Freddie Mercury Statue

Statue de Freddie Mercury

An iconic lakeside bronze statue and a pilgrimage spot for Queen fans.

The Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux stands right on the shore of Lake Geneva and has become one of the town’s main symbols. The full-height bronze figure with its raised arm repeats one of Freddie’s most iconic stage poses, with a beautiful backdrop of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Fans of Queen from all over the world come here to pay their respects – you’ll often see flowers, notes, candles and small tributes at the base of the statue. Nearby stood the famous Mountain Studios, where Queen recorded several albums, so this is more than just a monument – it’s a powerful place of musical memory.

Transport

How to Get There

Ways to get to the attraction

On foot from Montreux center 2 min.

From Lausanne by car ~41 min.

From Geneva by car ~1 h 17 min.

From BRN airport (Bern) by car ~1 h 24 min.

From SIR airport (Sion) by car ~48 min.

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Attraction

Description

Detailed information about the attraction

What this place is

A bronze statue of Freddie Mercury on the Montreux lakeside promenade by Lake Geneva, next to Place du Marché. It is a city memorial to the musician who lived and worked in Montreux, and one of the best-known spots on the waterfront walk.

Key features

Set on the lakeside promenade by Place du Marché – right by the water and easy to spot from the walkway
A bronze figure in a stage-style gesture – the pose references Mercury’s iconic live performance manner
Made by sculptor Irena Sedlecká – the memorial was created by the Czech artist commissioned for the statue
Officially unveiled on 25 November 1996 – the monument was inaugurated in Montreux five years after his death
A fan memorial point – flowers and notes are regularly left at the base

What to see

The statue on its pedestal with commemorative plaques
The Montreux promenade and views over Lake Geneva
Fan tributes – flowers, candles, small keepsakes

History

Freddie Mercury’s connection to Montreux strengthened through Queen’s work in the town, including around the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1978. He later lived in Montreux, and the band recorded here, including the album Queen Made in Heaven.

The memorial statue was placed on the waterfront promenade and officially unveiled on 25 November 1996. The sculpture was made by Irena Sedlecká, and the site by Place du Marché became a focal point for remembrance and fan gatherings.

In some years the statue was temporarily moved during festival logistics, but it was returned to its original position by Place du Marché and is intended to remain there permanently.

Practical information

Location: Montreux, lakeside promenade by Place du Marché, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland
Getting there: walk downhill from Montreux railway station to the lake and Place du Marché, or take local buses to stops around Marché and the waterfront
Access: open access, outdoor site
Visiting hours: 24/7, no schedule
Visit duration: typically 10–20 minutes
Best time: on a clear day for lake views, or near sunset for softer light
Notes: flowers and memorial items are often placed at the pedestal, large events can bring temporary barriers on the promenade

Tours