Canton of Vaud

Region ·🇨🇭 Switzerland

Population 845,870

Area 3,205 km²

Time zone Europe/Zurich

Official website www.vd.ch

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Explore Canton of Vaud

Kanton Waadt's Must-See Treasures

Kanton Waadt features a diverse range of landmarks, from the medieval island fortress of Chillon Castle to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces overlooking Lake Geneva. In Lausanne, the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral stands above the car-free Old Town and the historic Palud Square, while the Olympic Museum documents global sporting history. The lakeside in Montreux is home to the bronze Freddie Mercury statue, reflecting the area's musical ties. For natural scenery, the Creux du Van provides a massive limestone cirque with 150-meter-deep cliffs.

8 places

Castles and Historic Buildings

This collection showcases the architectural heritage of the Canton of Vaud and its surroundings, featuring iconic lakeside fortresses like Chillon and Rolle. The list spans from 12th-century Savoyard fortifications and medieval defensive towers in Lausanne to 18th-century châteaus like Coppet and Prangins. These sites illustrate the region's transition from strategic military strongholds to elegant residential estates and government seats, set against the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Jura Mountains.

20 places

Swiss Peaks and Vistas

This collection highlights the diverse topography of the Vaud region, from the dramatic 1,400-meter-wide limestone cirque of Creux du Van to the alpine heights of Rochers-de-Naye. It features key peaks in the Jura Mountains like La Dôle and Dent de Vaulion, alongside glacial lakes and urban green spaces in Lausanne. Notable sites include the suspension bridge at Scex Rouge, the natural ice caves of Glacière de St-Livres, and panoramic lookouts overlooking Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc massif.

20 places

Swiss Religious Heritage

This collection highlights the diverse architectural and spiritual history of the Vaud region and its surroundings. It features landmarks such as the 13th-century Gothic Lausanne Cathedral and the Romanesque Romainmôtier Priory, one of Switzerland's oldest Cluniac sites. The list also includes the Abbey of Saint-Maurice, which has maintained continuous monastic life for over 1,500 years. These sites reflect the region's transition from medieval Catholic foundations to the sober aesthetic and functional design of the Protestant Reformation.

20 places

Alpine Huts & Shelters

This collection details mountain refuges and essential shelters across the Canton of Vaud. It includes Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) huts like Cabane des Diablerets, situated in the Vaud Alps, and Refuge Giacomini on the Anzeinde plateau. The list also identifies regional restaurants, remote cabins such as Cabane des Monts-Chevreuils, and practical navigation guideposts at mountain passes like Col du Marchairuz. These sites provide critical accommodation and transit information for those exploring the Jura Mountains and the Alpine peaks.

19 places

Lausanne Museums and Galleries

Lausanne and the surrounding Vaud region feature a diverse array of specialized institutions. The city serves as a hub for unique collections, including the world’s largest archive of outsider art at the Collection de l'Art Brut and the comprehensive Olympic Museum. Beyond the city center, the region hosts significant cultural sites like Charlie Chaplin’s former estate in Corsier-sur-Vevey, the historic salt mines of Bex, and Queen’s former recording studio in Montreux.

20 places

Wineries & Local Produce

Vaud’s culinary landscape is defined by the UNESCO-listed Lavaux terraced vineyards and the artisanal traditions of the Jura and Alps. This selection features historic wine cellars specializing in Chasselas and Pinot Noir, alongside traditional village laiteries producing regional AOP cheeses. From organic farm markets in the countryside to specialized vinothèques, these locations offer direct access to the Canton's AOC-certified wines and farm-to-table produce.

20 places