Glion: Hiking Trails, Via Ferrata and Local History
Accommodation in Glion
Glion lies at an altitude of around 700 meters above Lake Geneva and overlooks the lake. The trails offer different themes for planning your trip: the Via Ferrata des Rochers-de-Naye and the Sentier des Narcisses both start in Glion. A hike through the Chauderon Gorge passes through Glion, and a running route through the hills above Montreux reaches the village. This makes it easy to choose between a climbing route, daffodil fields, forest, and gorge.
Hiking and Climbing Routes
The Via Ferrata des Rochers-de-Naye starts at Glion railway station and crosses 150 meters of the northwest face of Rochers de Naye. Two important planning considerations are the seasonal closure and the rating of the alternative exit: every year from May 1 to July 1, the final section is closed during the birds’ breeding season; the alternative exit is rated K4. Check the current conditions for this technical route before setting out.
The Sentier des Narcisses also starts right at Glion railway station. This 6.4 km hiking route lets you discover four daffodil fields. Daffodil visibility depends on the season, and trail conditions can also vary seasonally. If you choose this route, be sure to take the season into account when planning. Unlike the Via Ferrata, this route focuses on daffodil fields rather than the section along the rock face.
Gorge, Forest, and Hill Trails
The Les Gorges du Chauderon hike follows a shaded trail past spectacular gorges through a wild natural landscape. It starts and ends at Montreux railway station: from there, it passes through Glion and Les Planches before returning to Montreux. Glion is therefore one section of this loop, while the described hike starts and ends in Montreux.
The Boucle Montreux Gare - Glion running route offers a different kind of course. It winds through the forest in the hills above Montreux and reaches Glion via 1,055 steps; the return route follows a paved path. Compared with the gorge hike, the main difference is the route: one loop goes from Montreux through Glion and Les Planches and back, while the running route passes through the forest to the steps leading to Glion. These descriptions refer to different routes, not one shared route.
Scenic Rides and Local History
The ride on the Territet–Glion funicular takes eight minutes and offers views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and Château de Chillon. If you are planning to take the funicular on a specific day, check the timetable beforehand, as operating information can change.
Glion’s history is documented as far back as 1693. The village grew from a rural farming community into a major spa resort in the 19th century. Transport developments of that era included the Territet–Glion funicular, built in 1883, and the Montreux–Glion–Rochers-de-Naye cog railway, completed between 1892 and 1909. Both improved access to Glion and ushered in a golden age of tourism and wellness. These transport links are also part of Glion’s history as a travel destination.
Cooking and Pastry Classes
Maison DĂ©cotterd is located in Glion in a 19th-century building that was formerly the HĂ´tel Bellevue. Cooking and pastry classes with Chef DĂ©cotterd are offered there. Alongside the trails and local history, this adds a culinary theme to your trip planning: these classes focus on cooking and pastry.
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