The Montreux Jazz Festival on Lake Geneva is a music festival with a long tradition. It has been attracting visitors from different countries since 1967. Seven reasons why a visit to the festival is definitely worthwhile.
Here you can experience music history live! The Montreux Jazz Festival has existed for almost six decades and is one of the most famous music festivals in Europe. The numerous concert recordings from past years have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, underlining the historical and cultural significance of the festival.
What some people don't know: The festival's program is not at all limited to jazz. In addition to jazz, artists from the fields of rock, pop, blues and electronic music regularly perform. This means that the festival appeals to a wide audience with different musical interests.
Every year, musicians and bands from different countries perform on the festival's stages. Chaka Khan, Neil Young, Diana Ross and Santana, among others, have been announced for 2025.
→ More about this year's line-up here.
The festival takes place directly on the shores of Lake Geneva. The surroundings are characterized by water and mountains, which gives the festival a special atmosphere and makes the stay pleasant for visitors. Visitors will find numerous food stalls and cafés on the festival grounds. The offer ranges from regional specialties to international dishes, so there is something for every taste.
And a very special reason to visit Montreux this summer is the lake stage! It's only available again this year, as the big concerts will take place again in 2026 (in the newly renovated congress center).
A large part of the program is open to all visitors without having to pay admission. There are numerous free concerts, DJ sets and workshops that take place on various stages and offer a wide range of activities.
Workshops are offered as part of the festival, where experienced musicians provide insights into their working methods. These events allow participants to learn more about music production, improvisation or songwriting.
In addition to the planned concerts, there are regular jam sessions in which musicians play together spontaneously. These sessions offer the opportunity to experience musical encounters and improvisations that are not predictable.