Les Rochers de NayeTowering 6699 feet (2042 meters) above the municipality of Montreux in the district of Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut in Switzerland, stands the glorious Rochers de Naye mountain. From Montreux the Chemin de fer Montreux-Glion-Rochers-de-Naye takes you up the peak. If you prefer to forgo the scenic mountain train ride and feel like getting a little exercise, you can drive to Col de Jaman and hike the two to three hours up to the
peak of Rochers de Naye.
The train starts its journey in Montreux. Almost as soon as it leaves the station the steep climb begins. The line changes directions many times by means of minor radius curves. This changes your view of Lake Geneva from one side to the other several times before you reach the station at Glion. The railway line then continues on to the small village of Caux. Here you pass through Alpine meadows that in the spring are bursting with wild flowers like narcissus, forget-me-nots and many others. Finally, after about 45 minutes on the cog rails, you reach the end of the road at Les Rochers de Naye. Here you can visit the Marmot Paradise centre, home to seven varieties from 3 continents of the small mammals. Each variety is housed in a separate 'park' simulating its natural environment. The peak of Les Rochers de Naye offers unique panoramic views across Lake Geneva to the majestic French Alps, this alone is worth the trip. You can stroll through the Education Centre and in the summer, the Rambertia alpine gardens welcome visitors with over 800 alpine plants from all over the world. The best part, all of this is free! You only pay for the train ride. Special attractions are available in the summer and winter. In the summer you can make a reservation for a night or two in a Mongolian yurt, a felt tent. And in the winter you can make a date with Santa and his reindeer. Whichever time of year you choose, you are guaranteed an experience of a lifetime.
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experience you can take your chances with the challenging Via Ferrata, which is Italian for road with irons. It gets this name from the iron 'stairs' imbedded in the mountain to make the climb possible. The route is complete with cables, ladders, stemples and bridges designed to make these otherwise inaccessible routes join up with longer routes. Walkers and climbers of various climbing abilities can follow this route without the need of their own belays or ropes. And without the risk of climbing unprotected. Aside from the thrill of conquering the mountain, this trail gives you access to the Grotes de Naye (caves) and a few hidden crevasses home to thousands of marmots. Exactly how many of these large ground squirrels live here is hard to tell because these shy creatures would rather hide than stand up and be counted. But, don't worry, if you don't see any on your way up, you will be able to see some later. Rochers de Naye.