Vaud

Vilette, Lake Geneva Regions © Nico Schaerer

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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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  • Fairmont Le Montreux Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Montreux, Vaud

    Learn more about: Montreux, Vaud Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
  • Hôtel du Théâtre 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud

    Learn more about: Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud Hôtel du Théâtre
  • Hôtel Des Trois Couronnes 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Vevey, Vaud

    Learn more about: Vevey, Vaud Hôtel Des Trois Couronnes
  • Beau-Rivage Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Beau-Rivage Palace
  • Romantik Hotel Mont-Blanc 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Morges, Vaud

    Learn more about: Morges, Vaud Romantik Hotel Mont-Blanc
  • Hostellerie Le Petit Manoir 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Morges, Vaud

    Learn more about: Morges, Vaud Hostellerie Le Petit Manoir
  • Lausanne Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Lausanne Palace
  • Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lausanne, Vaud

    Learn more about: Lausanne, Vaud Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa
  • Tralala Hotel 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Montreux, Vaud

    Learn more about: Montreux, Vaud Tralala Hotel
  • Reka-Ferienanlage Rougemont 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Rougemont, Vaud

    Learn more about: Rougemont, Vaud Reka-Ferienanlage Rougemont
  • Leysin Private snowboard lessons for kids and adults in Leysin

    Get a private snowboarding lesson in Leysin ski area. With personal coaching, you’ll make quick... from CHF 330
    Offer details


    valid: 11.05.2026 - 05.12.2026

    Learn more about Private snowboard lessons for kids and adults in Leysin
  • Vevey Vevey Folk Market Train

    Ride through Lavaux on the Lavaux Panoramic mini-train Seasonal meal, mineral water and coffee at... from CHF 53
    Offer details


    valid: 08.08.2026 - 29.08.2026

    Learn more about Vevey Folk Market Train
  • 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: 10.05.2026 - 11.10.2026

    Learn more about From Montreux: Riviera Tour boat cruise
  • Villeneuve VD Guided Château Chillon Kayak Tour

    On a guided kayak tour, you paddle from Villeneuve to Château Chillon. From Lake Geneva, you can... from CHF 130
    Offer details


    valid: 11.05.2026 - 30.10.2026

    Learn more about Guided Château Chillon Kayak Tour
  • Bière In search of the golden whistle

    PDF version of the gameSurprise for childrenDiscount for the train journey required to play the... from CHF 29
    Offer details


    valid: 10.05.2026 - 31.01.2027

    Learn more about In search of the golden whistle

Travel information: Vaud