By Nigel T. Heffer
If you’ve ever imagined a city where medieval charm blends seamlessly with sleek modern living, where you can enjoy wine beside ancient vineyards in the afternoon and visit an Olympic museum before dinner, Lausanne is that place.
Nestled on the northern edge of Lake Geneva, this Swiss treasure often goes unnoticed compared to Geneva or Zurich. But those who discover it soon realise: Lausanne isn’t just beautiful — it’s enchanting.
First Impressions: A City on a Hill (Literally)
Lausanne isn’t built on flat land. It rises and falls with the landscape — three hills surrounded by lush vineyards, steep staircases, and winding cobbled streets. Getting around can feel like a light workout, but the views are your reward. From nearly anywhere in the city, you’re treated to panoramic scenes of Lake Geneva and the distant Alps.
Tip: If you’re not keen on the climb, the city has a superb metro system — Switzerland’s only metro with rubber tyres, by the way.
Old World Meets Olympic Spirit
At the heart of Lausanne is the Old Town, where history echoes from every stone. The highlight? Lausanne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that has stood since the 13th century. Climb its bell tower for one of the finest views in town.
Just a short ride away in the lakeside Ouchy district is something entirely different: the Olympic Museum. Lausanne has been the official Olympic Capital since 1915, and the museum honours the games’ rich history through interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and art. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, it’s surprisingly moving.
Culture, Coffee, and Creative Vibes
Lausanne buzzes with culture. You’ll find quirky museums like the Collection de l’Art Brut, showcasing raw, outsider art, and cutting-edge galleries at Plateforme 10, a newly developed arts district that’s quickly becoming the city’s creative hub.
The café culture here is also vibrant. Locals relax in indie coffee shops with mountain views, sipping espresso or Swiss hot chocolate. Whether you’re into jazz bars, underground music, or ballet at the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, there’s always something happening once the sun sets.
Wine with a View: The Lavaux Terraces
One of Lausanne’s biggest attractions isn’t actually in the city — it’s just above it. The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are only a short train or bike ride away. Here, rows of vines cascade down towards the lake, producing mainly Chasselas, a crisp white wine you’ll only find in Switzerland.
Many vineyards offer tastings, and nothing compares to sipping wine on a stone terrace with a view that spans from Geneva to Mont Blanc.
Recommended Guides to take with you: Click to buy!
Hotel Beau Rivage Palace, Lausanne
If you’re scouting Switzerland for an event venue with serious wow-factor, the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne should be at the top of your list. I worked there several times as a technical manager, and it is one of my favourite venues in Europe, not just Switzerland.
Read More…
Leave a Reply