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Switzerland Destination Information and Travel Reservation Services
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Lausanne Attractions and Activities Lausanne is a lively city offering many attractions and activities. Its location in southwestern Switzerland makes it an ideal base for excursions in the Lake Geneva region, by boat on the lake as well as by car or train to visit popular sights such as other Swiss cities or mountain resorts, and the peaks of the Swiss and French Alps. Book Online:
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Half- or Full-day Excursion (approx. 70 minutes by train from Lausanne to the top). The cogwheel train climbs 1,600 metres (approx. 5,200 ft) from Montreux to the Rochers-de-Naye summit offering fantastic panoramic views over Lake Geneva from Montreux all the way to Geneva (including its famous fountain) and the Alps (on a clear day from the Mont-Blanc in the southwest to the Eiger in the east !). All year round, the Rochers-de-Naye offers several interesting sights and activities such as the La Rambertia Alpine Garden withn nearly 1,000 Alpine plant species, or the Marmots Paradise presenting 11 European, Asian and American marmot species; and of course, various sports such as hiking and walking during summer, or skiing and snowboarding during winter months.
Half- or Full-day exursion (approx. 60 minutes by train from Lausanne to the top). The charming cogwheel train departs from the Vevey railway station, and for approx. 40 minutes the “Star Train” with panoramic windows climbs steeply its way through the Vevey heights towards the village of Blonay and then up to Les Pléiades. Whether ascending from Blonay or descending from the upper station towards the plain, there are numerous well marked trails for hikers, (nordic) walkers or mountain bikers. Les Pléiades is a real paradise for sports lovers, especially for paragliding enthusiasts and mountain bikers, and for those who enjoy mountain scooters.
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 45 minutes by train from Lausanne to the top). A funicular climbs for 11 minutes from Vevey to the Mt. Pelerin traveling through the Lavaux vineyards to the picturesque winegrower’s village of Chardonne, and passing through green forests and meadows to the foothills of Mont Pèlerin. You will find several walking and hiking paths - either back to Vevey (an idyllic 3-hours walk) or to the Mt. Pelerin summit (at 1,080 m / 3,542 ft) where the "Plein Ciel Lift" takes visitors to the top of the Telecom Tower, 65 metres above ground, to discover a spectacular panorama: from Lake Geneva to the Jorat Forest, passing by the Rhone Valley, the fields of the Swiss plateau and the Vevey vineyards.
Full-day excursion (approx. 3 hours by train from Lausanne to Zermatt railway station). The journey takes you through the Rhone Valley and then, on the 
Full-day excursion (approx. 80 minutes by train from Lausanne to Gstaad). Take the scenic train 
Half-day excursion (approx. 15 minutes by train from Lausanne). The Old Town of Vevey is dotted with historical monuments and museums bearing witness to its rich heritage. In addition, a large variety of boutiques and craftsmen can be found in the narrow paved streets, displaying their know-how and wares. The pedestrian zone of the Old Tity, the lakeside, and the market (Tuesday and Saturday mornings) in the Grande Place (the heart of the old city), are well worth a browse. On the Quai Perdonnet you will find the statue of the famous Charlie Chaplin, who lived at Corsier-sur-Vevey for 25 years.
Half-day excursion (approx. 20 minutes by train from Lausanne). This attractive excursion takes you along the shores of Lake Geneva through the beautiful terraced vineyards of Lavaux that are part of the UNESCO world heritage. While in Montreux, you want to consider visiting one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland, the 
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 35 minutes by train from Lausanne). Known for being headquarters for many international organizations, Geneva also features the world's tallest fountain, the Jet d'Eau, Cathedrals, the University, the Opera and numerous museums and libraries. Check out the Horology Museum that highlights the importance of clock and watch making to the Genevan economy.
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 70 minutes by train from Lausanne). Founded in 1191, this is a city of medieval magic, listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Attractions of Bern include several historic sites such as the famous Clock Tower, the bearpits (home to the city's heraldic animals), the House of Parliament, the Paul Klee Center, the Swiss Alpine Museum, and excellent shopping arcades. Consider returning to Lausanne from Bern via Thun (incl. stopover) and taking the 
Full-day excursion (approx. 100 minutes by train from Lausanne). Thun (pronounced "Toon") is one of the most original towns in Switzerland. It occupies an admirable site with magnificent views of the Bernese Alps and is much overlooked by visitors pressing on to Interlaken. With its picturesque castle, the quaint medieval Old Town, and Lake Thun, one of the loveliest and largest lakes in Switzerland, Thun is well worth a visit. Consider taking the 
Full-day excursion (approx. 3.5 hours by 
As a spiritual stronghold of French-speaking Switzerland, Lausanne Cathedral enjoys international interest and importance. It was built in several stages, with the first builder beginning construction work in 1170 with an ambulatory, using Roman materials. In 1275, the cathedral was consecrated, by both Emperor Rudolph of Habsburg and Pope Gregory X, and in 1536, during the Reformation, the cathedral underwent significant changes. The cathedral has a highly significant multi-coloured interior. Dating back to the original construction, this design was covered over during the Reformation and then revealed at the beginning of the 20th century. The paintings are still visible in the Chapel of the Virgin as well as on the statues of the painted doorway, which is unique in all of Europe and has been completely restored since October 2007.
The Rolex Learning Center at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) is a startling and spectacular structure designed by the internationally renowned Japanese architects SANAA. It covers an area of 20,000 square metres and accommodates services, libraries, information centres, social areas, study rooms, restaurants and cafés, all forming a giant wave opening out onto a magnificent landscape on the doorstep of Lake Geneva. This new symbol for Lausanne is open to the public from 7 AM to 12 PM.
The Lavaux vineyards are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lavaux consists of terraces on steep slopes all the way down to Lake Geneva, covering an area of 830 hectares and stretching 40 km along the shores of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux. Visitors can explore Lavaux on board of two little trains on rubber tires (
Inhabitants well acquainted with Lausanne help tourists to discover the history and charm of the city. (English comments according to availability of guides). The 1 - 2 hours walking tours are oriented according to the available time of the visitors and especially to their interests: history, architecture, religious or political monuments, or pratical life. From May through September the tours are offered daily (except on Sunday) at 10 AM and at 3 PM; during the rest of the years, possible on request. There are also audio guided tours, as well as city tours by coach available. Detailed information at the tourist office.
Visitors to Lausanne staying several days might consider discovering other parts of Switzerland making a day excursion by coach: to 
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 40 minutes by car, 75 minutes by train from Lausanne). The small village of Gruyeres is very charming and is easily reachable from Lausanne. You can walk the cobblestone road to the old castle and visit the 
Board a steam- or motorboat for a Gourmet Cruise or a wonderful trip to the Chillon Castle, to Vevey, Montreux, Le Bouveret or even to France. Check the 
In 1994, Lausanne was elected "Olympic Capital". Sport isn’t just a big word; more than 300 active sports clubs and fifteen international sports federations make Lausanne a true "sportsville". 
Lake Geneva, the largest freshwater lake in Europe offers every possible aquatic pleasure: sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, pedalos… and, of course swimming. There are several public beaches, as well as outdoor and indoor pools along the Lake Geneva shores as well as in the city center. In nearby Renens, the "Aquasplash Park" offers giant toboggans and waterslides.
In Lausanne, there are two golf courses: the Lausanne Golf Club, an 18-hole course located above the city at 850 m (2,720 ft) with magnificent views over the Alps; and the Golf de Pra Roman, located within 10 minutes of the city center - a course for everyone to learn or practice this sport (with a practice facility with 24 places, 12 of them covered, and 3 "real" holes).
include indoor sports such as Badminton, Squash and Tennis, Billard, Pool and Bowling, and Fitness; or outdoor leisure activities such as Fishing, Horseback Riding, Beach Volleyball, Minigolf, Inline-Skating, Mountain-Biking and walking / hiking.
During winter months, sports activities within Lausanne's city limits mainly consist of indoor sports such as Badminton, Squash and Tennis, Billard, Pool and Bowling, Fitness and Swimming, but also winter sports such as ice skating (4 open-air and 2 indoor ice rinks), winter walking in the hills and forests above Lausanne, and in Mauvernay, just a few minutes from the city center, even cross country skiing is possible (2 trails; 10.6 km - 6.6 miles and 2.75 km - 1.7 miles).
"True" winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding is best in the nearby Montreux Heigths such as Rochers-de-Naye with slopes for every level - ideal for families with children, and at Les Pleiades (5 slopes); or at the popular resorts of the Alps Vaudois, the Bernese Oberland and the Valais.
With more than 300 restaurants, Lausanne offers a wide choice of restaurants for gourmets and local cooking served up in an exceptionally dense network of establishments with stars and other awards. There also are many street cafés, exotic restaurants and atmospheric little bistros.
In Lausanne, all kinds of shops can be found in the city center - whatever the taste, requirements or budget, no need to walk miles along boulevards since every kind of store is present: food, fashion, clockmaking, optician, bookshop,..... and of course, souvenirs.
most shops open on weekdays at 8 AM (some at 8:45 AM) and close at 6:30 PM or 7 PM (at 6 PM on Saturday). On Sunday, the shops in the city center are closed, but in the lakeside district of Ouchy, from April through October, lots of food shops and a pharmacy are open on Sundays as well as until 9:45 PM on weekdays.
In Lausanne, every day is market day ! Browse through the City Center Market every Wednesday or Saturday morning (food and non-food) or pay a visit to the Flea Market every Thursday at Place Chauderon to get a unique souvenir of Lausanne. Food is offered on Monday and Thursday morning at the Boulevard de Grancy Market, and on the first Friday of each month, there's a market of handcrafted products at the Place de la Palud.
Created in 1973, the Prix de Lausanne is an international competition for young dancers aged 15 to 18. One of a kind, its prime objective is to discover, promote, and support talents among the world’s finest young dancers.
The Cully Jazz Festival transforms the charming winemaking township into a jazz mecca. All around the main stages, this festival also provides the occasion for a stroll through the village to taste the various vintages.... of music in the neighboring cellars and cafés: New Orleans jazz, blues, piano-bar atmospheres, modern jazz, rock, French songs or the fusion of electronic sounds with jazz. Almost 70 concerts of famous artists and rising stars are organised in these venues, both typical and unusual.
A summer of culture to suit every taste is aptly named, since no fewer than 450 cultural events – entirely free of charge and for all ages – are on offer for residents of Lausanne and passing visitors. Cinema, theatre, music, festivals, dance, walks, unusual visits – there's something to suit everyone !
Every year, the "Festival de la Cité" is held in summer offering various perfomances in the streets of Lausanne (dance, jazz & other music, theatre, etc.).
Top athletes meet every year to delight the onlookers with faster races and better results - the "Athletissima", the Diamondlaegue Meeting in Lausanne is always good for new world record.
Known as the “green” marathon, with no cars disturbing the event, the Lausanne Marathon between the lake and verdant hillsides is a popular race in every runner’s agenda.
At the Oympic Museum one can experience the highlights of the Games and share the athletes' emotions. With advanced audiovisual, data processing and robotic technology, this is a unique, lively and interactive visit of a museum. Thousands of documents and films bear witness to the times starting with ancient Greek up to the latest summer and winter games, and achievements of people like Carl Lewis or Jesse Owens. The Olympic Museum is located at the "Quai d'Ouchy" on the shores of Lake Geneva - it is the second most visited museum in Switzerland. 
Art brut, the synonym for "Outsider Art" or literally translated "Raw Art" or "Rough Art" is a label created by the French artist Jean Dubuffet. A lot of "Outsider Art" show extreme mental states, unconventional ideas or fantasy worlds. Jean Dubuffet’s collection, containing thousands of works, can be visited in Lausanne.
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