Explore the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

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You should take a short train ride to the village of Cully. From there, you can walk through the vines to Rivaz. The hike takes about two hours at a relaxed pace. Many local winemakers offer tastings for around twenty Swiss Francs.

The yellow "Train des Vignes" is a fun way to see the area. It runs between Vevey and Puidoux through the steep hills. You will see incredible landscapes from the large train windows. This is a top choice for how to visit Lavaux vineyards from Lausanne in 2026.

Visit the Lavaux Vinorama in Rivaz for a deep dive into wine history. They show a fascinating film about the four seasons in the vineyards. You can sample over 200 different local wines here. The center is open daily during the summer months.

Pack comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water for your hike. The paths are paved but can be quite steep in some areas. There is very little shade among the vines during the afternoon. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best lighting for photos.

Visit Chillon Castle and Montreux

Chillon Castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. It sits on a rocky island right on Lake Geneva. The medieval fortress looks like something from a fairy tale. You can reach it easily by day trip to Chillon Castle from Lausanne by train.

The castle has over twenty-five buildings and three courtyards to explore. You can see the dark dungeons that inspired Lord Byron's poetry. Entry costs about fifteen Swiss Francs for adults in 2026. Audio guides are available in many different languages for visitors.

After the castle, walk along the flower-lined promenade to Montreux. This walk takes about forty-five minutes and is very flat. You will pass beautiful gardens and grand Belle Époque hotels. Montreux is famous for its mild climate and Mediterranean plants.

Music fans should visit the Queen Studio Experience in the casino. It is a free museum dedicated to the band Queen. Freddie Mercury lived in Montreux and recorded many songs here. You can even see his famous statue by the lake.

The train ride back to Lausanne is very scenic and fast. Use the best train trips from Lausanne to Montreux for quick travel. Trains run every fifteen minutes during the busy daytime hours. The journey takes only twenty minutes on the fastest regional trains.

Experience Alpine Views at Glacier 3000

Glacier 3000 offers a true high-altitude adventure near Lausanne. You can experience snow and ice even during the summer months. The journey involves a train to Aigle and a bus. It is one of the most exciting Lausanne day trip ideas 2026.

The Peak Walk is the main attraction at the summit. It is the only suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks. Walking across it provides 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps. You can see the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc on clear days.

Thrills seekers should try the Alpine Coaster during their visit. It is the highest bobsleigh track on rails in the world. The ride features steep curves and jumps over the glacier. Check how to get to Glacier 3000 Lausanne for transport tips.

A round-trip cable car ticket costs around eighty Swiss Francs. This price includes access to the Peak Walk and the chairlift. You should bring a warm jacket even in July or August. Temperatures at the top are much colder than in Lausanne.

The restaurant at the top was designed by Mario Botta. It serves traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and rosti. Eating a meal while looking at the peaks is unforgettable. Make sure to book a table in advance during weekends.

Indulge in Cheese and Chocolate in Gruyères

Gruyères is a charming medieval village famous for its cheese. It is located in the rolling green hills of Fribourg. The village is completely car-free and very easy to walk. It feels like stepping back in time several centuries.

Start your day at La Maison du Gruyère near the station. You can watch how the famous cheese is made every morning. The interactive tour is great for families with young children. Don't forget to try the visiting Gruyères cheese factory from Lausanne city experience.

Walk up the hill to the 13th-century Gruyères Castle. The castle houses beautiful tapestries and a French formal garden. Nearby, you will find the unique HR Giger Museum. It features art from the creator of the movie Alien.

A short bus ride takes you to the Maison Cailler factory. This is the oldest chocolate brand in all of Switzerland. The tour explains the history of cocoa and milk chocolate. You get to taste many different types of chocolate at the end.

The train journey from Lausanne requires one change in Palézieux. Total travel time is about one hour and fifteen minutes. You can buy a combined ticket for the train and museums. This saves money and makes your day trip much smoother.

Cross Lake Geneva to Évian-les-Bains

Évian-les-Bains is a beautiful French town across the lake. You can reach it by taking a CGN ferry boat. The boat leaves from the Ouchy waterfront in south Lausanne. It is a relaxing thirty-five-minute crossing over the blue water.

Check the latest boat trips to Evian France from Lausanne for current schedules. The boats run frequently throughout the day in the summer season. You will need your passport as you are crossing into France. The views of Lausanne from the water are spectacular.

Once in Évian, visit the Source Cachat to taste free water. This is the original spring of the famous bottled mineral water. People bring their own bottles to fill up for free. The building is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture.

Take the historic funicular up the hill for a great view. The ride is free and runs from May to September. You can explore the Palais Lumière, which hosts art exhibitions. The town also has a famous casino and luxury spas.

Enjoy a French lunch at a bistro near the harbor. Prices in France are often lower than in Switzerland for food. Try the fresh fish caught directly from Lake Geneva that morning. The last boat back to Lausanne usually leaves around 9:00 PM.

Mastering Lausanne Public Transport in 2026

Swiss trains are famous for being on time and clean. You should download the SBB Mobile app before your trip. It shows live schedules and platform numbers for all trains. You can also buy digital tickets directly through the app.

If you stay in a hotel, you get a free transport card. This card covers all buses and the metro within Lausanne. It also gives discounts on many popular local museums. Review the Lausanne public transport updates 2026 for the latest routes.

Consider buying a Swiss Travel Pass for longer stays in 2026. It offers unlimited travel on trains, boats, and buses nationwide. It also includes free entry to over five hundred Swiss museums. This pass can save you a lot of money on day trips.

Most trains have large areas for luggage and bicycles. You can find quiet zones for a peaceful journey on longer routes. Family cars often have play areas for children on the upper deck. Always check if your train requires a seat reservation in advance.

Walking is also a great way to see the city center. However, Lausanne is very hilly and can be quite tiring. Use the m2 metro line to travel quickly between the lake and hills. It is the steepest driverless metro in the entire world.