Lausanne Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland)

There is a large choice of tourist attractions to see around Lausanne and a huge variety of sightseeing tours are readily available within this area, by bus, train, boat and even by cable car, where you can head on up into the Alps and enjoy the stunning views. Tourists will find that many attractions within Lausanne lie around the neighbouring town of Ouchy, which is generally considered to be a suburb of the city, due to its closeness.

The waterfront of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) dominates much of Ouchy and is lined with a number of popular eateries, tourist attractions and beaches, where you can swim, sunbathe and generally relax amidst beautiful surroundings. Pedal boats (pedalos) are also available and are a hit with families holidaying in Lausanne, along with motorboats, while the expanses of grass provide plenty of usable space highly suitable for picnicking, ball games and sunbathing.

Lac Léman (Lake Geneva)

Address: Lakeside, Ouchy, CH-1006, Switzerland, CH
Often referred to as simply 'The Lake', Lac Léman offers endless sporting activities and attractions. Located at Ouchy and just a short distance from central Lausanne, a sailing school offers a host of water sports, such as yachting, windsurfing, fishing and even water skiing. Pathways line much of the waterfront and lend themselves to rollerblading, cycling and strolling.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free, charge for some attractions and activities

AquaSplash Renens

Address: Avenue du Censuy 36, Renens, CH-1020, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 021 632 7352
On a hot and sunny day, consider spending an afternoon at the AquaSplash Renens, a lively water park within the Renens area. Complete with no less than five pools and countless named water slides often referred to as 'water roller coasters', such as the 'Cobra', 'Dragon' and 'Kamikaze', the AquaSplash Renens complex also encompasses sports facilities, with football pitches and badminton courts.
Open hours: daily, July and August - 09:00 to 20:00; September to June - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Bellerive Plage

Address: Avenue de Rhodanie 23, Lakeside, Bellerive, CH-1007, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 021 617 8131
Just west of Ouchy and directly next to Lake Geneva, the Bellerive Plage is one of the best family orientated tourist attractions in the whole of the Greater Lausanne area. Much more than a theme park, the Bellerive Plage features sandy beach areas, a huge swimming pool complete with diving board, and many different eateries, which often overlook the lakefront itself.
Open hours: June to August, daily - 09:30 to 19:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Guided Walking Tour

Address: Place de la Palud, Lausanne, CH-1003, Switzerland, CH
Walking tours through the Old Town district (Vieille Ville) have long been popular and provide the perfect opportunity to learn more about the city's medieval past and its many quality attractions, including ancient remains of the defensive walls. Various multi-language tours are available and take in sights such as the Cathedral, the Château St. Marie, the Place de la Riponne, the Place de la Palud, and the Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville).
Open hours: May to September, Monday to Saturday - departing at 10:00 and 15:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and children are free

Vivarium de Lausanne

Address: 82 Chemin de Boissonnet, Lausanne, CH-1010, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 021 652 7294
Located on the northerly side of the city and appealing to children of all ages, the city's Vivarium lies next to the Sauvabelin Woods. Within walking distance of the city centre itself, the Vivarium is home to an extensive collection of reptiles and invertebrates, with favourites including snakes, tortoises, chameleons and even crocodiles.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 14:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available