Vineyards, beaches, parks, and an unbelievable nearby glacier
After visiting lifelong friends who live in charming Lucerne, my wife and I boarded a first-class train bound for Lausanne, Switzerland. Using our Swiss Travel Pass, we took a mountain excursion gondola up the Stanserhorn, and now we were careening through the Swiss Alps. As expected, from all our research and conversations with like-minded travelers, Switzerland truly lived up to our expectations as one of the most breathtaking countries in the world. The beautiful postcard-worthy views of cascading waterfalls on one side of the rails and magnificent, lush conifer tree forests gently blowing in the wind that seemed like verdant brushstrokes didn’t disappoint. Just when we thought it couldn’t get more amazing, the landscape opened up to reveal shimmering turquoise bays created by massive glacial runoff and the deep indigo waters of Lake Geneva. Next stop, Four Adventure-Packed Days in Lausanne, Switzerland!
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Adventure Travel
My wife, Melissa, and I are known in the travel community as “The Adventure Travelers” since we always seek out adrenaline-fueled experiences around the globe. This trip promised to be jam-packed with history, culture, and community, not to mention sampling some of the most delicious cuisine we’ve ever encountered.
When to Visit
We visited in late spring/early summer, which was serendipitous because the days were now long, the weather was transitional, and the locals were already embracing the warm months ahead. Really, though, anytime is the perfect time to visit Lausanne because the city is alive all year round.
Our day-by-day itinerary was the perfect guide for a full and adventure-packed vacation.
Day 1
11 a.m.: Early Arrival
As we stepped out of the train station, the grandeur of Lausanne surrounded us. The ornate architecture, welcoming residents, and commuting locals created a vibrant atmosphere. With our lightweight bags in tow, my wife and I made our way up the ancient but modern streets for a mere five minutes before reaching our destination – the elegant Hǒtel Mirabeau BW Signature Collection. Since we were early and our room wasn’t ready, we dropped off our small travel bags and completed the early check-in process. The receptionist handed us a small card with the words “Lausanne Transport Card” emblazoned on it. With this card, all hotel guests can freely access public transportation in and around the city of Lausanne- buses, trains, and metros included. This was just another perk, making our stay in Lausanne even more enjoyable. The sun’s mid-day rays illuminated and warmed our backs and added beautiful light to the colorful buildings, which added to the picturesque scene around us.
Noon: Brunch with the Locals
As the sun reached its peak at noon and being free from our carry-on luggage, we decided to take the short 15-minute walk up the hill to have brunch at the charming Bleu Lézard. We settled in at a table on the patio that overlooked the city and enjoyed the warm breeze. We soon found ourselves engaged in lively conversation with the locals. They shared stories about the restaurant’s nightly transformation into Cave du Bleu, a popular nightclub in the evenings. Since I’m a Google Local Guide Level 8, I decided to review our experiences, and the stats speak for themselves.
2 p.m.: Expert-Guided Exploration of Lausanne
Wanting to immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history and culture, we enlisted the help of a knowledgeable and licensed local guide, Nathalie Nini-Rey. As we trekked on our informative and pleasant journey through the streets of Lausanne, we were immediately taken by its charm, cleanliness, and history. With each step, Nathalie shared fascinating details and facts about the city’s origins, pointed out historic landmarks such as beautiful old churches, and regaled us with tales of its local and all-inclusive music scene. For a unique perspective, we hopped on a tram that whisked us away for a simple and quick getaway to Ouchy-Olympique, where we were treated to new and stunning views of Lake Geneva.
4 p.m.: Paddleboard on Lake Geneva (that was the plan)
With our minds still buzzing from the fascinating and educational tour, along with our guide Nathalie, we jumped on a bus with a route that hugged the shoreline, and after a speedy jaunt, we walked down to a kiosk on the sand where we were to pick up our paddles for a standup paddleboard excursion with Pedalino on Lake Geneva. However, Mother Nature had other plans for us. An unexpected thunderstorm rolled in, forcing the beach to close and dashing our hopes of venturing out onto the lake. Our safety took precedence, and we begrudgingly accepted that our paddleboarding plans would have to wait for another day. Travel for us is all about being flexible and pivoting when plans change.
5 p.m.: Checking into the Room at Our Hotel
We took a short tram ride up from the beaches and walked a few minutes to the hotel to formally check into our room. We were delighted to discover that we had been assigned room 414, which offered the most magnificent view in the entire hotel. Stepping out onto our charming balcony, we saw a breathtaking view of the lower part of the city and the entirety of Lake Geneva stretching out before us. Across the glassy waters, we could see the lush landscape of France, but also scattered dark clouds loomed overhead, bringing forth a gentle rain that brought out the magnificent colors and textures of the lake. It was an unforgettable moment frozen in time, which we took full advantage of and captured in a photo.
7 p.m.: Dinner for Two
As the fading sun set, it was time for our romantic dinner for two. Using the fantastic Lausanne Transport Card once again, we took a short bus ride from our hotel to the upscale Brasserie de Montbenon. As we walked up the colorful and winding streets from the bus stop, the gentle sound of raindrops added an enchanting melody to our journey. We were fully prepared with our travel umbrellas in hand, which only added to the charm of our romantic evening stroll.
Upon arrival, we ordered one of their signature cocktails, The Alpinesse, which, in just a few sips, relaxed us both. One unique aspect of this restaurant is its open-concept design, allowing diners to watch as skilled chefs chop and cook meticulously through a large viewing window, and we found this to be an exciting element to the dining experience. We were also captivated by the many dialects and languages being spoken.
The rain continued to fall outside, but inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere of Brasserie de Montbenon added to the romantic ambiance.
Day 2
9 a.m.: Hotel Breakfast that Started Our Day Right
After sleeping in, we followed the alluring aromas of freshly brewed coffee and steaming espresso in the air. Sizzling scents of crispy bacon and buttered toast were yummy, familiar smells. In the restaurant, the long tables were garnished with a cornucopia of local delicacies and familiar American staples, such as lightly folded scrambled eggs and golden brown sausages. The attentive waiters glided around, ready to assist guests with anything they needed. From sweet to savory, there was something for everyone at this mouth-watering breakfast spread. Every detail was thought of in advance, and we looked forward to this dining experience every morning. It was the perfect way to start our day.
10 a.m.: Tower of Power
Using our trusty Transport Card once again, we boarded a bus that took us from our hotel up to Sauvabelin, an expansive, sustainable, and educational park in Lausanne. The air was crisp and bore the faint scent of pine as we made our way through the winding roads towards the park. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a variety of local livestock, almost like a carefully curated zoo. Children chattered excitedly with their teachers as they observed and learned about the animals. But the real highlight awaited us – the Sauvabelin Tower, which stands tall and regal amidst the trees. We climbed its unique and hand-crafted spiral staircase until we reached the top and were awestruck by the breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area. To stand on the observation tower was a sight unlike any other, and we soaked up the beauty while our minds were almost on a sensory overload.
Noon: Lunch is a Work of Art
Deciding to walk off lunch early, we took a leisurely stroll down from Sauvabelin. The hiking trail we chose made a circuitous route through green trees, pocket parks, and cobblestone roads. As we walked, we couldn’t help but stop and admire the views of the city below. Our destination was Deli Social, a pleasant, delicious fresh, locally sourced lunch experience managed by two talented alumni of the prestigious Royal College of Art. It was tucked away in the center of town, and well worth the journey. When we arrived, we could smell the freshly made food and received warm hospitality from the owner and his manager. Each carefully curated and handmade dish exceeded our expectations, but the homemade ice cream dessert was truly the best we had ever tasted. We left feeling satisfied not only by our meal but also by the beautiful sights and experiences that surrounded us on this epic afternoon.
2:30 p.m.: Wine Tasting: A Musical Journey Among the Vines
With the lure of UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces only a short train ride away, we eagerly embarked on our wine-tasting adventure at Domaine Vitis Musicalis. The promise of music-infused wine was too intriguing to resist.
Being The Adventure Travelers, we opted to depart from the train in Grandvaux and take the lesser-known trail through the sprawling vineyards towards the winery. The stunning views of the ancient terraces and vines descending the hills towards Lake Geneva made for a breathtaking hike.
Upon arrival at this amazing and family-run winery, we were greeted by the owner, Alain Chollet, who proudly shared his unique winemaking process. We learned that he plays soothing melodies on his saxophone to serenade the grapes. The owner carefully pipes music throughout the vineyard and even infuses music into the stainless steel fermenting vessels to relax and impart their own special notes into the wine. It was truly a harmonious blend of art and science that resulted in each sip being a symphony for our taste buds.
5 p.m.: Boating on Lake Geneva
After a spectacular guide through the vines, we purchased a bottle of this unique musical wine for an evening sip on our hotel balcony. We continued our hike through the vineyards and down to the charming Port of Lutry for more adventure and Swiss culture, and boarded the historical Belle Epoque steamboat for a 20-minute cruise on Lake Geneva. As we steamed along, we were treated to stunning views of pristine beaches and majestic Swiss and French mountains in the distance.
After arriving at the beaches of Lausanne-Ouchy, a quick five-minute tram ride took us up once again to the train station, which seemed to be the hub for all things Lausanne. We enjoyed the food, shopping, art, and simple but universal family activities that were occurring in the park.
7 p.m.: Dinner at the Historical Swiss Family Owned Restaurant
After a quick reset at our charming hotel, my wife and I made our way through the lively streets of the city for 15 minutes. We experienced and fully enjoyed all the sights and sounds before arriving at our destination: Café du Grütli. This quaint family-owned restaurant has stood proudly since its first construction in 1340, weathering the test of time the restaurant evolved into various establishments before gaining its current culinary reputation in 1638.
As we entered, the scent of sizzling meats lingered in the air, and we were greeted by warm and educated staff as we settled into our patio view chairs. The menu boasted fresh and locally sourced meats, including game meat from a relative of the owners. Every bite was a delicious tribute to the long-standing legacy of this iconic eating establishment.
Day3
9 a.m.: Trains, a Bus, Gondolas, and a Glacier
We woke up early, ate a delicious breakfast, and made our way to the nearby train station. Using our trusty Lausanne Transport Card, we boarded a sleek Swiss train that whisked us through charming Swiss towns before arriving at our first destination: Aigle. We simply transferred to another train for a shorter 15-minute ride to Les Diablerets. As we rode through the scenic countryside, I couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning views of alpine mountains and the picture-perfect valleys.
10:30 a.m.: Arrive at Glacier 3000 An Adventurous Modern Site with a Geological History
Our journey wasn’t over yet. At the train station, we boarded a bus for a short but stunning ride to the glacier. We soon arrived at our adventurous destination: Glacier 3000. To get to the summit of the glacier, we took two gondolas. As the cables went higher and higher, the air grew a bit colder and more crisp, and our excitement began to build. When we reached the top and stepped out onto the magnificent glacier, we could hardly believe our eyes. The enormous expanse of white snow filled my view, flanked by jagged peaks and other adventurous travelers milling about. My wife and I climbed the steps to the very top where a safe and modern Peak Walk bridge connected the two peaks. As the suspension bridge faded away into the unknown, we carefully walked through the fog to complete our journey to the other side.
Before leaving the comforts of our California home located in the United States, we meticulously planned for this excursion. We wore all the necessary gear (which we got at REI) – warm gloves, beanies, puffy jackets, and thick wool socks. However, despite these luxuries, we were reminded about the precautions any traveler should always take to be prepared for a pivot. Our noses were starting to chill, so we carefully walked down to the chalet in search of warmth and refreshments. The fragrance of rich hot cocoa and hearty stew welcomed us as we stepped inside, providing much-needed relief from the cold glacial air. The incredible, homemade, delicious stew was everything we needed at that moment.
After we were warmed by stew and hot cocoa, we retreated back down the mountain to transit back to Lausanne.
7:30 p.m.: Bite-Sized Gourmet Dinner with Incredible Taste
The dinner at the renowned restaurant Eat Me was an unforgettable experience. Each plate is served in an international tapas style, with a fusion of flavors and ingredients from around the world. Among the mouth-watering dishes we chose, one stood out – the EL CAMINO REAL. A soft corn taco filled with crispy pork belly, topped with flavorful habichuelas, fresh salsa aji verde, and creamy queso fresco guacamole (with vegetarian or vegan options available). Every morsel was a burst of deliciousness worth telling our California friends about. The vivid colors and unforgettable scents of the dish added to its appeal, making it not just a meal but a visual and olfactory feast.
Day 4
10 a.m.: Take in the Arts and Giving Our Tastebuds a Treat
It was our final day, and we were ready to immerse ourselves in the arts of Lausanne. After another delectable breakfast at our hotel, we strolled down the street for less than 10 minutes until we reached Plateforme 10, a new art installation next to the lively train station.
The city’s Tourist Information Center caught our eye as it is conveniently located near the train station, and the staff can answer any questions tourists may have.
Plateforme 10 is a hub for three different museums – MCBA, Mudac, and Photo Elysee – each with its own unique collection and exhibitions. We secured tickets to all three, excited to explore and appreciate their diverse offerings.
And as if that wasn’t enough, there was also an artistic restaurant within Plateforme 10 called Le Nabi. We couldn’t resist stopping for a meal amidst such creative surroundings and were delighted by the delicious cuisine served to us.
Noon: Time to Depart
As the final minutes of our Swiss adventure travel in this magnificent city ticked by, we felt a little bittersweet about departing. Our hearts were captured by Lausanne’s charm, history, and stunning beauty, and leaving it behind was no easy task. Boarding the train for one last time, we bid farewell to the people who had welcomed us with open arms and the parks that served as peaceful retreats from hectic city life.
The vibrant culture, ancient history, incredible food, and easy accessibility through a well-connected transit system left a lasting impression on us. We were now bound for Milan, Italy, where our plane departed the next day. We promised ourselves that we would return to this wondrous city, with its winding streets and endless possibilities waiting to be explored. My wife actually said to me, “Outside of San Diego, Lausanne, Switzerland is the one place I could actually live and feel connected, secure, and creative while loving the people and interesting lifestyle.”
If you liked this post about Four Adventure-Packed Days in Lausanne, Switzerland, then you’ll love my last post about our New Zealand by Campervan expedition!
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