Vaud

Chateau d'OEx, Balloon Festival Regions © André Meier

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Intro

Here in Vaud the pinnacle of the watchmakers’ art rubs shoulders with rustic agriculture and beautiful lakes are found next to alpine glaciers. Admire the Olympic city of Lausanne, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lavaux, cultural treasures such as Chillon Castle and natural beauties such as Lac de Joux.

Vaud at a glance

This is Vaud

Vaud (German: Waadt) is located in western Switzerland and borders France. It stretches from the Jura to Lake Geneva and the Vaud Alps. Vaud is a popular destination due to the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, the Vallée de Joux and cities such as Lausanne and Montreux.

Discover Vaud

The best way to discover Vaud is by public transport: start with a cruise on Lake Geneva in a historic paddle steamer. Explore lively Lausanne on the only underground railway system in Switzerland. After a detour to Chillon Castle, journey by panoramic train along the Montreux Riviera to the Vaud Alps. Alternatively: Enjoy a picturesque train ride to Lake Neuchâtel at the southern foot of the Jura.

Lake Geneva from Nyon to Montreux

Arc lémanique is the name given to the area around Lake Geneva – from the La Côte region via Lausanne and Lavaux to the Montreux Riviera. The entire route is dotted with charming places to linger and enjoy. Sample local wines accompanied by Vaudois specialties such as Malakoff grilled cheese sandwiches. The towns of Cully and Montreux are known for their jazz festivals, while Nyon has a famous film festival, Morges has its tulip festival and Vevey its wine festival and Chaplin’s World.

Vallée de Joux and the watchmaking industry

It takes next to no time to get from Lake Geneva to the Vallée de Joux, the home of Swiss watchmaking. The futuristic Audemars Piguet studio in Le Brassus or the Espace Horloger in Le Sentier are well worth a visit. The lakes of Joux and Brenet, the pastures crisscrossed by dry stone walls and the Risoud forest all share a timeless beauty.

Around Vaud

The city of Geneva with its Jet d’Eau lies at the southwestern end of Lake Geneva. A trip on the GoldenPass panoramic train to Gstaad is unforgettable. More excursion ideas: The city of Fribourg with its many bridges, charming Neuchâtel and the Jura with the Areuse Gorge and the Creux du Van natural rock amphitheatre.

Experience Vaud for less

The Lake Geneva-Alps Regional Pass offers you free travel on two to three days of your choice and a 50% discount on the other days. The ValPass guest card allows you to travel free of charge on public transport in the Vallée du Joux. Free travel and other discounts are available in Lausanne with the Transport Card and in Montreux with the Riviera Card.

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Experiences & Activities

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  • Beau-Rivage Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Beau-Rivage Palace
  • Grand Hotel des Bains & Centre Thermal

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud

    Learn more about: Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud Grand Hotel des Bains & Centre Thermal
  • Hôtel de Rougemont & Spa 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Rougemont, Vaud

    Learn more about: Rougemont, Vaud Hôtel de Rougemont & Spa
  • Hostellerie Bon Rivage 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    La Tour-de-Peilz, Vaud

    Learn more about: La Tour-de-Peilz, Vaud Hostellerie Bon Rivage
  • Hôtel des Horlogers - Vallée de Joux 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Le Brassus, Vaud

    Learn more about: Le Brassus, Vaud Hôtel des Horlogers - Vallée de Joux
  • Historic Hotel du Pillon 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Les Diablerets, Vaud

    Learn more about: Les Diablerets, Vaud Historic Hotel du Pillon
  • Villars Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Villars-sur-Ollon, Vaud

    Learn more about: Villars-sur-Ollon, Vaud Villars Palace
  • Hôtel du Léman 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Jongny, Vaud

    Learn more about: Jongny, Vaud Hôtel du Léman
  • Grand Hôtel du Lac 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Vevey, Vaud

    Learn more about: Vevey, Vaud Grand Hôtel du Lac
  • Hôtel Des Trois Couronnes 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Vevey, Vaud

    Learn more about: Vevey, Vaud Hôtel Des Trois Couronnes
  • Lausanne Escape Game Outdoor The Walking Dead in Lausanne

    Sending a unique game code per device 1 code, teamFree app to downloadInstructions for participants... from CHF 63
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    Learn more about Escape Game Outdoor The Walking Dead in Lausanne
  • Montreux "In the footsteps of Freddie Mercury" City tour in Montreux

    Follow in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury and Queen in Montreux guided by a true enthusiast! This... from CHF 29
    Offer details


    valid: 31.01.2026 - 01.11.2026

    Learn more about "In the footsteps of Freddie Mercury" City tour in Montreux
  • Villeneuve VD Domaine Bertholet - Vineyard walk and fondue

    Detailed course DIY cheese fondue 2.5dl "Chasselas" white wine from CHF 53
    Offer details


    valid: 15.01.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Domaine Bertholet - Vineyard walk and fondue
  • Lausanne Lausanne architectural walk with a local guide

    Set off on an exclusive exploration of Lausanne's architectural evolution with a local expert by... from CHF 341
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    Learn more about Lausanne architectural walk with a local guide
  • Montreux Round-trip cable car ticket to Glacier 3000

    Embark on a thrilling journey to Glacier 3000, one of Switzerland's most renowned and accessible... from CHF 81
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    Learn more about Round-trip cable car ticket to Glacier 3000
  • Morges Escapade en train historique: Train du Tartare

    Journey aboard the historic BAM trainA tartare menu in 3 courses: amuse-bouche - starter - main... from CHF 105
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    valid: 20.03.2026 - 06.11.2026

    Learn more about Escapade en train historique: Train du Tartare
  • Les Diablerets Private Tour to Les Diablerets and Montreux

    Complete personalized experiencePick up and drop off in hotel or place of choice in GenevaPublic... from CHF 1,355
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  • Rougemont Private Ski Tour Lessons in Gstaad

    In Gstaad - Rougemont, you have the opportunity to go on a ski tour with a private ski instructor... from CHF 790
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    valid: 14.01.2026 - 20.04.2026

    Learn more about Private Ski Tour Lessons in Gstaad

Travel information: Vaud