Swiss Vapeur Parc
Le Bouveret, Switzerland, 1897
On the shores of Lake Geneva, Swiss Vapeur Parc is a railway-themed miniature park with 6,560 feet (2,000 meters) of train tracks, rideable steam trains, and a model-train landscape dotted with Swiss landmarks and alpine villages. It’s a must for train enthusiasts, as well as a fun destination for the whole family.
The Basics
Entrance to Swiss Vapeur Parc offers full access to the park’s attractions and unlimited rides on the mini trains. Follow the walkways around the train tracks, spot the 16 different locomotives and railcars (eight of which use steam power), and admire the 1:4 scale models, which include everything from bridges, viaducts, and tunnels to railroad crossings and signal stations. Hop aboard to explore Switzerland by train—the main railway track passes miniature re-creations of sights such as Saanen Church, Aigle Castle, and the Halls of Neuchâtel.
Things to Know Before You Go
The park offers free entrance for children under 3 and discounted entrance for under 16s.
Visitor facilities include picnic areas, restaurants, a gift shop, and a parking lot (parking fees apply).
The trains are suitable for all ages, but young children must be accompanied by an adult.
The park and trains are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Swiss Vapeur Parc is located in Le Bouveret, on the southeast bank of Lake Geneva. The closest major town is Montreux, from which it’s about a 25-minute drive, and boats also run from Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux.
When to Get There
The park is open daily from mid-March to early November, but the most atmospheric time to visit is during the International Steam Festival in June, when engine drivers from all over Europe descend on the park. It can get busy on weekends and school holidays, especially in July and August, so opt for a weekday visit to avoid the biggest crowds and arrive when the park opens at 10am.
Family Attractions Around Montreux
Swiss Vapeur Parc is located right next door to the water park Aquaparc, with a variety of slides, wave pools, and water activities. Other nearby attractions for families include Chillon Castle in Montreux, which hosts medieval tours and reenactments in summer; the Alimentarium in Vevey, an interactive food-themed museum; and Marmot's Paradise, a wildlife park reached by a scenic train ride up to the Rochers-de-Naye mountain plateau.
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