Discover the Best Things to Do and See in Lausanne, Switzerland – From Exploring the Old Town to Indulging in Swiss Chocolate and Wine Tasting
Lausanne is a beautiful city located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. There are a bevy of activities and attractions to explore–from wandering through the charming Old Town to taking a boat trip on the lake, visiting museums and art galleries, to indulging in delicious Swiss chocolate, this town will leave you wanting more.
Whether you are a history buff, a culture vulture, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, you will find plenty of things to do.
In this roundup, we’ll highlight some of the top things to do in Lausanne, Switzerland, so that you can make the most of your visit to this charming Swiss city.
Here are eight things to do and see:
- Explore the Old Town: Old Town is charming, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and beautiful architecture. Stroll around the town and explore its quaint boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
- Visit the Olympic Museum: Lausanne is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, and the city is home to the Olympic Museum. The museum showcases the history of the Olympic Games and has an extensive collection of Olympic memorabilia.
- Go wine tasting: The Lavaux wine region is known for its excellent wines. Enjoy the area’s wine tour and enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious wines.
- Visit the Lausanne Cathedral: The Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral is an iconic landmark of the city and offers stunning views of Lake Geneva.
- Explore the Collection de l’Art Brut: The Collection de l’Art Brut museum is dedicated to outsider art. The museum has an extensive collection of art created by self-taught artists and is a unique and fascinating attraction.
- Book boat trip on Lake Geneva: Lake Geneva is a beautiful lake that borders Lausanne. Take a boat trip on the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery and views of the surrounding mountains.
- Visit the Musée de l’Elysée: The Musée de l’Elysée is a photography museum that has an extensive collection of photographs and hosts many temporary exhibitions. The museum is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
- Tour a Chocolate Factory: The Läderach Chocolate Factory is a family-owned business that produces high-quality Swiss chocolate. The factory offers guided tours where visitors can learn about chocolate’s history and how it’s made. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities to sample the chocolate!
Did you know?
Lausanne is known for its picturesque views and as a center for international diplomacy. Still, something you might need to learn is that it is also home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters. The IOC organizes and oversees the modern Olympic Games, founded in 1894 by French educator Baron Pierre de Coubertin. The IOC moved to Lausanne in 1915 and has been there ever since.
Today, the IOC is a global organization with members worldwide who work to promote and develop the Olympic Movement.
A little history:
Lausanne has a varied history that dates back over 2,000 years. The Celts initially inhabited the area; later came under the control of the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, it became an important center of commerce and culture and was the site of a central cathedral.
In the 1500s, the city became part of the Swiss Confederation and played a crucial role in the Reformation. The city was an important center for Protestant theology and was the site of several key events in the Reformation, including the famous Lausanne Disputation in 1536.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became a popular destination for wealthy travelers who enjoyed the city’s mild climate and scenic views. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Lausanne Palace hotel and the Beau-Rivage Palace hotel, date from this period.
In the 1900s, it emerged as a center for international diplomacy, thanks in large part to the presence of the International Olympic Committee.
Today, Lausanne is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its beautiful architecture, excellent restaurants, and lively cultural scene.
