Vaud

Vilette, Lake Geneva Regions © Nico Schaerer

Hint

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.

Hint

Overview
Vaud
Vaud
Show on map

Partner

Impressions

Auszeichnungen

Partner

Experiences & Activities

Show all ofExperiences & Activities
  • Hôtel du Théâtre 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud

    Learn more about: Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud Hôtel du Théâtre
  • Hôtel Angleterre 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Hôtel Angleterre
  • Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Villars-sur-Ollon, Vaud

    Learn more about: Villars-sur-Ollon, Vaud Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa
  • Lausanne Jeunotel Youth Hostel

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Lausanne Jeunotel Youth Hostel
  • Beau-Rivage Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Beau-Rivage Palace
  • Villars Lodge l Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Villars-sur-Ollon, Vaud

    Learn more about: Villars-sur-Ollon, Vaud Villars Lodge
  • Le CouCou Montreux l Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Caux, Vaud

    Learn more about: Caux, Vaud Le CouCou Montreux
  • Montreux Youth Hostel

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Montreux, Vaud

    Learn more about: Montreux, Vaud Montreux Youth Hostel
  • 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
  • Lausanne Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Lausanne Palace
  • Grandvaux Domaine Pascal Dance - 4 wine tasting

    Description of the Estate Wine tasting of 4 vintanges 1 souvenir bottle per person from CHF 39
    Offer details


    valid: 18.04.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Domaine Pascal Dance - 4 wine tasting
  • Le Solliat Half day Kayak tour on Lake Joux

    Indulge in the magic of Lac de Joux with a captivating half-day kayak tour. Regardless of the... from CHF 920.93
    Offer details
    Learn more about Half day Kayak tour on Lake Joux
  • Montreux Geneva to Montreux One-Way Private Transfer

    Pick up from any location in Geneva and drop at your preferred location in MontreuxA private air... from CHF 412
    Offer details
    Learn more about Geneva to Montreux One-Way Private Transfer
  • Lausanne "Lausanne Cathedral" guided tour for private groups

    Explore the cathedral and the bell tower with a private group. Let your guide take you back to the... from CHF 300
    Offer details


    valid: 20.04.2026 - 15.04.2027

    Learn more about "Lausanne Cathedral" guided tour for private groups
  • Cully Discover the Union Vinicole

    Marine, our sommelier, is on hand throughout the service. - Presentation of the Lavaux vineyards... from CHF 33
    Offer details


    valid: 18.04.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Discover the Union Vinicole
  • Veytaux Château de Chillon - 1day ticket

    Self guided tour Map Brochure of rooms from CHF 12.50
    Offer details


    valid: 18.04.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Château de Chillon - 1day ticket
  • Mont-sur-Rolle Tastings at Maison des Vins de La Côte

    Tasting of different wines Crispy Vaud sticks as a side dish from CHF 17
    Offer details


    valid: 18.04.2026 - 26.12.2026

    Learn more about Tastings at Maison des Vins de La Côte
  • Lausanne Lausanne food tour with full meal

    Immerse yourself in the culture of Lausanne with a delightful walking food tour through the charming... from CHF 143
    Offer details
    Learn more about Lausanne food tour with full meal

Travel information: Vaud