Lausanne - The Dynamic Olympic Capital Between Lake, Mountains, and Vineyards

General Information

Lausanne is a city of contrasts – from the medieval Old Town perched on a hill to the modern and lively Flon district and the elegant lakeside promenade in Ouchy. The city is built on three hills, which gives it a unique relief and reveals stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Savoy Alps. As the seat of the IOC, Lausanne is imbued with a sporting spirit and energy.

Location: Southwestern Switzerland, canton of Vaud, on the northern shore of Lake Geneva Elevation: 495 meters (varies significantly) Population: ~140,000 (city); ~420,000 (metropolitan area) Language: French Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Why Visit Lausanne?

Olympic Capital - Immerse yourself in the history of the Games at the Olympic Museum, the largest in the world dedicated to sports.

Medieval Charm - Stroll through one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in Switzerland – the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and get lost in the streets of the Old Town.

Vineyards and Wine (UNESCO) - Discover the Lavaux wine region, whose steep terraces descend to the lake – an ideal place for a walk and a tasting.

Culture and Art - Visit the new Plateforme 10 art district, which brings together three museums, or the unique Collection de l'Art Brut.

Lakeside Idyll - Enjoy a walk, a bike ride, or a cruise along the coast in the Ouchy district, offering Alpine panoramas.

Top 10 Attractions and Activities in Lausanne

1. The Olympic Museum

Description: The largest and most modern museum dedicated to the Olympic movement. With over 3000 sq.m. of exhibition space, 1500 exhibits, and 150 interactive screens, the museum traces the history of the Games from ancient Greece to the present day. You will see original torches, medals, and gear of legendary athletes. The museum is surrounded by a beautiful park with sports-related sculptures.

Location: Quai d'Ouchy 1 Opening Hours: 9:00 - 18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday) Visit Time: 2-3 hours Tip: Don't miss the panoramic view from the top-floor café.

2. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Description: Considered one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Switzerland, the construction of the cathedral began in 1170. It is famous for its richly decorated portals and beautiful stained-glass windows, including the famous 13th-century rose window. Climb the 224 steps to the top of the tower for an unparalleled view of the city, the lake, and the Alps. A unique tradition is the night watchman, who since 1405 has announced every hour from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. from the bell tower.

Location: Place de la Cathédrale Opening Hours: 9:00 - 19:00 (summer); 9:00 - 17:30 (winter) Visit Time: 1-1.5 hours Tip: Visit during the free organ concerts.

3. Old Town and Place de la Palud

Description: The historic heart of Lausanne is a charming labyrinth of narrow, steep cobbled streets filled with boutiques, cafes, and bistros. The central Place de la Palud is a meeting place, home to the city's oldest fountain – the Fountain of Justice. Every hour from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., an animated clock tells the story of the canton of Vaud.

Location: Center of Lausanne Walking Time: 2-3 hours Tip: Use the covered wooden stairs, Escaliers du Marché, to climb from the square to the cathedral.

4. Ouchy Lakeside District

Description: Once a fishing village, today Ouchy is an elegant lakeside district with a beautiful promenade, parks, and gardens. It is the perfect place for a walk, rollerblading, or simply relaxing on a bench with a view of the lake and the French Alps. Here you will find the Olympic Museum, the cruise ship harbor, and the Château d'Ouchy, now a luxury hotel.

Location: On the shore of Lake Geneva Walking Time: 1-2 hours Tip: Take the M2 metro from the center to reach Ouchy in just a few minutes.

5. Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (UNESCO)

Description: Stretching for 30 km along the northern shore of Lake Geneva, from Lausanne to Montreux, the Lavaux vineyard terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site. These steep, sunny slopes have been cultivated by monks since the 11th century. You can walk along the marked trails, take a ride on the Lavaux Express tourist train, or stop at one of the many wineries for a tasting of the local Chasselas wine.

Location: East of Lausanne (villages like Lutry, Cully, St-Saphorin) Visit Time: Half or full day Tip: The best way to explore the area is by train from Lausanne to St-Saphorin and then walk back through the vineyards.

6. Plateforme 10 - The New Art District

Description: This ambitious cultural center, opened in 2022, brings together three museums in one place, right next to the central station. It houses the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA), the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (mudac), and the Photo Elysée museum. It is a must-stop for art and architecture lovers.

Location: Place de la Gare 16 Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (closed on Monday) Visit Time: 2-4 hours Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the three museums to save money.

7. Collection de l'Art Brut

Description: A unique and fascinating museum created by the French artist Jean Dubuffet. It collects works by self-taught artists, often people outside established social norms – prisoners, patients in psychiatric clinics, etc. The result is spontaneous, original, and highly impactful art that is not influenced by cultural standards.

Location: Avenue des Bergières 11 Opening Hours: 11:00 - 18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday) Visit Time: 1.5 - 2 hours Tip: The museum is located in the beautiful Château de Beaulieu.

8. Flon District

Description: Once a valley with a river and warehouses, today Flon is the most modern and dynamic district of Lausanne. During the day it is a shopping area with unique shops, and in the evening it becomes the center of nightlife with numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. The architecture is a mixture of old industrial buildings and futuristic cubes.

Location: In the heart of the city, below the Old Town Walking Time: 1-2 hours Tip: Explore the covered gallery Les Garages for interesting boutiques.

9. Sauvabelin Tower (Tour de Sauvabelin)

Description: This impressive 35-meter tower, built entirely of local wood, is located in the Sauvabelin park above the city. The climb up the spiral staircase is an experience in itself. From the top, there is a 360-degree panoramic view of Lausanne, Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Jura mountain range.

Location: Parc de Sauvabelin Opening Hours: Varies by season, usually from morning to dusk. Free. Visit Time: 1 hour (including a walk in the park) Tip: Combine with a visit to the small lake and the zoo in the park.

10. Boat Trip on Lake Geneva

Description: Sail from the port in Ouchy and enjoy the beauty of Lake Geneva from a different perspective. The CGN company offers a variety of cruises – from short trips to culinary cruises with fondue or full-day excursions to Montreux, Chillon Castle, Geneva, or the medieval French village of Yvoire. The historic paddle steamers are particularly attractive.

Location: Ouchy Port Season: Year-round, with more services in the summer. Tip: Check for special offers combining a cruise with a visit to attractions.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-June): Pleasant weather, blooming parks, and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August): Warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. Peak tourist season. Autumn (September-October): Grape harvest in Lavaux, beautiful autumn colors, and milder temperatures. Winter (November-March): Christmas markets (Bô Noël), cozy atmosphere, and fewer tourists.

Transport

While Lausanne offers its guests a complimentary public transport card for buses and the M2 metro, nothing compares to the comfort and efficiency of a private transfer with TripTransfer.ch. Our professional chauffeurs eliminate the need to navigate crowded stations, steep streets, or timetables.

Whether you’re arriving from Geneva Airport (GVA) — just 50 minutes away — or heading to your hotel, meeting, or event, our fleet of premium vehicles ensures a smooth and elegant journey through the hilly charm of Lausanne.

Experience the city at your own pace: from the lake promenade in Ouchy to the upper old town, without transfers, delays, or hassle. With TripTransfer.ch, every ride becomes part of your Lausanne experience — seamless, private, and designed entirely around you.

Food and Drink

Papet Vaudois: A traditional dish of leeks, potatoes, and cabbage sausage. Filets de perche: Perch fillets from Lake Geneva, served with lemon sauce and French fries. Chasselas: A light and dry white wine, emblematic of the Lavaux region. Chocolate: Visit chocolatiers like Blondel or Durig.

Useful Tips

Hilly terrain: Be prepared for climbing and descending. Wear comfortable shoes. Use the metro and buses to save energy. Language: The official language is French, but English is spoken in tourist areas. Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).