sclc97

On a limited stay, aprox 1 week in switzerland, is it worth a day and a night to go to lausanne or should i just stay in B.O.?
thanks,
sclc97

Grasshopper

I think Lausanne is often maligned. I think it's a very nice place. But that's an odd choice given your alternative. If you want a taste of Lac Leman, I would recommend Vevey or Montreux rather than Lausanne, both of which are well worth a night (or more). With a couple of nights you could even take a boat ride to Lausanne and the train back to Vevey or Montreux.

ChevyChasen

lausanne up on a hillby bit on the side of lac leman. the olympic museum is located there besides a large complex of natural/geological/biological musuems in a big building. it has a nice cathredral with stain glass. but it doesnt have a river/lakeside running through it which makes it less picturesque than other lac leman cities. be sure to go to geneva. montreaux is not far from chillon castle whose lakeside position is quite unique.

suze

I agree with Grasshopper, if you choose to come to the Vaud I would pick Vevey or Montreux over Lausanne. Both are smaller and are absolutely lovely. Whether it's "worth a day" I'm can't say what you'd enjoy without knowing more what you're hoping to see and do.

Disagreeing with Chevy, I would not add Geneva on such a short trip.

Intrepid1

It would be more helpful if you told us what you are interested in seeing or at least the kinds of things you are interested in. Lausanne is much larger than either Vevey or Montreux and all three offer different things. I think all of them are worth a visit but it would depend on your interests.

sclc97

thanks for the input. sorry i wasn't more specific. i am going with my family, all of us love nature and hiking(all of which is abundant in switzerland). just trying to figure out if a trip out to the vaud would be worth leaving the BO for.
thanks

swandav2000

Hi sclc97,

Have you been to Switzerland before? Is your main goal to see mountains? Do you appreciate Edwardian & Belle Epoque architecture & interiors? Your answers could determine how much you'd like Lausanne --

If you've never been to Switzerland and are interested in seeing the best (imo) of mountain scenery, mountain villages, and cozy chalets, then go only to the Berner Oberland & Luzern.

However, if you've been to Switzerland before or if you are curious or if you like Edwardian & Belle Epoque design, then you might enjoy a day or two on Lake Geneva.

s

suze

Honestly for "nature and hiking" I don't think of that area, although I know there are some good walks posters have mentioned.

Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux are lovely towns along the lake, but more for sitting in local cafes, walking along the quai, taking a boat ride, shopping, eating, taking a tour of the vineyards, Chateux de Chillon, tram up the mountain Roche de Nayes, like that.

sclc97

Thanks for clearing that up. i think i will do a day trip to that area and see how i like it. it sounds like staying in the BO and making short day trips to surrounding towns might be the way to go. Anybody have any thoughts on Bern? Is it a pretty place, good scenery, etc?
thanks again for your help everyone.