Vaud

Chateau d'OEx, Balloon Festival Regions © André Meier

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
  • Lausanne Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

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

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Beau-Rivage Palace
  • 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
  • Grand Hôtel du Lac 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Vevey, Vaud

    Learn more about: Vevey, Vaud Grand Hôtel du Lac
  • Hôtel de Rougemont & Spa 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Rougemont, Vaud

    Learn more about: Rougemont, Vaud Hôtel de Rougemont & Spa
  • Hôtel Des Trois Couronnes 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Vevey, Vaud

    Learn more about: Vevey, Vaud Hôtel Des Trois Couronnes
  • Le CouCou Montreux l Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Caux, Vaud

    Learn more about: Caux, Vaud Le CouCou Montreux
  • Montreux Day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux

    Driver guideBus ridePeak walk (if weather conditions allow)Montreux city free time visitViews on the... from CHF 95
    Offer details
    Learn more about Day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux
  • Les Diablerets Paragliding flight from Glacier 3000

    Flight duration of 25-30min Not included: lift passes are not included. You can book them online... from CHF 230
    Offer details


    valid: 26.12.2025 - 31.03.2026

    Learn more about Paragliding flight from Glacier 3000
  • Lutry Revolt in Lavaux

    Materials included for a team of 2 to 6 people An "introduction" document An "instructions"... from CHF 59
    Offer details


    valid: 29.12.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Revolt in Lavaux
  • Montreux From Montreux: Riviera Tour boat cruise

    Board the boat in Montreux and relax on the round trip across Lake Geneva. You will pass Chillon... from CHF 38
    Offer details


    valid: 25.04.2026 - 11.10.2026

    Learn more about From Montreux: Riviera Tour boat cruise
  • Château-d'Oex Private Balloon Flight from Château-d'Oex

    With a private balloon flight, you can surprise your family, partner, or friends. Up to 16... from CHF 1,600
    Offer details


    valid: 24.12.2025 - 28.02.2026

    Learn more about Private Balloon Flight from Château-d'Oex
  • Lausanne Bern to Lausanne one way Private Transfer

    A private air conditioned luxury vehicle with chauffeur only for you and your group Pick up from any... from CHF 458
    Offer details
    Learn more about Bern to Lausanne one way Private Transfer

Travel information: Vaud