The 14 Best Tours in Lausanne
Lausanne is a city that offers more than just its beautiful lakeside setting and Olympic spirit. Its diverse collection of tours promises everything from stunning alpine views and historic castles to intimate city explorations. What we love most? The From Lausanne: Montreux, Chaplin, and Chillon Castle Tour because it combines iconic sights with a splash of cinema history, and the Glacier 3000 Experience Tour for that breathtaking mountain adventure. Whether you’re into scenic lakeside strolls or mountain peaks, Lausanne’s tours are crafted to satisfy all kinds of travelers.
And if you’re unsure where to start, this guide will walk you through each of the top options, highlighting what makes them special, who they suit best, and how to get the most value out of your time here.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of half-day, full-day, and private tours. You’ll find options like the Montreux and Chillon Castle Day Trip that combines lakeside towns, vineyards, and a medieval castle, perfect for those wanting a taste of Swiss Riviera. The Glacier 3000 Experience delivers mountain thrills, while the Gruyères Chocolate & Cheese Tour satisfies your sweet tooth with scenic train rides and delicious tastings. For city lovers, the Lausanne Old Town Guided Walk and Private City Tour reveal the city’s historic streets and hidden corners.
Now, let’s dive into each experience, so you can pick the perfect tour for your interests and schedule.
1. From Lausanne: Montreux, Chaplin, and Chillon Castle Tour
This full-day tour packs a punch, taking you from Lausanne through the Swiss Riviera to visit Chaplin’s World, explore UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, and tour Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva. The tour includes stops in Vevey, Montreux, and Nice lakeside towns—all with plenty of photo opportunities. You’ll get a mix of historic castles, cinematic nostalgia, and beautiful lakeside scenery.
The highlight? Stepping into Chaplin’s World, where the magic of silent films comes alive. The tour is praised for its balanced itinerary and engaging guide, with reviews mentioning “our guide Normunde was excellent” and praising the scenic picnic and wine tasting stops. The tour’s roughly 8-8.5 hour span makes it ideal for those wanting an immersive day trip with a little bit of everything. The combined sights and personal touches make this a top choice for first-timers and those seeking a full Swiss Riviera experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for culture, history, and scenery lovers seeking a comprehensive day out with expert guidance.
2. From Lausanne: Glacier 3000 Experience Tour
At number 2, the Glacier 3000 Experience Tour offers a stunning alpine adventure. This tour includes a visit to Village des Diablerets, and exploring the famous Glacier 3000, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of over 24 summits surpassing 4,000 meters, including the Matterhorn. The trip features a ride on the Peak Walk, a bridge connecting two mountain peaks—an experience that’s worth the early start alone.
Guided by knowledgeable guides, you’ll walk on glaciers, take scenic cable cars, and enjoy panoramic views of Leman Lake and the Swiss Alps. With reviews like “the views are breathtaking,” this tour is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and mountain lovers. The 8-9 hour experience suits those seeking a full-day mountain escape with manageable logistics.
Bottom Line: A must for adventure seekers craving snow-capped peaks and panoramic vistas, with the convenience of a guided trip.
3. From Lausanne: Gruyères Tour with Train, Chocolate & Cheese
Number 3 on our list combines the delicious with the scenic. The Gruyères Tour takes you on a panoramic train ride on the Golden Express through breathtaking landscapes, culminating in the medieval village of Gruyères. You’ll visit the Maison Cailler, where Swiss chocolate is made, and the Maison du Gruyère, home to the famous cheese. Tasting fresh cheese and chocolate, plus enjoying a fondue lunch, makes this tour flavorful and fun.
The guided visits and self-guided tours give insight into Swiss culinary traditions, while the scenery along the train ride is stunning. The trip lasts about 8.5 hours, with reviews emphasizing the scenery, tastings, and friendly guides. It’s ideal for foodies and families who want a well-rounded experience of Swiss culture.
Bottom Line: A tasty, scenic adventure that’s great for food lovers and those wanting a mix of culture, nature, and delicious samples.
4. Lausanne: Day Tour to Zermatt, Matterhorn & Glacier Paradise
For those seeking mountain majesty, this full-day tour takes you to Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn. Starting from Lausanne, you’ll travel to Taesch and enjoy stunning mountain views. The highlight is riding the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car, offering sweeping views of the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps. Zermatt itself is a car-free village, adding to its charm.
Reviews rave about the incredible views and knowledgeable guides. The tour lasts over 11 hours, making it suitable for adventure lovers and scenery seekers willing to dedicate a day to this alpine marvel. The trip offers a true taste of mountain scenery and Swiss craftsmanship, with options to explore the village or simply soak in the vistas.
Bottom Line: An unforgettable experience for mountain enthusiasts wanting a guided trip with spectacular alpine panoramas.
5. From Lausanne: Cultural and Historical Guided Walking Tour
If you’re after a deep dive into Lausanne’s stories, this 3-hour guided walk is perfect. You’ll explore key sites like the Lausanne Cathedral, Place de la Riponne, and Tour de l’Ale, learning about the city’s medieval, religious, and artistic past from a passionate guide.
This tour is ideal for culture and history enthusiasts who prefer a structured but intimate experience. Reviews mention a guide “showing all the secrets,” making it a solid choice for those who want to get their bearings and understand Lausanne’s character in a short time.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history buffs and first-time visitors wanting a knowledgeable introduction to the city’s most important sites.
6. Lausanne (City Center) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
For a unique way to explore, this interactive scavenger hunt combines sightseeing with puzzles and clues. Using your smartphone, you’ll uncover hidden corners of Lausanne, from historic landmarks to local secrets. It’s quick—about 2 hours—and perfect for solo travelers, families, or couples wanting a fun, flexible experience.
Rated highly for the interactive and engaging format, it’s a hit among those who prefer self-paced exploration. The low cost ($8.88) makes it accessible for all budgets.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a playful, personalized tour that combines sightseeing with a bit of puzzle-solving.
7. Glacier 3000: High Level Experience Private Tour
This private, customizable trip offers the chance to explore Glacier 3000 with a personal guide. For $565, it’s a luxury, tailored experience that includes spectacular mountain views, a walk on the glacier, and Montreux time for relaxing or exploring on your own.
Guests praise the stunning scenery and dedicated guides. The private aspect makes it perfect for couples, families, or small groups wanting a more intimate experience. The tour’s flexibility means you can focus on mountain peaks, glacier walks, or local sights.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a personalized alpine adventure with maximum flexibility and comfort.
8. Lausanne Private Guided Walking Tour
If you prefer a personalized city experience, this 2-hour private walk offers a tailored look at Lausanne’s Old Town. Your guide will focus on your interests, showing you sites like the Cathedral and historic streets. It’s suitable for small groups or couples, with a focus on customization.
Rated for attentive guides and a flexible approach, it’s perfect for visitors wanting a more intimate, private outing. The tour price for up to 15 people makes it a good value for families or friends traveling together.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a customized, private tour with an expert to show the city’s highlights.
9. From Lausanne: Private Tour with a Local Guide
Offering a highly flexible experience, this private tour allows you to choose your focus—whether it’s history, food, or hidden corners. With prices at $85 per person and durations from 2 to 8 hours, it’s adaptable to your schedule.
Your guide, a local, provides insider tips and can suggest places to eat, shop, or explore based on your interests. It’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic and personalized introduction to Lausanne and its surroundings.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want full control over their sightseeing and a local perspective.
10. Best of Lausanne: Private Walking Tour with a Local
This 2-6 hour private tour emphasizes local insights while covering the city’s key neighborhoods and hidden spots. The guide tailors the experience, sharing tips about local cuisine and lesser-known attractions.
Reviews highlight the dedication and personalized service, making it suitable for visitors wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive city overview. Cost is $55 per person, making it accessible for those on a budget.
Bottom Line: Great for independent travelers keen to explore Lausanne with a friendly local guide at their own pace.
11. Lausanne: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
This 2-hour tour is focused on hidden secrets and main sights like the Sauvabelin Tower and Cathedral. It’s a quick, personalized way to get an authentic feel of Lausanne.
Ideal for time-constrained visitors or those wanting a personalized overview, it offers insights into less touristy spots. Guides focus on sharing stories and local knowledge to enrich your visit.
Bottom Line: Perfect for short visits or those wanting to discover Lausanne’s lesser-known treasures.
12. Best of Lausanne: Guided Tour with a Local Guide
This 2.5-hour tour covers Lausanne’s main sites and stories, including St-Maire Castle and the old city. The guide shares vibrant anecdotes and tips for exploring further on your own.
While reviews are mixed, it’s suitable for those who want a brief, guided overview and tips for the rest of their stay. The tour is well-suited for first-timers eager to get their bearings quickly.
Bottom Line: Good for introductory sightseeing but less detailed for repeat visitors.
13. Lausanne: Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour with a Local
Chocolate lovers will enjoy this 2-hour tasting and walking experience. Your guide takes you through charming neighborhoods, introducing you to local chocolatiers and sampling delicious Swiss chocolates. You’ll also enjoy a hot chocolate or beverage at a cozy café, blending culinary delights with city exploration.
Rated 4.4/5, it suits foodies and those seeking a relaxed, flavorful tour. It’s perfect for a short, sweet break in Lausanne.
Bottom Line: A delightful choice for gourmets wanting to combine tastes and sights with a local guide.
14. Lausanne: Old Town Guided Walking Tour
Rounding out the list, this 1-hour classic walk covers Lausanne’s Old Town, including the Château Saint-Maire and Montbenon Park. It’s a quick but rich introduction to the city’s architecture and landmarks.
Ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a quality guided experience, reviews praise the well-organized tour and engaging guide.
Bottom Line: Best for a short, informative overview of Lausanne’s historic center.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
Choosing among these options depends on your interests, time, and budget. For a comprehensive day combining sights and tastes, the Montreux, Chaplin & Chillon Castle Tour is excellent. If mountain scenery excites you, the Glacier 3000 Experience or private Glacier 3000 High-Level Experience suit adventure seekers.
For those wanting a deep dive into Lausanne’s streets and stories, the Cultural and Historical Guided Walk or Private Custom Tour will satisfy your curiosity. Foodies should consider the Chocolate & Walking Tour, while history enthusiasts might prefer the Old Town Guided Walk.
Booking early is advisable during peak seasons, especially for private tours or full-day adventures. Remember to factor in your fitness level—some mountain trips require walking, but most tours are manageable for most travelers.
Final Thoughts
Lausanne offers a wide spectrum of tours to suit every traveler. For a full taste of the Swiss Riviera, the Montreux, Chaplin, and Chillon Castle Tour stands out, while mountain lovers will find the Glacier 3000 Experience unforgettable. Urban explorers should not miss the City Guided Walk, which reveals Lausanne’s secrets at a relaxed pace.
Whatever your interests, booking your tour early ensures you’ll make the most of your time in this beautiful Swiss city. With options ranging from half-day city walks to private mountain adventures, there’s truly something for all in Lausanne.