Last Updated: May 2026
Lausanne is situated on the northern shore of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, rising dramatically from the water’s edge in three distinct levels. Known for its picturesque old town, Lausanne is built on three hills, each connected by bridges and staircases, contributing to its distinctive cityscape and providing stunning views over the lake and the Alps. The city spans various levels — from the lakeside Ouchy district to the bustling shopping areas around Le Flon and the medieval heart atop the hills, where the Lausanne Cathedral stands. Lausanne was our first stop on our Tauck Switzerland tour, and it immediately set a very high bar.
Our British Airways flight from San Diego to Heathrow to Geneva was perfectly timed so we could sleep and help to adjust to the 9 hour difference in times. The in-flight meals were very good.
Lausanne Cathedral
We took a Viator walking tour and this was our first stop. We climbed an insane number of stairs to get to the meeting point, realizing we both could easily pass a cardiac stress test.
The Lausanne Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lausanne, is early Gothic architecture and is the largest Gothic church in Switzerland. Construction began in 1170 under the direction of Bishop Landry de Durnes and took roughly 70 years to complete, being consecrated in 1275 in the presence of Pope Gregory X and Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg, which underscored its spiritual and political significance in the region.
Originally built for the Catholic Church, the cathedral faced a major transformation in 1536 when Bernese troops invaded the canton of Vaud and imposed the Protestant Reformation. This change turned the cathedral into a Protestant place of worship, leading to significant alterations consistent with Reformed principles. Much of the Catholic iconography, including altars, statues, relics and ornate mural paintings were removed or covered to reflect Protestant austerity. The veneration of the Virgin Mary was discontinued, marking a profound shift in religious practice and symbolism within the cathedral. The great pipe organ of Lausanne’s Cathedral of Notre Dame is a modern, one‑of‑a‑kind instrument completed and inaugurated in December 2003. The organ has roughly 7,000–7,400 pipes and weighs on the order of 40–50 tons.
Lausanne Palace
We stayed here for a few nights and really enjoyed this ornate 5-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. The apricot chocolate mousse was to die for. It was opened in 1915 and is in a central location with easy access by foot or their bus system to the main sites. The hotel also includes a large spa and wellness center. Our room had a great view of Lake Geneva with Evian, France in the background.
This friendly dog loves to lie in the sun and greet anyone who passes by next to his owner’s small shop.
The old metal shop signs in Lausanne, like many in Europe, originated as a practical and artistic means to identify shops and businesses before widespread literacy and formal street numbering. These wrought-iron signs often featured symbolic imagery corresponding to the trade or products sold inside to help illiterate customers recognize the services offered. They were also used as decorative landmarks and a form of advertising, becoming elaborate and artistic works through the craftsmanship of specialized blacksmiths.
In Europe, some old shop signs with figures of black men were traditionally linked to coffee merchants or establishments selling coffee, which was associated with African origins and trade routes.
Walking the Streets of Lausanne
We really enjoyed walking the streets and taking in all of the ambience of the city. Lausanne’s old town rewards exploration — the flower market, medieval fountains, carved shop signs, and layers of history visible in every stone facade make it one of those cities where getting deliberately lost is the best plan.
William Tell is significant to Switzerland as a legendary folk hero and a powerful symbol of Swiss independence and resistance against tyranny. The story originates from the early 14th century during the oppressive rule of the Habsburgs over the Swiss cantons. According to legend, William Tell was a skilled marksman who famously refused to bow to the hat placed by the tyrannical bailiff Hermann Gessler on a pole in the village square of Altdorf. As punishment, Tell was forced to shoot an apple off his son’s head with a crossbow, a feat he successfully accomplished without harming his son. Tell’s defiance did not stop there; he ultimately assassinated Gessler, sparking a rebellion that contributed to the foundation of the Old Swiss Confederacy. This uprising led to the Swiss cantons swearing an oath of allegiance to defend their freedom, which is commemorated on August 1 as Swiss National Day. William Tell became an enduring symbol of bravery, liberty and national identity, embodying the struggle for political and individual freedom in Switzerland.
Ouchy-Waterfront District
We walked downhill to the shores of Lake Geneva.
The large contemporary “C”-shaped statue on the Lausanne waterfront is called the Éole Sculpture. Created by artist Clelia Bettua, it was installed in 1995 at the Port d’Ouchy marina along Lake Geneva. This striking, 20-meter diameter metal sculpture functions as a giant weather vane that swings and shifts direction with the wind, symbolizing the movement and essence of air. It is set out on a small rocky breakwater, making it accessible only by water or from the nearby jetty, adding to its dramatic presence by the lakeside.
Around the waterfront area there were numerous statues and flowers still in bloom.
Olympic Museum
Lausanne is globally recognized for its strong Olympic heritage as it hosts the International Olympic Committee headquarters. The Olympic Museum is a must-visit attraction, providing interactive exhibits that bring the history and spirit of the Olympic Games to life for visitors of all ages. We enjoyed all the sculptures around the grounds. On our way back to the hotel we took a couple of city buses. They were crowded, but easy and fun.
Traveling With Friends
We met up with our good friends Katie and Jim. A longtime friend of theirs, Tom, also joined us. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at a restaurant with views of Lake Geneva.
Visitor Information for Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne Cathedral (Cathedral of Our Lady of Lausanne) is located at Place de la Cathédrale, 1005 Lausanne. The cathedral is open daily; entry to the main building is free. A fee is charged for the tower climb. Hours vary seasonally. Visit cathedrale-lausanne.ch for current hours.
The Olympic Museum is located at Quai d’Ouchy 1, 1006 Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays from October through April). Adult admission is approximately CHF 20. Allow two to three hours. Visit olympics.com/museum for current hours and ticket prices.
Lausanne Palace Hotel is located at Rue du Grand-Chêne 7–9, 1003 Lausanne, a short walk from the city center and Cathedral. This five-star historic hotel opened in 1915 and features a Michelin-starred restaurant and a large spa and wellness center. Reserve well in advance for both hotel rooms and restaurant tables. Visit lausanne-palace.ch for reservations.
Port d’Ouchy is the lakeside marina district at the foot of Lausanne, easily reached via the M2 metro from the city center. The waterfront promenade is free and open at all hours. The Éole Sculpture, carousel, and waterfront gardens are all along this stretch of Lake Geneva.
Practical Tips for Visiting Lausanne
Lausanne is a city of hills — wear comfortable walking shoes. The elevation changes between the Ouchy waterfront, the city center, and the Cathedral hilltop are significant. We climbed what felt like an unreasonable number of stairs on our walking tour and, as Michael noted, it is essentially a free cardiac stress test. The M2 metro line, which runs from Ouchy up to the main train station and beyond, is a helpful shortcut on the way back uphill.
Ask your hotel about the Lausanne Transport Card. Most Lausanne hotels provide guests with a free transport card at check-in, covering unlimited travel on buses, metro, and trains within the city zone for the duration of your stay. It makes getting around considerably easier and saves money.
Visit the Cathedral early in the morning. The light through the stained glass is best in the morning, and the crowds are thinner before tour groups arrive. The Cathedral is free to enter and worth a long, unhurried visit — the medieval tombs, the rose window with its astrological symbols, the choir, and the remarkable pipe organ are all extraordinary.
Allow two to three hours at the Olympic Museum. The museum is larger and more comprehensive than many visitors expect, with interactive exhibits across multiple floors covering every modern Olympic Games. The sculpture garden outside along the lake is also worth a slow walk.
The flower market operates Tuesday and Friday mornings at Place de la Palud in the old town. If your visit falls on those days, it is a very pleasant way to start the morning — colorful, local, and free to browse.
From Lausanne, the next stop on our Tauck Switzerland tour was Gruyères and Château de Chillon, traveling along the northern shore of Lake Geneva through Montreux.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lausanne, Switzerland
What is Lausanne best known for? Lausanne is best known as the home of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum, which draws visitors from around the world. It is also known for its magnificent Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady dating to 1275, its dramatic position above Lake Geneva, its historic old town, and its role as a major center for international sports governance. The city is in the French-speaking region of Switzerland known as Romandy.
How many days do you need in Lausanne? Two full days is a comfortable amount of time to see Lausanne’s main attractions without feeling rushed. One day can cover the Old Town, the Cathedral, and the Olympic Museum. A second day is ideal for the Ouchy waterfront, a boat trip on Lake Geneva, and exploring neighborhoods at a slower pace. If Lausanne is a single stop on a broader Swiss itinerary, one full day is workable if you start early.
What language do they speak in Lausanne? Lausanne is in the French-speaking canton of Vaud, so French is the primary language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, museums, and tourist areas throughout the city. German and Italian are the other official national languages of Switzerland but are not commonly heard in Lausanne’s daily life.
Is Lausanne expensive? Yes — Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and Lausanne reflects that. Restaurant meals, hotel rooms, museum admissions, and transport all come at Swiss prices. That said, many of Lausanne’s finest pleasures — the Old Town walks, the Cathedral, the waterfront promenade, and the views over Lake Geneva — are completely free.
How do you get from Geneva Airport to Lausanne? The easiest option is the direct train from Geneva Airport (Genève-Aéroport station) to Lausanne, which takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. Switzerland’s train system is famously punctual, and the journey along the northern shore of Lake Geneva is scenic. Taxis and rental cars are also available but significantly more expensive.
Is Lausanne worth visiting? Absolutely. Lausanne surprises visitors who expect it to be overshadowed by Geneva or Zurich. The combination of the Gothic Cathedral, the Olympic Museum, the historic Lausanne Palace Hotel, the sculpture-lined Ouchy waterfront, and the stunning views over Lake Geneva and the Alps makes it genuinely memorable. The hills are steep, the stairs are many, and the Swiss franc is formidable — but every step is worth it.
