5 Best Places to Visit around Lausanne

There are many lakes and mountains you might visit throughout Switzerland, however, the south-facing shores of Lake Geneva got something special. Not only do they offer breathtaking views of Europe’s most famous mountain, the Mont Blanc, but they are also home to one of Switzerland’s most productive and important wine regions. To make sure you won’t miss a thing, check out this list of the best places to visit around Lausanne.

Exploring this region can be a very linear affair, as it stretches almost the full length of Lake Geneva (Europe’s largest lake). 

Lausanne is strategically situated between the town of Montreux to the East and the city of Geneva, which pinpoints the lake’s western extreme, bordering France.

Lausanne is worth exploring too and is well-connected by rail and road to the surrounding lakeside towns.

From here you can easily do a day trip to Morges or Geneva and still be close to the wine country. Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s take a look at the 5 best places to visit around Lausanne.

It amazes us just how much Switzerland is renowned for its chocolate, and fondue, and how relatively little fuss anyone makes about its extraordinary wine.

If you’re partial to enjoying a good drop and taking a pleasant stroll after, then you cannot leave before seeing Lavaux. I promise you, this region is one of the best places around Lausanne to visit. You’ll be genuinely surprised by just how much Switzerland’s wine country has to offer. We certainly were!

It is an absolute gem of endless terroirs and unique terraced vineyards. Accompanied by unparalleled, surreal views over Lake Geneva and the towering Mont Blanc in the distance.

Over a period of almost one thousand years, the ancient vineyards of Lavaux have slowly turned into this unmistakably breathtaking landscape.

Due to their unique lakeside position and the construct of the terroirs, the vines are said to benefit from the warmth of three suns:

In keeping with century-old local traditions, the grapes are still hand-picked and transported down the steep terraces using tiny wagons on rails

Successive generations of vine growers have proudly followed in the footsteps of their forefathers. Thanks to their stewardship, this carefully preserved heritage now enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status.

Whether you come for the sensational panoramic lake views, to taste the characteristic wines or simply to lose yourself in the extensive maze of terraced vineyards, Ladaux truly is a dream to explore.

If you only have one day to see it all, then consider booking this full-day activity!

Some rather unusual grape varieties are grown in Lavaux, most notably Chasselas.

This grape is almost exclusive to the region! Be sure to try a Chasselas wine, as it isn’t readily available outside of Switzerland. 

On the whole, Chasselas is a neutral wine with a naturally lower alcohol content (11% – 13%). It is dry on the palate and more on the mineral side, easy drinking starter to pair with your apéritif.

Other more distinct white wine varieties include Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris (our favorite from this area). You’ll also find Pinot Noir, Gamay, Gamaret and Garanoir, amongst the more particular red varieties

Reaching out over lake Geneva, many consider Chillon to be the MOST beautiful castle in Switzerland. On our list of places to visit around Lausanne, it is a very close fight between Chillon and Lavaux.

Surrounded by a natural moat and connected to the mainland only by a drawbridge. In other words, this 12th century fortress stands practically invulnerable on its rocky foundation.

The strategic position is responsible not only for the peculiar oval shape of the castle, but also for its name. The word “Chillon” literally means “rocky platform”.

Although not much of the original furniture and artifacts remain, the architecture of the fortress is a sight to behold.

The castle tour is very comprehensive and takes you through the fortress’s two courtyards. You’ll get to roam not only the great halls, but the underground rooms as well.

From the chapel to the weapons and armor collection, Chillon castle offers you plenty to see. However, the real highlight is the main bastion, with a 360° view over the castle and its lakeside surroundings.

In other words, Château de Chillon is the number one top thing to see around Lausanne.

The dungeon walls bore silent witnesses to all the prisoners held captive here as early as the 13th century. Today, you can still see creepy ancient graffiti and charcoal drawings left behind by inmates. These eerie, damp chambers and their church-like vaulted ceilings have sparked the imaginations of many visitors. They have even inspired famous literary works such Lord Byron’s poem “Prisoner of Chillon”

An ideal place for wine lovers, Cully hides right at the feet of the Lavaux wine terraces. Enjoy a stroll with a winegrower: a great way to discover the regional wine culture while exploring the vineyards accompanied by a local.

The award-winning family winery, Luis Bovard, is a must-visit to learn more about the history of wine-making in Cully. Their internationally recognized winery has been in the family for 10 generations and produces some of the best wines in the country!

If you’re looking for a truly unique wine experience, Cully, Switzerland is the place to be.

Another pearl, nestled on the shores of Lac Leman, is the quaint and intimate old town of Vevey. The main street, Rue du Lac, is lined with lovely boutiques and craftsman shops.

If you’re looking for a breathtaking lakeside destination with many dining options and a casino, Montreux is the place to visit.

This modern town sits right on the shores of Lake Geneva, basking in the golden sunset light reflected off of the surrounding mountains.

And of course, no visit to Montreux would be complete without a stroll along the lakeside promenade.
The Quays offer stunning views of the lake while enjoying the region’s mild microclimate, even late in the year.

The walk will take you past the most beloved landmark in town: the statue of Freddie Mercury. The artist had fallen in love with this enchanting, peaceful place and decided to settle here.

Queen recorded their last album in Montreux and fittingly called it: “Made in Heaven”.

For a great lunch on the water, stop at the heavenly yet cozy “Le Contretemps”. Here, on the shores of Lake Geneva, lay back while enjoying superb wines and Michelin-quality food!

By now, I trust that your list of top things to see around Lausanne is getting longer and your itinerary is taking shape. What can really help you to get the most out of your Swiss holiday is the Swiss Travel Pass. 

Not only can you choose between a 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 day pass, but also activate and deactivate it as you need it on individual days.

You can access more than 500 museums and use public transport almost everywhere in Switzerland. 

Furthermore, a bunch of SUPER COOL panoramic train routes are included, like the legendary Bernina Express!

You can book your ticket directly through the link below, if you do so you will also support us at no extra cost to you. Thank You!

As bonus, we’re going to spill the beans on our absolute favorite place to visit around Lausanne! For romantic sundowners, with an incredible view over the lakeside vineyards and mountains, go to Le Deck.

Just outside the town of Riex is the hotel and Spa “Le Baron Tavernier”, which has this simply superb terrace bar and restaurant.

It’s best to arrive about an hour before sunset, ⁣as you may sometimes need to wait to be seated. Take it from us, though, it’s totally worth it!

There is even a decorative infinity pool, I mean, just look at those pictures, can life get any better than this?

We leave you with one of the stunning views that we’ve enjoyed from the terrace, paired with a perfectly chilled glass of wine, of course.

This colorful article was all about the best places to visit around Lausanne and the Swiss wine heritage.

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