Chocolate Train:
Switzerland’s Sweetest Journey

Here’s a sweet surprise: the Chocolate Train is no longer entirely a train. Yep, we said it. The name stuck, but the tracks… well, they got partially swapped for wheels. These days, this iconic Swiss experience still kicks off in 1st-class style aboard the Montreux–Berner Oberland Railway’s Belle Epoque Pullman 1915 vintage coaches, gliding from Montreux to Montbovon. Then, in true Swiss efficiency, you trade “choo-choo” for “vroom-vroom” as a panoramic chocolate bus whisks you to Gruyères and Broc.

It was originally launched as a Belle Époque train journey by the GoldenPass Line in partnership with Maison Cailler (that’s Nestlé’s oldest and most iconic Swiss chocolate brand. The Chocolate Train was Switzerland’s answer to Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. That’s if Mr. Wonka wore a watch, took the scenic route through the Alps and served a cheese platter before dessert. And while you won’t find Oompa Loompas or chocolate rivers here, what you will get is a real-world version of Wonka’s golden ticket: behind-the-scenes chocolate-making magic, endless Alpine eye-candy and the comforting knowledge that nobody’s going to turn into a blueberry along the way.

Call it a train, call it a bus, call it a moving dessert lounge. It’s a 7.5-hour day trip of pure Swiss indulgence. Just don’t miss it.

The Chocolate Train Itinerary

Montreux to Broc

Switzerland’s most indulgent itinerary doesn’t require a golden ticket, just an appetite. The Chocolate Train delivers a full day of Swiss bliss, winding through lakeside towns, medieval villages and cocoa-scented valleys. It’s part sightseeing tour, part edible fantasy and all delicious.

Montreux

You begin in Montreux, the Swiss Riviera’s lakeside darling, where jazz, luxury and mountains mingle effortlessly. This is where the Chocolate Train, now a plush coach with scenic views and snack-ready cupholders, sets the tone for a day of indulgence. As you sip on fresh coffee and bite into your chocolate croissant, the bus glides past the vineyards of Lavaux. It’s scenic overload from the get-go, but don’t worry, it only gets sweeter.

Montbovon

The first leg winds up at Montbovon, a sleepy station tucked between rolling green hills. Once the official rail-to-road handoff point, it now marks the start of your deeper dive into dairy territory. No dramatic fanfare, just a quiet, scenic pause before the cheese gets real.

Gruyères

Welcome to Gruyères, a village so charming it looks like it hired a film set designer. You’ll stop at La Maison du Gruyère, where you’ll meet the real stars of the show: cows, cultures and curds. This is where Swiss cheese magic happens, and yes, you’ll witness the whole process from milk to melt. Afterward, there’s time to wander the cobblestone streets.

Broc

Just when you think the day has peaked, you arrive in Broc. This town smells like happiness. This is the home of Maison Cailler, Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand and your final (and most decadent) stop. Here, you’ll learn how chocolate goes from bean to bar with the kind of interactive experience that makes kids jealous and adults question why they didn’t become a chocolatier. And the grand finale? A tasting room lined with bite-sized masterpieces. No judgment if you go back for seconds. Or even thirds.

Coffee, Cheese and Chocolate Along the Way

The journey kicks off in true Swiss style, with coffee and chocolate croissants that feel like a warm hug from a Parisian bakery. These are served shortly after leaving Montreux. And your next treat? A behind-the-scenes peek (and taste) at La Maison du Gruyère, the famous show dairy where Switzerland’s most iconic cheese comes to life. Think creamy textures, nutty aromas and the kind of melt-in-your-mouth goodness that makes you wonder why you ever settled for supermarket cheese. And then followed by a trip to the legendary Maison Cailler in Broc, Nestlé’s oldest and most iconic chocolate factory. By the end of the day you’ll experience a full-scale love affair with Swiss flavors.

Where to Stay

Montreux

Let’s talk logistics. Since the Chocolate Train is a full-day round trip, starting and ending in Montreux. This lakeside stunner is your one and only sleepover spot. No mid-tour hotel hopping required. You’ll spend the day chasing cheese and chocolate, and then be back in Montreux just in time to watch the sunset over Lake Geneva like a well-fed local.

• Fairmont Le Montreux Palace (5 stars): A palace in name and personality, this five-star legend has been ruling Montreux’s lakeside skyline since 1906. Think Belle Epoque elegance meets spa heaven, with views so jaw-dropping they deserve their own postcard.

• Hotel Eden Palace au Lac (4 stars): A little more low-key but still high on style, Eden Palace au Lac serves up lake views, garden terraces and just the right amount of old-school charm. It’s been welcoming guests since 1896, and it shows in the best way. You’re right by the promenade and just a chocolate's throw from the city center.
  
  

• Auberge de Jeunesse Montreux: Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean bland. This hotel is located near Lake Geneva with killer views and cozy vibes. Auberge de Jeunesse Montreux is perfect for backpackers, solo travelers or anyone who prefers to spend their francs on fondue.
  
  

Where to Eat

Montreux

• Restaurant Le Pont de Brent: This two-star temple of gastronomy is where Chef Stéphane Décotterd turns local Swiss produce into edible poetry. The setting? A historic inn with sweeping views and even more sweeping flavors. The foie gras? Life-changing. The wine pairings? Spiritual.

• Restaurant Le Museum: No, it’s not a museum of food (though we’d absolutely go to that). It’s a Montreux classic known for serving rustic Swiss specialties in a space that looks like it was designed by a fondue-loving hunter.

Montbovon

• Auberge de la Couronne: Montbovon may be tiny, but its culinary heart beats proudly inside this cozy inn. Known for honest, hearty Swiss fare, this is the place to stop for a quiet lunch that tastes like it was cooked by your Alpine grandmother (if your Alpine grandmother had restaurant-level chops).

• Restaurant de l’Ange: A local favorite where the portions are generous, the staff are warm and the atmosphere feels like a Swiss postcard. It’s not Michelin-starred, but that’s the charm, it’s real food for real hungry travelers.

Gruyères

• Le Chalet de Gruyères: Want cheese with a side of cheese followed by more cheese? You’re in the right place. This local legend is the go-to for all things fondue and traditional Alpine cooking. Wood-paneled interiors, mountain views and bubbling pots of Gruyères. Yes, welcome to dairy heaven.

• HR Giger Bar Museum: The HR Giger Bar Museum is a surreal, spine-tingling tribute to the twisted genius behind the Alien franchise. This isn't just a museum. It’s a deep dive into the darkly imaginative mind of Swiss artist H.R. Giger. The HR Giger Bar, which is part museum piece, part cocktail lounge and fully immersive. Sip your drink inside what feels like a giant alien ribcage, under a vaulted ceiling of skeletal arches.

Broc

• Restaurant Hotel de Ville Broc: No, this isn't your average town hall eatery. This local gem is known for generous portions, warm service and a fondness for regional ingredients. Their seasonal menu gives Swiss staples a fresh spin without straying too far from tradition. A favorite among Broc locals and post-chocolate-tour foodies.

• Les Montagnards: Les Montagnards is a Michelin-starred restaurant that brings modern finesse to mountain cuisine. Led by Chef Kaiichi Arimoto, this culinary hideaway reinvents Swiss and French classics with a light, elegant touch. The atmosphere? It is refined yet relaxed with panoramic views that pair just as well with your wine as they do with your Instagram.

Other Things To Do

Montreux

Since Montreux is both your take-off and touchdown point for the Chocolate Train adventure, this will be your only real playground for pre- and post-tour wandering. But trust us, this lakeside stunner packs enough charm, culture and photo ops to fill an entire itinerary of its own. So once the cheese and chocolate coma wears off, here’s how to make the most of your downtime in Montreux.

• Stroll the Montreux Lakeside Promenade: Enjoy a cinematic glide along Lake Geneva’s glittering edge. Palm trees sway, flower beds bloom and the Alps casually show off in the background. Keep an eye out for the Freddie Mercury statue, a tribute to the rock icon who recorded here and called Montreux his soul-soothing escape.

• Visit Chateau de Chillon: Just a quick hop from town sits Switzerland’s most famous castle, perched dramatically on a rock outcrop over the lake. With turrets, courtyards, secret passageways and literary fame (shoutout to Lord Byron), Chateau de Chillon is pure medieval magic.
  
  

• Pop into Queen: The Studio Experience: Located inside Montreux’s Casino Barriere, this mini-museum is located in the band's original recording studio. You can even hear raw studio tracks and stand where Freddie laid down his legendary vocals. It’s small, free and totally goosebump-worthy.