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Day Trips from Lausanne

Day Trips from Lausanne

Lausanne Vaud, Switzerland Travel Guide

Montreux

Roughly THIRTY minutes by train or scenic boat from Lausanne.

Trains without changes (SBB) run frequently. Alternatively, experience a picturesque journey on a CGN boat across Lake Geneva.

Highlights

  • Visit the iconic Chillon Castle, a medieval fortress on a rock island.
  • Stroll along the beautiful lakeside promenade, decorated with flowers and sculptures.
  • If visiting in July, experience the well-known Montreux A Festival of jazz music.
  • See the statue of Freddie Mercury, a tribute to the legendary Queen frontman.

Natural Escapes

Lausanne's surroundings display breathtaking natural landscapes.

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

This UNESCO World Heritage site starts just east of Lausanne. Lutry, the first vineyard village, is approximately 10 minutes by train.

Highlights

  • This region features stunning terraced vineyards that cascade down to Lake Leman.
  • Explore charming wine towns such as Cully, St. Saphorin, and Rivaz.
  • Hike along marked trails with panoramic lake views.

Rochers de Naye

Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Lausanne. Take a train to Montreux, then board the scenic cogwheel train from Montreux up to the top.

Highlights

  • This mountain peak offers incredible panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Swiss Alps, and the French Alps.
  • It is also home to an unique marmot paradise.
  • In winter, it hosts Santa'the House of.

Jura Mountains Regional Park & Lac de Joux

Jura Mountains Regional Park

  • Accessible within 30-60 minutes by car, train, or bus from Lausanne.
  • This park displays extensive forests, pastures, and rolling hills.
  • Ideal for hiking, cross-country skiing in winter, and a quieter side of Switzerland.
  • Suitable for undergoing a more rustic side of Switzerland.

Lac de Joux Jura

  • Approximately 1 hour by train and bus from Lausanne.
  • The largest lake in the Jura region.
  • Popular for ice skating in winter and aquatic sports in summer.
  • The surrounding valley displays peaceful walks.

Travel Pass Recommendation

The Swiss Travel Pass is recommended for multi-day extensions involving extensive train, bus, and boat travel. It features excellent value and convenience.

Cultural Excursions

Deepen your understanding of Swiss culture with these specific excursions.

Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory

An interactive tour guides you through the history of chocolate and its production. The tour concludes with generous chocolate tastings. It displays a sensory and informative experience for all ages.

Romont Stained Glass Museum

Visit this charming medieval town and its impressive Vitromusée (stained glass museum), housed within a historic castle. It showcases the art of stained glass through different periods.

Vaudois Riviera Villages

Explore charming lakeside towns like Rolle, Nyon, and Morges.

Morges

Known for its charming promenade and the stunning "Tulip Festival" in spring.

Features

  • Charming promenade
  • Tulip Festival in spring
  • Lakeside ambiance

Nyon

Features a Roman museum and a castle overlooking the lake.

Features

  • Roman museum
  • Castle overlooking the lake
  • Lakeside charm

Longer Regional Travel Routes

Bern & InterlakenDirect trains, approx. 1 hr each segment
Zermatt & ValaisScenic train via Visp
Chamonix (France)Mont Blanc Express via Martigny
A loop: Lausanne to Gruyères/BrocEastbound exploration
Continue to Interlaken/Bernese OberlandAlpine adventures
South from Lausanne to Valais/ZermattMountain exploration

Travel Tip: Swiss Travel Pass

  • The Swiss Travel Pass is recommended for multi-day extensions.
  • It covers trains, buses, and boats.
  • It has outstanding value.
  • It has great convenience.
  • It makes travel simple.

Multi-Day Extensions

For longer trips, combine Lausanne with other iconic Swiss regions or cross into neighboring countries.

Regional Connections Overview

1

Bern & Interlaken

Explore the Swiss main city and the adventure hub gateway to the Jungfrau region.

2

Zermatt & Valais

Discover the iconic Matterhorn and the high mountains and vineyards of Valais.

3

Chamonix France

Visit the French Alps and Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak.

Suggested Routes for Longer Travel

  • A loop starting in Lausanne, moving east to Montreux and the Lavaux vineyards.
  • Continuing into the Gruyères/Broc region.
  • Then heading east towards Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland for adventures in the mountains.
  • Alternatively, head south from Lausanne into the Valais canton, exploring its stunning valleys and reaching Zermatt.
  • Another option displays travel west from Lausanne to explore Geneva and nearby French towns.
  • The Swiss Travel Pass is recommended.

Considerations

Bern & Interlaken

Direct trains connect Lausanne to Bern and Bern to Interlaken.

Zermatt & Valais

A scenic rail trip journey with changes (typically at Visp).

Chamonix France

Train from Lausanne to Martigny, then Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix.

Important Travel Note

The Swiss Travel Pass is recommended for multi-day extensions. It covers trains, buses, and boats and displays excellent value and convenience.
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