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Elevated view of Lausanne with a spire of St Francois Church, Switzerland

Things to do in  Lausanne

Olympic spirit by the lake

Home to the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne is officially the Olympic Capital—which gives the small Swiss city important status. To most visitors though, it’s a charming town where nature, relaxation, and different cultures meet. With its central location above Lake Geneva’s northern banks, Lausanne has the best of everything Swiss; from lake views and seamless public transport to outdoor activities. Some of the many things to do in Lausanne include swimming in the lake at Ouchy and exploring nearby attractions such as the Lavaux Vineyards and Chateaux Chillon.

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Getting around

Lausanne is small enough to explore on foot, but steep enough to make you opt for the metro. Most Lausanne hotels offer a complimentary Lausanne Transport Card, which gives you access to all public buses and metro trains around Lausanne. To explore other lake towns, opt for a CNG boat from Ouchy or ride around the lake on a bike. Check out the PubliBike service to borrow bikes for a low fee.

When to visit

The peak summer season (June–August) offers the most comfortable temperatures but also sees the most visitors. Early fall is a great time to visit, as Lake Geneva’s water is generally warm enough for a dip during the first few weeks of September. The annual Lutry Harvest Festival takes place towards the end of September; it celebrates the end of wine production in the Lavaux vineyards with a big street party in the Old Town.

Traveler tips

Free public beaches in Switzerland are hard to find, but if you’re happy to gaze at the lake with a picnic, consider the Esplanade de Montbenon. Set at the top of the hill, just a short walk from the Old Town’s Place de la Palud, it’s an open green space with gorgeous mountain and lake views, and not too many other tourists.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the top attractions to visit on a day trip to Lausanne?
A:

A must-visit Lausanne attraction is the Olympic Museum Lausanne, which pays homage to the world of sport and the history of the Olympic Games. This top-rated museum is in Lausanne’s lakefront Ouchy neighborhood, meaning you can check off another top attraction at the same time: Lake Geneva.

Q:Can I take a day trip to nearby cities or attractions from Lausanne?
A:

Yes, Lausanne is within easy day-trip distance of the Swiss cities of Geneva, Bern, and Montreux, along with buzzy mountain towns such as Interlaken and Chamonix across the border in France. Other nearby attractions include the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyards, Chillon Castle, and the mountain peaks of Glacier 3000 and Jungfraujoch.

Q:What is the best time of year to visit Lausanne?
A:

To experience beach time by the lake and sunny weather, the best time to visit Lausanne is between June and August. This is when the city is in party mode, especially during July’s Festival de la Cité Lausanne. In winter, Lausanne makes a good stopover city for snow lovers en route to the mountains.

Q:What are some family-friendly activities in Lausanne?
A:

In summer, head to the water. Bellerive Plage offers three huge pools plus plenty of green space. Ouchy or Vidy offers family-friendly activities such as renting paddleboats with slides for a splash into Lake Geneva. Off-peak ideas include climbing the Sauvabelin Tower or ziplining at nearby Parc Aventure.

Q:What is Lausanne best known for?
A:

Lausanne is best known as the Olympic Capital, the official seat of the International Olympic Committee. Sport aside, it’s also a very international place as many multinational companies are based in the city. And, then there’s Lake Geneva. For beaches, Lausanne is often dubbed the Jewel of the Swiss Riviera.

Q:How long should I spend in Lausanne?
A:

If you want to stay in the city of Lausanne itself, a day or a weekend is long enough to cover the key sights. To spread your wings and discover the nearby Lavaux Vineyards, Chillon Castle, and the lake beaches of Lake Geneva, consider a trip of 3-5 days.

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