Dent de Jaman – hike to peak above Montreux

This hike climbs to the top of a shark-tooth shaped peak above Montreux and Lake Geneva. It’s more work than riding the cogwheel train up to similar views from neighboring mountain Rochers-de-Naye. But with this hike, you earn the spectacular panorama at the top and get to spend more time with the surrounding mountainous landscape. Our family really enjoyed this hike and would recommend it to hikers that enjoy a bit of a challenge.

Note: The last 250 meters is a bit of scramble up a steep rocky slope, where you may need your hands for balance. Those afraid of heights and small children should skip this part but the rest of the hike is still worth doing.

Location

Dent de Jaman peak is located near Montreux in western Switzerland (see on Google maps). You can drive or take a mountain train to reach the trail.

Hiking map

This is a loop trail, starting and ending at the Col de Jaman mountain pass parking (see on Google maps). I suggest hiking this counterclockwise, as we did. This means you start with the uphill walking in the forest on the front side of the peak, staying cool. Then the scramble to the peak. Then complete the loop with an easy downhill around the backside of the peak.  

See trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive

Alternative by public transport: Since there is no bus service to Col de Jaman, if you come by public transportation, you can instead start this hike at the Jaman stop of the Rochers de Naye mountain train. In this case, you might choose to start by riding up to Rochers-de-Naye first and hiking down to Jaman. Hike up the peak, then back down to catch the cogwheel train at Jaman. See sample trail map for this version. 

Safer version: If you are afraid of heights or traveling with small children, simply skip the peak climb. The rest of the hike is safe and suitable for casual hikers and children.

How to get there

By car: Drive to Col de Jaman, Montreux – 46°27’05.2″N 6°58’38.1″E. Starting at Chamy, the road is a narrow, winding one lane road through the forest with a steep slope to one side. There are occasional turn outs for passing cars. At Col de Jaman, there is free parking next to the mountain restaurant. This parking can fill up early on sunny weekends. We suggest arriving before 10:00.

If you find this kind of driving road stressful, perhaps park in Montreux and use the public transportation option described below.

By public transport: There is no bus service at the Col de Jaman. Instead take a train to Montreux, gare (main train station). Transfer to the Rochers de Naye mountain train, which slowly makes it way up the mountain. Get off at the Jaman stop, one stop before reaching the summit of Rochers de Naye. You will be very close to the Dent du Jaman peak, so you can start with that and optionally do the full loop afterwards.

The mountain train departs Montreux every hour on the xx:17, first train at 8:17. The journey to Jaman takes 42 mins. From Jaman, the train departs on the xx:20, last train at 18:20.

Train ticket prices

If you are driving to Col de Jaman, parking is free and there are no other costs.

If you are riding the Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel train to Jaman, you’ll need at least a round trip ticket from Montreux to Jaman. In 2022, this ticket costs CHF 55.20/adult round trip. If you plan to get on or off at different stops, you may need a different ticket. 

Discounts for GA, Half-fare card, Swiss Travel Pass and Montreux Riviera Card (free for overnight guests in the area). Children 6-15 are half-price. Children under 6 and children with a Junior Card travel free with an adult.

Where to eat

Next to the Col de Jaman parking, you’ll find the le Manoïre restaurant. We ate lunch there and were pleasantly surprised how delicous it was.  

At the Jaman train station, there is the Buvetta de Jaman mountain restaurant (see on map). It’s open Wed – Sun about 9:30 – 17:00, a little earlier or later on some days. 

What to wear and bring

This hike requires hiking shoes with good tread. I didn’t find hiking sticks necessary since the main trail is quite smooth and the peak climb is better done with hands free to hold onto rocks.

This is a mountain hike, so weather and temperatures can change quickly. Dress appropriate to the weather forecast, bringing layers like a fleece and windbreaker/rain jacket as needed. A few sections have tall grass, so you may prefer trousers to shorts.

This region can be very sunny and hot in summer. Make sure to bring sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses. Bring at least 1 L of water per person. There are no fountains but you can buy drinks at the mountain restaurants.

Where to stay

Note: Our stay was hosted by Hôtel du Léman. All opinions are my own.

The closest towns to this hike are Montreux and Vevey. For our visit, we stayed at Hôtel du Léman in the hills above Vevey. It’s a 35 mins drive to the hike from the hotel.

They have a huge outdoor terrace and grassy areas overlooking Lake Geneva and the mountains. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunset after a day of hiking. The recently renovated rooms and dining areas have a cool sixties style with a modern twist. This is the view from our room.

Our dinner at the hotel restaurant was so beautiful and delicious, featuring local products, seasonal produce and even herbs from their own garden. They have a nice selection of Lavaux wines made from vineyards visible from the hotel.

Photo story of trail

Arriving at the Col du Jaman parking. There were lots of spots when we arrived around 9:30. When we finished the hike around 12:30, the lot was full and cars were parked along the street.

This is the peak you will climb soon. Follow signs to Jaman station and La Perche, walking around the lake side of the peak.

Starting the trail, just below the parking. FYI, there is a small footpath trail leading up from the parking, but that is a difficult T3 trail.

The trail starts in the forest. It’s nice to have the shade as you walk uphill.

The trail crosses the train tracks and curves back around so you can see the peak while you walk. 

Here the path gets more narrow and has some small scrambles.

Climbing the peak

Getting close to the base of the peak. The trail leads up the backside, which is more round.

The trail up to the peak starts on steep dirt and rock paths.

Then it gets very rocky and much steeper. I had to use my hands a lot to help me climb up the rocks.

It’s a steep slope to the side, but not a cliff. If you are afraid of heights, you probably won’t like this section.

Looking back down at the Jaman train station.

Top of the peak

Arriving at the top of Dent du Jaman with a view down to Lake Geneva. It’s a short walk out to this bench, recommended. 

Looking east from the peak. We will be hiking down on that road later.

Looking north. You can see the parking where we started.

Hiking back down the peak. This was more difficult than going up. Sometimes I had to sit down and scoot over the rocks. 

Hiking back to parking

To continue the loop, walk over to the train station. Here you’ll find the Buvette de Jaman hut serving drinks and snacks.

We thought about stopping, but it seemed a little too quiet.

Follow signs to Col de Jaman.

This narrow footpath leads to a dirt road.

Now follow that dirt road through the valley. 

The peaks in this section are so beautiful!

It’s pretty easy walking on this road, curving down and around. 

Then back uphill for a few minutes.

You finish the hike back at the parking. We had lunch at the restaurant here.