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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  • Hotel Valrose 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Rougemont, Vaud

    Learn more about: Rougemont, Vaud Hotel Valrose
  • Hôtel du Théâtre 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud

    Learn more about: Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud Hôtel du Théâtre
  • Hôtel Château d'Ouchy 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Hôtel Château d'Ouchy
  • AFTERWORK Hotel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Etoy, Vaud

    Learn more about: Etoy, Vaud AFTERWORK Hotel
  • 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
  • Beau-Rivage Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Beau-Rivage Palace
  • Avenches Youth Hostel

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Avenches, Vaud

    Learn more about: Avenches, Vaud Avenches Youth Hostel
  • Hôtel du Léman 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Jongny, Vaud

    Learn more about: Jongny, Vaud Hôtel du Léman
  • Crêt-Bérard l Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Puidoux, Vaud

    Learn more about: Puidoux, Vaud Crêt-Bérard
  • Hôtel Masson 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Veytaux, Vaud

    Learn more about: Veytaux, Vaud Hôtel Masson
  • Morges Escapade on historic train: Cheesmaker's train

    Unique excursion on a historic trainFondue meal, with an aperitif and a dessertReturn with the... from CHF 79
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    valid: 31.10.2026 - 05.12.2026

    Learn more about Escapade on historic train: Cheesmaker's train
  • Montreux Glacier 3000 bus day trip from Montreux

    Enjoy a comfortable bus ride to the Les Diablerets village and explore the famous Glacier 3000 on... from CHF 86
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  • Montreux Foxtrail GO Montreux Digital Treasure Hunt

    With the digital treasure hunt "Foxtrail GO Montreux," solve puzzles, earn points, and rediscover... from CHF 19
    Offer details


    valid: 11.03.2026 - 10.03.2027

    Learn more about Foxtrail GO Montreux Digital Treasure Hunt
  • Morges Escapade on historic train: Beers & burgers

    Unusual excursion on a historic trainMeal consisting of 4 burgers (starter, main course,... from CHF 89
    Offer details


    valid: 01.05.2026 - 09.10.2026

    Learn more about Escapade on historic train: Beers & burgers
  • Vinzel Malak'off - Gourmet walk

    2 Malakoff takeout or a CHF 10.- discount on a meal (to be used at Auberge de Luins or Au Coeur de... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 13.03.2026 - 20.12.2026

    Learn more about Malak'off - Gourmet walk
  • Château-d'Oex Guided tour of the villages

    Visit of the village with a local guideExplanation of the history and architectural heritageSmall... from CHF 10
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    valid: 12.03.2026 - 31.12.2026

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  • Villars-sur-Ollon "Discovery flight" paragliding from Villars sur Ollon

    On this paragliding flight, you will climb 700 meters above Villars sur Ollon. It is ideal for you... from CHF 160
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    valid: 12.03.2026 - 31.08.2026

    Learn more about "Discovery flight" paragliding from Villars sur Ollon
  • Epesses Epesses en Fête

    The CHF 60 package includes: - over 100 wines to taste at our winegrowers' premises - a 140cl... from CHF 30
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    valid: 02.05.2026

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Travel information: Vaud