regional cheeses, rösti-style dishes, fondues and wines from nearby Lavaux vineyards.

Wine & Cheese Pairings

Local places often highlight Vaud cheeses and nearby vineyard wines, making simple meals into relaxed tasting experiences.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Blonay's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional

Pizza

Burger

Kebab

Chinese

Italian

Thai

Japanese

Sandwich

Asian

Crepe

Sushi

Local

Salad

Fish

French

Tartare

Lebanese

Pasta

Ice Cream

Nightlife in Blonay #

Nightlife in Blonay is quiet and largely restaurant- and café-based. If you want bars, live music or late-night options, Vevey and Montreux, a short ride away, have far more choices.

Shopping in Blonay #

Shop selection in Blonay itself is small - expect bakeries, a few shops and basic services. For a fuller shopping day head to nearby Vevey or Montreux, where weekly markets and independent shops offer regional food and crafts.