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Explore the stunning terraced vineyards along the Lavaux region, taking a walk or bike ride along the scenic paths. Visit the local wine cellars to taste the world-renowned Chasselas wine, and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Hiking or taking the Lavaux Express train to various lookout points is also highly recommended.
The Lavaux vineyard terraces, located in Montreux, Switzerland, are a renowned wine-producing region. Enjoy a hike through the terraced fields, admiring their beauty. Stretching 40 kilometers along Lake Geneva and covering over 890 hectares, the Lavaux vineyard terraces are primarily cultivated with grapes and are Switzerland's most renowned winemaking and grape-producing region. Located on sunny slopes near Lake Geneva, the vast expanse of vineyards stretching across the hillsides creates a stunning landscape along the shore, attracting numerous tourists annually.
Temperate maritime climate, summer
Lake Geneva, 1-3 hours
free
All day
The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for their 800-year-old terraced vineyards. The area is significant for its unique landscape, which has been shaped by generations of winemaking traditions, particularly producing the highly regarded Chasselas grape variety.
Located along the northern shore of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces can be accessed from Lausanne and Montreux by train or bus. The closest station is the Lutry station, from where you can easily walk or bike to the vineyards. Alternatively, the Lavaux Express train offers scenic tours through the area.
The Lavaux vineyards are open year-round, with the best times to visit being during the spring and summer months (April to October), when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and wine tasting. The autumn season is also a great time for experiencing the grape harvest.
Access to the Lavaux vineyards is free for walking and hiking. However, some wine cellars charge for tastings. Tickets for the Lavaux Express train can be purchased at train stations or online, with prices around CHF 30–50 for a guided tour or hop-on-hop-off service.
Booking tickets in advance for the Lavaux Express is recommended, especially during the peak tourist seasons (summer and harvest time). Tickets can be booked up to a week in advance online. Wine tastings usually do not require advance booking, but it's advisable to check with wineries for availability.
Exploring the Lavaux Vineyards can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether you walk, bike, or take the Lavaux Express train. A full day is ideal if you wish to combine hiking with wine tasting at different wineries.
The best views are from the top of the terraced vineyards, especially from the Chexbres or Saint-Saphorin areas. The vineyards themselves are a must-see, as well as the various wine cellars, including those offering tastings of the famous Chasselas wine. The Lavaux Express train also offers fantastic scenic viewpoints.
Yes, guided tours are available in English, French, and German. You can join group tours or opt for a private guide. Audio guides are also available for the Lavaux Express train, providing information in multiple languages about the history and winemaking of the area.
The viewpoints in Chexbres and Saint-Saphorin offer spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the vineyards. The Lavaux Express train also stops at several excellent viewpoints, making it easy to capture the beauty of the terraced vineyards from various angles.
Start your visit from the Lutry station and hike through the vineyards towards Chexbres, stopping at the various wine cellars along the way for tastings. Alternatively, take the Lavaux Express for a scenic route with stops at key points such as Saint-Saphorin and Chexbres. Conclude your visit by enjoying a meal at a local restaurant overlooking the vineyards.
While there are no light shows, you can enjoy a sunset visit to the vineyards. Special wine tours and harvest events are offered in the autumn, where you can participate in wine picking and enjoy dinners in the vineyards under the stars.
The Lavaux vineyards can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, particularly in the summer and autumn during the grape harvest. Weekdays and early mornings or late afternoons are generally less crowded.
Facilities along the vineyards include rest areas, toilets, and small shops. Several wine cellars also offer food, wine, and water for sale, and there are many restaurants in the nearby towns of Lutry, Montreux, and Vevey where you can enjoy regional Swiss cuisine and wine.
The Lavaux vineyards are accessible for elderly and children, though some parts of the terraces may be steep. The Lavaux Express train is wheelchair accessible, and there are several accessible paths. However, some of the hiking trails might be challenging for those with mobility impairments.
Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted at most wine cellars, restaurants, and shops in the Lavaux area. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or at more rural locations.
There are several restaurants and cafes along the Lavaux vineyards, including Le Deck in Chexbres and Café du Grütli in Lutry. Both offer fantastic views of the vineyards and Lake Geneva while serving traditional Swiss dishes and local wines.
Many restaurants in the area offer vegetarian options, and some also provide vegan meals. Halal food options may be more limited, but larger towns like Lausanne and Montreux have more diverse offerings for special dietary needs.
There are several hotels near the Lavaux vineyards, including Hotel de la Gare in Lutry, and Grand Hôtel Suisse Majestic in Montreux. Both offer excellent access to the vineyards and stunning views of Lake Geneva.
Nearby attractions include the Château de Chillon in Montreux, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, and the historic town of Vevey. You can also visit the Rochers-de-Naye for a panoramic view of the region or take a boat tour on Lake Geneva.
There are several souvenir shops along the Lavaux region selling local wine, cheese, Swiss chocolates, and handcrafted items. The most popular souvenirs are bottles of local Chasselas wine and artisan goods from the surrounding towns.
After visiting Lavaux, you can continue your trip by train, as there are well-connected rail stations in Lausanne, Montreux, and Vevey. Boat trips on Lake Geneva also offer scenic routes to nearby destinations. Renting a car is another option for further exploration of the region.
