Travel Guide of Lausanne in Switzerland by Influencers and Travelers
Lausanne is the capital city and biggest town of the canton of Vaud in Romandy, Switzerland. A municipality, it is situated on the shores of Lake Léman. It faces the French town of Évian-les-Bains, with the Jura Mountains to its north-west. Lausanne is located 62 kilometres northeast of Geneva.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Lausanne
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Château Saint-Maire
Château Saint-Maire is a castle in Lausanne, Switzerland, that serves as the seat of the cantonal government, the Council of State of Vaud. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
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2 - Lausanne Cathedral
The Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne is a church located in the city of Lausanne, in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. It belongs to the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Vaud.
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3 - Rafting in Thonon-les-Bains
20 km away
Come and try rafting in white water with the pros of AN Rafting who will help you discover the magnificent Dranse river! The Dranse is one of the nearest whitewater rivers from Geneva and Lausanne. It's ideal to learn the basics of paddling with your...
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4 - Lavaux
9 km away
Lavaux is a region in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, in the district of Lavaux-Oron. Lavaux consist of 830 hectares of terraced vineyards that stretch for about 30 km along the south-facing northern shores of Lake Léman.
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5 - Morges
10 km away
Morges is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud and the seat of the district of Morges. It is located on Lake Geneva.
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6 - Sailing in Lausanne
Come explore Lake Geneva in a 40-foot private sailing boat. Explore the Lavaux countryside, and the Chillon castle, or cross the lake to Evian, France. The skipper discusses with you the different possibilities for the day's programme. Depending on t...
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7 - Vaud
9 km away
The Lausanne University Hospital, in Lausanne, is one of the five university hospitals in Switzerland. The Lausanne University Hospital is linked to the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne.
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8 - Ouchy
Ouchy is a port and a popular lakeside resort south of the centre of Lausanne in Switzerland, at the edge of Lake Geneva.
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9 - Hydrospeed in Thonon-les-Bains
18 km away
Looking for a new activity to share with your family and friends? Evolution 2 Thonon - Lac Léman offers you to hydrospeed down the fantastic river Dranse in Thonon-les-Bains, Haute-Savoie. Discover the river Dranse, one of the most beautiful r...
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10 - Bussigny-près-Lausanne
7 km away
Bussigny is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud, located in the district of Ouest Lausannois.
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11 - Pavillon thaïlandais
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12 - Kayaking / Canoeing in Lausanne
Kayaking on Lake Geneva is a must if you're visiting Lausanne. What's more, it offers an exceptional view of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With this kayak rental near Lausanne, you'll have 4 hours to discover the ...
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13 - Chevreuils
7 km away
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14 - Mèbre
7 km away
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15 - Helicopter tours in Lausanne
Hop in a helicopter and fly over the romand plateau from Lausanne at Lake Geneva to the Chalet des Auges to enjoy a delicious local meal! Helicopter flight to the Auges for 4 people - 25 minutes round trip Take off on board Heli-Lausanne's helic...
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16 - Lake Geneva
12 km away
Lake Geneva is a lake on the north side of the Alps, shared between Switzerland and France. It is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe and the largest on the course of the Rhône.
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17 - Saint-Saphorin
14 km away
Saint-Saphorin is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud, located on the shore of Lake Geneva, in the district of Lavaux-Oron.
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18 - Puidoux
17 km away
Puidoux is a municipality in Switzerland in the canton of Vaud, located in the district of Lavaux-Oron.
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19 - Montricher
22 km away
Montricher is a municipality of the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, located in the district of Morges.
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20 - Montreux
23 km away
Montreux is a Swiss municipality and town on the shoreline of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. It belongs to the district of Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, and has a population of approximately 26,433, with about 85,000 in the agglomeration Vevey-Montreux as 2019.
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21 - Noville
24 km away
Noville is a municipality of the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, located in the district of Aigle.
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22 - Chillon Castle
25 km away
Chillon Castle is an island castle located on Lake Geneva, south of Veytaux in the canton of Vaud. It is situated at the eastern end of the lake, on the narrow shore between Montreux and Villeneuve, which gives access to the Alpine valley of the Rhône.
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23 - Col du Mollendruz
25 km away
Col du Mollendruz is a high mountain pass in the Jura Mountains in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. It connects L'Isle and Les Charbonnières.
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24 - Veytaux
27 km away
Veytaux is a municipality in the district of Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. The Chateau of Chillon provides a view of the entire Lake of Geneva located in Avenue de Chillon.
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25 - Rochers de Naye
28 km away
The Rochers de Naye is a mountain of the Swiss Alps, overlooking Lake Geneva near Montreux and Villeneuve, in the canton of Vaud.
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Pictures and Stories of Lausanne from Influencers
10 pictures of Lausanne from Yannick Pulver, Mark de Jong, iso topon and other travelers
- Switzerland Lausanne lake, luc Leman ...click to read more
- Experienced by @iso topon | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Lausanne ?
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Why traveling to Lausanne?
Lausanne, the capital of the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, is a vibrant city known for its picturesque old town, stunning views of Lake Geneva, and the surrounding Alps. It is an ideal destination for those who love art, culture, and history, as well as outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, skiing, and water sports. As the Olympic Capital, Lausanne also houses the Olympic Museum, which is a must-visit for sports fans.
How to get there?
Lausanne is well-connected by air, train, and road. The nearest international airport is Geneva Airport, which is about 60 km away. From there, you can take a train to Lausanne, which takes around 45 minutes. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) connects Lausanne with major Swiss cities like Geneva, Zurich, and Bern. If you prefer traveling by road, Lausanne is accessible via the A1 and A9 motorways.
What to book in advance?
It is recommended to book your accommodation and any guided tours in advance, especially during peak seasons (summer and winter). If you plan to visit the Olympic Museum or other popular attractions, consider booking tickets online to avoid queues. Also, if you're planning to explore the region using public transport, consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited train, bus, and boat travel.
What are the costs?
Switzerland is known for its high living costs, and Lausanne is no exception. Expect to spend around CHF 150-200 per day on accommodation, meals, and sightseeing. Budget travelers can lower their expenses by staying in hostels, using public transport, and eating at affordable restaurants.
Best things to do
1. Explore the Old Town, featuring the stunning Lausanne Cathedral and picturesque alleys.
2. Visit the Olympic Museum, showcasing the history of the Olympic Games.
3. Take a stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva and enjoy water sports activities.
4. Discover the Collection de l'Art Brut, an intriguing museum dedicated to outsider art.
5. Hike or take a scenic train ride to the nearby Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Where to eat?
1. Café de Grancy: A cozy café offering delicious Swiss and international dishes.
2. Pinte Besson: One of the oldest restaurants in Lausanne, serving traditional Swiss cuisine.
3. Eat Me Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge: A stylish eatery offering a contemporary fusion menu.
Where to stay?
1. Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind: A modern 4-star hotel with stunning views of the Alps.
2. Lausanne Youth Hostel Jeunotel: A budget-friendly option with private rooms and dormitories.
3. Hotel des Voyageurs: A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the Old Town.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, visit the nearby Sauvabelin Tower, which offers breathtaking views of Lausanne, Lake Geneva, and the Alps. This wooden observation tower is located in the Sauvabelin Forest – a perfect spot for a peaceful hike or picnic. You can also explore the forest's animal park, home to native Swiss animals like deer, wild boar, and lynxes.
Learn More about Lausanne
Located on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, in the west of Switzerland, discover the city of Lausanne.
With over 140,000 inhabitants, it is the 4th largest city in Switzerland.
The city is renowned for a number of reasons, including the fact that it is home to a number of prestigious higher education institutions such as the École hôtelière de Lausanne and the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne. It is also popular for being home to a number of international sports institutions, such as the International Olympic Committee, since 1915.
The origins of the city go back to antiquity and before. Indeed, it was populated as early as 6000 BC, although at that time the city was not a commune named Lausanne.
Between nature and the city, Lausanne is full of picturesque landscapes but above all of activities to discover.
Starting with the famous Olympic Museum. A true Olympic capital, the city has had a museum classified as a cultural asset of national importance since 1995. The museum's exhibitions allow you to retrace the history of sport and the great sporting moments. Outside the museum there is an Olympic park with a panoramic view of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
A little further on, you will also find the majestic Cathedral of Lausanne, dating from the 13th century. With its gothic architecture, the Cathedral has become a real symbol of the city.
Don't pass through Lausanne without visiting the old town. Here you can stroll through the picturesque streets and discover the details that make up the charm of the old town, such as the clock on the Place Palud or the mouldings on the Rue de Bourg.
After having been immersed in the urban side of the city, isolate yourself and get closer to Lake Geneva. Stroll along the lake on the quays of Ouchy, where you can admire the city from another angle.
Discover the famous Lavaux terraces, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are located in the Lavaux wine region, not far from Lausanne. The site offers breathtaking green landscapes, with hills, vineyards and the lake. It is a perfect place for a bike ride.
Finally, don't hesitate to take a boat trip on Lake Geneva. In an enchanting setting, it will be an opportunity for you to enjoy a beautiful landscape while relaxing.
Nevertheless, there are many other activities and places to discover in Lausanne.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Lausanne
It is possible to get to Lausanne in various ways: by train, boat, car, plane.
Geneva airport is the closest airport to get to Lausanne by train.
Lausanne is a large, densely populated, busy and urbanised city. As such, there is a lot of accommodation available to you: hotels as well as other styles of accommodation for rent.
In Lausanne, the majority of people speak French.
But because of its geographical position, people can also speak German and Italian.
Where to Stay in Lausanne
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More Travel spots to explore around Lausanne
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