Latest news from Montreux

About 60 to 200 million tonnes of dust have risen several kilometres into the air due to the weather conditions and warm temperatures, before being carried to Switzerland by southerly winds. Known to meteorologists, this relatively rare phenomenon is harmless to humans. It is linked to a strong air flow from the south which brings spring temperatures and a high concentration of Saharan dust suspended in the atmosphere. This sand came mainly from north-west African states: Algeria, Mauritania and Mali.

A light layer of snow covering the statue of Freddie Mercury fell in Montreux between 25 and 27 January 2021. A true "Winter's Tale" as Freddie referred to it in his famous song taken from the album "Made in Heaven".

Many thanks to the Conatus Studio and Vladimir Cochet for the excellent work.

In addition to the many photos and videos, it is Peter Freestone himself that you will hear on the audioguides of the English version during the guided tour and who will give you explanations, stories and anecdotes.

We look forward to welcoming you in Montreux from August 1st, 2020 for the long-awaited launch of the Freddie Tours.

The Montreux Riviera Card is offered for each night in the Montreux-Vevey area. It is automatically given to you on arrival at your hotel, holiday apartment or private clinic and gives you many advantages. Reservation required.

More information about the Montreux Riviera Card.

As the coronavirus pandemic intensifies, the Swiss Government declares the closure of all public institutions in Switzerland on 16 March 2020. The Montreux Casino and its museum, Queen The Studio Experience, were then forced to close their doors for an indefinite period.

This space, which was formerly the Mountain Studio, is the recording place of the band Queen in Montreux and now houses a faithful reconstruction of the place where Freddie Mercury and Queen recorded many albums.

The exhibition is free and open every day of the year from 10am to 10pm.

More information

A mask with a sign "Stay home" was installed by someone later on the statue as a wink and in support of the medical staff who are working hard during this difficult period.

4 days later, on 20 March 2020, gatherings of more than 5 people were banned throughout Switzerland. These measures had a direct effect on the statue of Freddie Mercury. Indeed, since 8 April, just before the long Easter weekend, the Montreux authorities decided to install barriers, in order to close the access to the pontoon in front of the statue and thus avoid all gatherings. 

The statue of Freddie Mercury in Montreux is therefore now confined until further notice.

On 19 may 2020, the fences installed in the early hours of the Coronavirus crisis around the Freddie Mercury statue were removed by the Montreux authorities. Little by little life returns to normal in Montreux and many curious people were around the statue this day to admire it.

Indeed, gatherings of more than 5 people are now forbidden in Switzerland, which makes it impossible to hold these guided visits.

New dates will be announced depending on the decisions of the Swiss authorities and the improvement of the situation related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

On behalf of Peter Freestone and the Freddie Tours team, we thank you for your understanding and remain at your disposal for all your questions.

Freddie Mercury's face was indeed reconstructed in their window using clothing. Congratulations for their creativity, the result is really impressive and deserved the visit!

www.sir-montreux.com