Rupert Parker gets on buses, boats and trains to go day tripping around Lausanne.
It’s dead easy to get to Lausanne as it’s less than an hour from Geneva by train and the airport has its own dedicated station. Switzerland’s seamless transport system make the city an ideal base for day trips into the countryside around. There’s lots of variety here and within an hour the landscape transforms dramatically: vineyards give way to medieval hill towns, and gentle lakeshores rise up to glaciated Alpine peaks.
But it pays to linger. Lausanne, itself is a beautiful city, attractively perched on the banks of Lake Geneva. It rises up over three hills with the old town and cathedral at the top. Lower down, it’s a mixture of the old and new and, at the bottom, the lake beckons. In early April, people are sunbathing on its banks and even taking chilly dips in the water. There’s also the Olympic Museum, well worth a visit.
Château de Chillon
Few day trips from Lausanne are as effortlessly scenic as a journey across Lake Geneva to Château de Chillon. The castle sits dramatically on the water’s edge near Montreux, its stone walls rising directly from the lake in one of Europe’s most stunning settings. It was famously immortalized by Lord Byron in his 1816 poem, The Prisoner of Chillon.
Regular boat services depart from Ouchy, the city’s port, gliding along the lake past vineyard-covered hills and charming lakeside towns. This leisurely cruise is not just transportation, it’s an experience in itself, offering constantly shifting views of the Alps and shoreline. It even makes a quick stop on the other side of the lake.
As you approach, the castle reveals its full medieval grandeur. Dating back to the 9th century, it has served as a fortress, residence, and prison. Inside, visitors can explore more than 20 buildings, including grand halls, vaulted cellars, and historic chambers and even taste the Chateau’s famed wines.
Gruyères
Around 90 minutes by train from Lausanne, the hilltop town of Gruyères is surrounded by rolling green pastures and framed by distant Alpine peaks. Of course this small medieval settlement is famous worldwide for its cheese, but there’s far more here than culinary appeal.
Food lovers will naturally gravitate toward La Maison du Gruyère, where the production of the famous Gruyère AOP cheese can be observed first hand. The experience is immersive – visitors can watch the process, learn about traditional methods, and, of course, sample the finished product.
The town itself is largely pedestrianised, its cobbled streets leading visitors toward Gruyères Castle, which dominates the skyline. Inside, you’ll find vaulted halls, their walls covered by tapestries and artwork that reveal the region’s aristocratic past. Just outside, the HR Giger Museum dedicated to the surreal artist behind Alien adds an unexpected twist.
You can easily spend the whole day here – spend the morning exploring the castle and museum, enjoy a long lunch of fondue or raclette, and wander the village before returning to Lausanne on the GoldenPass Panoramic. And don’t forget to buy some cheese.
Glacier 3000
If Gruyères offers nostalgia and tradition, Glacier 3000 delivers pure Alpine drama. Located near the village of Les Diablerets, this high-mountain destination is reachable from Lausanne in about two hours and rewards visitors with a completely different world – find snow, ice and staggering elevation.
The train journey itself is part of the experience. At Montreux, you board the GoldenPass Belle Époque to Gstaad, whose period carriages evoke the luxury of the Orient Express. Here you take a bus to Col-du-Pillom and then transfer to cable car. It climbs steeply up the side of the mountain to the top of Scex Rouge at 2971m, home to Gstaad’s glacier.
The big attraction here is the Peak Walk by Tissot, the first and only suspension bridge in the world to connect two peaks. It’s not for the faint hearted as you walk the 107m bridge, hanging in mid-air between the small peak and the main Scex Rouge. Don’t look down but take in the breath-taking view of the Alps, including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
There’s also the world’s highest rail toboggan run, the Alpine Coaster, twisting for a kilometre down the mountain but not in operation this early in the season. Better to enjoy the fine food in Restaurant Botta, its huge windows perfect for admiring the majestic mountain scenery.
Geneva
Often overlooked by travellers as just a place of arrival and departure, Switzerland’s second largest city has plenty to offer. Set on the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, the most iconic symbol is the Jet d’Eau, a powerful fountain that shoots water 140 m into the air from the lake.
Wandering through the Old Town, known locally as Vieille Ville, feels like stepping into another era. Narrow cobblestone streets wind uphill toward St. Pierre Cathedral, which dates from the 12th century. Climb the tower, and you’re rewarded with sweeping views of red rooftops, the lake, and the surrounding mountains.
The city has long been a centre of watchmaking and the Patek Philippe Museum offers an in-depth look at centuries of craftsmanship. You can even learn how to make your own watch or assemble a Swiza army knife at Initium in the old town. For something sweeter, the ChocoPass allow you to taste the finest chocolate at the best boutiques around the city.
But, at the end of the day, it’s always good to return to Lausanne. At the station there’s the spectacular steep driverless metro, built on the old funicular track, whisking me up to my hotel in the old town. And you can’t beat waking in the morning to a stunning view of the lake, fringed by snow covered peaks. And, after all, with my Swiss Travel Pass I’m able go anywhere.
Tell Me More About Day Tripping Around Lausanne.
SWISS connects Switzerland with the world, offering more than 160 weekly flights from London Heathrow, London City, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Zurich or Geneva. One way fares start from £76 to Zurich and £54 to Geneva including all taxes, fees and surcharges, one piece of checked luggage up to 23kg and hand luggage.
Travel Switzerland’s Swiss Travel Pass offers international visitors to Switzerland unlimited travel on consecutive days across the rail, bus and boat network, plus scenic routes (seat reservation fees apply) and local trams and buses in around 90 towns and cities. It also includes the Swiss Museum Pass, which grants free entry to 500 museums and exhibitions. Prices start from £229 for a three-day second-class ticket.
Switzerland has information about the country.
La Maison du Gruyère has details of cheese making.
Glacier 3000 has information about the attraction, including Restaurant Botta.
Initium has details of watch and knife making classes.
Geneva has information about the city.
Lausanne has information about the city.
Hotel de la Paix, in Lausanne, makes a comfortable base in the town centre.
Hotel Bristol****, in Geneva, offers luxury by the lake.
Lausanne
Brasserie de Montbenon is in a beautiful location.
Café de Grancy serves good food.
Street Cellar has funky dishes in the Flon
Café du Grütli is a traditional bistro in the old town.
Hôtel Restaurant La Fleur de Lys offers cheese and more in Gruyères
Geneva
Les Armures is a traditional restaurant in the old town.
Chez Phillipe is a modern bar and grill run by a famous Swiss chef.
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