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Beautiful and exciting Lausanne, in the French-speaking section of Switzerland, lies amidst gorgeous mountains. The city sits on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Lausanne is well worth visiting with its old town and cathedral. It has impressive historic buildings, museums, gardens, an aquarium, and a beautiful lakefront. In some cases, however, we just need to escape the city’s autumn fog or cool down from the sweltering summer heat. A number of options are available nearby. The nearby mountains do offer spectacular panoramic views, so you might also want to explore them.
We will discuss all the closest mountains to Lausanne, how far each is, and why you should visit each one. Without further ado, here are nine mountains near Lausanne, Switzerland worth visiting.
Mont Pèlerin (1,080 Meters)
Mont-Pèlerin is a mountain in the canton of Vaud overlooking Lake Geneva.
How do you get from Lausanne to Mont-Pèlerin?
From Lausanne, take the train to Vevey. This train ride takes roughly 14 Minutes. From Vevey, change to the slow train to Vevey-Funi. The funicular will take you up to Mont-Pelerin in 11 minutes.
Total travel time (by train and funicular) from Lausanne to Mont-Pelerin is 35 minutes.
The train ride from Vevey goes through the Chardonne vineyards. Once you arrive, you can take the lift 270 meters going up – to the viewing platform called Plein Ciel. The viewing platform Plein Ciel is 770 meters above sea level. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy awesome views of the region overlooking Lake Geneva.
Why should you visit Mont Pèlerin?
Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site while passing through Chardonne. Lavaux’s Vineyard Terraces are beautiful to see.
The view of the Savoy Alps and Lac Leman is excellent from Mont-Pèlerin. In addition to these views, you will also see Moléson, Rochers-de-Naye, and Diablerets.
The Tibetan Center of Mont Pèlerin opened in 1977. All those who are interested in Tibetan culture are welcome. In this center, visitors are provided with information about Buddhism, meditation, and associated practices.
On Mont-Pèlerin, there is also a viewing platform accessed by a lift. From the upper deck, you can see Western Switzerland, the Savoy Alps, and the Jura Mountains. Among them are Moléson, Rochers-de-Naye, Diablerets, Dents de Morcles, Mont Velan, Grammot, La Dôle, Chasseron, and Chasseral.
Sonloup (1,156 Meters)
Sonloup is a mountain that rises above the village of Les Avants. Its red funicular has been in operation since 1910. The original red coaches remain, despite recent renovations.
The Les Avants region was well-known as a winter resort in the twentieth century. The railway is still used today to access the sled slopes during the winter and the hiking trails in the summer.
How do you get from Lausanne to Sonloup?
From Lausanne, take the train to Montreux. This train ride takes roughly 20 Minutes. From Montreux, change to the train going to Les Avants. Finally, the red funicular will lead you from Les Avants to Sonloup. The total journey from Lausanne to Sonloup is 1 hour and 3 minutes.
Total travel time (by train and funicular) from Lausanne to Sonloup is 1 hour and 3 minutes.
Why should you visit Sonloup?
It takes only a few minutes to reach Sonloup via this perfectly preserved funicular. The highest point is 184 meters above Les Avants. You can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, particularly Dent de Jaman.
An easy 5-kilometer circular hike can be done on Sonloup. There is also the option of walking down to Les Avants. In spite of the lack of activities and restaurants here, it is still possible to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Les Pléiades (1,361 Meters)
In the Swiss Prealps, Les Pléiades offers a stunning view of Lake Geneva. This mountain is north of Blonay and offers amazing views of the Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc, and Savoy mountains.
How do you get from Lausanne to Les Pléiades?
From Lausanne, take the train to Vevey. This train ride takes roughly 14 Minutes. From Vevey, change to the cog railway via Blonay to Les Pléiades.
The train ride from Lausanne to Les Pléiades takes 58 minutes.
Why should you visit Les Pléiades?
Stunning views can be enjoyed from Les Pléiades, including Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc, Dôle, Mont Tendre, and Chasseron. Furthermore, during the warmer months, visitors can explore the mountain while hiking the Claude Nicollier space trail.
In the winter, Les Pléiades is transformed into a small winter sports area with a chairlift, a ski lift, and sled runs. You can also cross-country ski and go snowshoe walking here.
For those who want to eat here, there are two restaurants to choose from Restaurant Les Pléiades and Restaurant de la Châ.
Rochers-de-Naye (1,968 Meters)
Rochers-de-Naye is a mountain in the canton of Vaud. It is near Montreux.
How do you get from Lausanne to Rochers-de-Naye?
From Lausanne, take the train to Montreux. This ride takes 20 minutes. From Montreux, the cog railway up to Rochers-de-Naye takes around 49 minutes. The total trip from Lausanne to Rochers-de-Naye takes 1 hour 16 minutes including transfer time.
The train ride from Lausanne to Rochers-de-Naye takes 1 hour 16 minutes.
The first trains to Rochers-de-Naye have been running since 1892. At that time, trains only reached Glion and Caux. An exciting journey awaits you on the cogwheel ride from Montreux to Rochers de Naye. Especially in Glion, the views are spectacular.
Today, the train goes up to Rochers-de-Naye. A ten-minute walk from the train station will take you to the summit. The view of Lausanne and Lac Leman is also impressive from here. There is also a view of the Jura mountains and the Savoy Alps.
Some of the hotels in this area date back to the Belle Époque era. Furthermore, it is a well-known climatic health resort.
Why should you visit Rochers-de-Naye?
Rochers-de-Naye is worth visiting simply for the breathtaking views of Lausanne, Lac Leman, Jura, and the Savoy Alps.
There is also a garden called La Rambertia. The Rambertia lies on a southeastern ridge of Rochers-de-Naye. As it is only 400 meters from the train stop, it is easy to reach on foot. Plants from the alpine regions of Switzerland, the Pyrenees, the Carpathians, and the Caucasus can be seen in the garden. Opening times are from mid-June to the end of September. The entrance is free.
Marmot’s Paradise is also a small marmot park near the restaurant. There are (as of writing) nine alpine marmots living there. It is open from April to the end of September.
Le Moléson (2,002 Meters)
The Moléson is a mountain of the Swiss Prealps. It is located in the region of Gruyéres in the canton of Fribourg.
How do you get from Lausanne to Le Moléson?
For Le Moléson, you can go by train via Romont (FR), Bulle, Gruyères, Moléson-sur-Gruyères, and Plan-Frances. It’s a lot of changing trains and the total trip will be 3 hours. So I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
Even better is going by car instead of the train so that you can use your time efficiently. This journey from Lausanne to Le Moléson by car will take only 1 hour and 11 minutes instead of close to 3 hours. Parking is available close to the base of the lifts.
The total time (by car) from Lausanne to Le Moléson takes 1 hour and 11 minutes.
The road to Moléson passes through the picturesque town of Gruyères. It is, in fact, the symbol of Gruyères and Canton Fribourg.
At 1,130 meters, Moleson village is a developed tourist destination. It offers a variety of tourist attractions such as alpine chalets, hotels, railways, and fun activities. Over 35 kilometers of slopes are available in the winter. Further up the road, the 2,002-meter-high Moléson mountain has impressive panoramic views.
Why should you visit Le Moléson?
Le Moléson describes itself as the following:
Truly a balcony over the Prealps, the summit of Le Moléson allows you to contemplate the entire French part of Switzerland, from the Lake of Geneva to the famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland as well as from the Mont Blanc to the Jura Mountains and the 3 Lakes region.
Moleson.ch
Other activities on Le Moléson include hiking, climbing, downhill golf, and downhill carts. Kids can have fun on the bouncy castles and on the playground. Fromagerie d’Alpage is a mountain cheese dairy. Every day, the dairy holds 45-minute demonstrations on how to make cheese.
Les Diablerets – Glacier 3000 (2,950 Meters)
Les Diablerets is a village and ski resort in Ormont-Dessus. It is located in the canton of Vaud.
From Lausanne, you can book a guided tour of Les Diablerets and Glacier 3000 with GetYourGuide – From Lausanne: Glacier 3000 experience and Montreux. If you want to see the glacier, you’ll need to book either the “Glacier 3000 & Diablerets including Cable Car” option or the “Glacier 3000 & Diablerets Full Package” option.
How do you get from Lausanne to Les Diablerets?
The total trip (by car) from Lausanne to Les Diablerets takes 1 hour and 29 minutes.
From Lausanne, take the train to Aigle. This ride takes around 31 minutes. From Aigle, transfer to the train heading to Les Diablerets. The total trip for the best connection from Lausanne to Les Diablerets takes 1 hour and 29 minutes including transfer time. From Les Diablerets, the bus takes an additional 18 minutes to Col-du-Pillon, Glacier 3000, where the cable car awaits.
Les Diablerets means literally “the abode of devils.” It is a village surrounded by the Diablerets Massif.
From Les Diablerets, it takes only 18 minutes to reach Col-du-Pillon. From there, the cable car takes visitors up to Glacier 3000 mountain station. This was designed by well-known architect Mario Botta.
Why should you visit Les Diablerets?
Views of the following mountain peaks can be seen from Scex Rouge at 2,950 meters: Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Dent Blanche, Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, and Jura. You can also see the Savoy and Vaud Alps.
Further attractions can also be found on the glacier plateau. You can take a secured glacier walk here at Glacier 3000 almost all year round. There is also an Alpine Coaster with ten curves. This is the highest toboggan run in the world. Weather permitting, it is open daily from May to September.
520° circles, 10 curves, 6 waves and 3 jumps promise action-packed speeds of up to 40 km/hour on a one-kilometre stretch: The Alpine Coaster will quickly raise your adrenaline level and get your heart beating hard! You will experience weightlessness up to 6 metres above the ground on this high-flying adventure in an mountain environment you will never forget.
Glacier3000
Another exciting activity at Glacier 3000 is the 107-meter Peak Walk by Tissot Suspension Bridge. It is the only mountain bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks.
Hiking, glacier walks, climbing, dogsled rides, and snow sports are some other interesting activities at Les Diablerets.
Berneuse (2,041 Meters)
Berneuse is a mountain located right above Leysin in the Canton of Vaud. From the top of Berneuse, you can enjoy fantastic views of Eiger, Diablerets, Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc.
How do you get from Lausanne to Berneuse?
From Lausanne, you can take the train to Aigle. In Aigle, you will change to the connecting cog-railway train up to Leysin-Feydey. Afterward, a gondola will bring you to Berneuse.
The train ride from Lausanne to Berneuse takes 1 hour and 22 minutes.
For those who wish to take the car, the 65.8-kilometer drive will take around ten minutes less going via A9.
Why should you visit Berneuse?
Berneuse not only offers fantastic views of the French and Swiss Alps. Kuklos, a rotating glass restaurant, is also located on the top. With one rotation every hour and a half, you can enjoy 360-degree views from the comfort of your seat. During peak winter and summer months, it is open daily. Skiers and hikers both have the chance to stop for a while (or longer) in this restaurant. For young children, there is also a play area and an animal park.
Fun fact: The Kuklos restaurant (meaning circle or ring in Greek) turns using its own solar-generated power.
There are hiking and biking trails, as well as the alpine cheese-making factory, Le Temeley.
Chaumont (1,087 Meters)
The Chaumont is a mountain overlooking Pays des Trois-Lacs. This region encompasses the lakes of Neuchâtel, Biel, and Murten. Chaumont is located in the Canton of Neuchâtel.
How do you get from Lausanne to Chaumont?
From Lausanne, take the train to Neuchâtel. Then change to the bus going to La Coudre. The funicular is a short walk from La Coudre. The funicular will take you to Chaumont (FUNI) in 10 minutes.
Total travel time (by train and funicular) from Lausanne to Chaumont is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Why should you visit Chaumont?
A 100-year panorama tower called Tour panoramique de Chaumont is located near the train station. In the panoramic tower, you can see Neuchâtel, Murten, and Biel – the three lakes in the region. On a clear day, you can see the Swiss Alps from all sides.
The mountain of Neuchâtel is the starting point for most hiking paths in Jura. You can access it year-round via the funicular at Le Coudre.
Mount Chaumont also has an Adventure Park. Parc Adventure Chaumont has a Treetop Climbing Park, an Outdoor Laser Game, and a Monster Trampoline. The setting is perfect for an adventure-filled day with beautiful views.
Crêt du Midi (2,326 Meters)
Crêt du Midi is a mountain in the village of Vercorin. It is on a high plateau on the edge of Val d’Anniviers in Canton Valais. This picturesque village is also a ski resort.
How do you get from Lausanne to Crêt du Midi?
Travel by Car
For Crêt du Midi, I highly recommend going by car. This journey will take 2 hours and 14 minutes. Take the freeway A1 and A9/E62 to Route d’Hérens in Sion. Then take Route de Chippis, Route de Loye, and Route du Vallon to Mayens de Rechy in Grône.
The total trip (by car) from Lausanne to Crêt du Midi takes 1 hour and 49 minutes.
Travel by Train
The train connections to Vercorin, on the other hand, take 2 hours and 50 minutes. This involves taking the train from Lausanne to Sierre, changing in Sierre to the bus going to Chalais, téléphérique. From Chalais, change to the cable car going to Vercorin. In Vercorin, you can take the gondola up to Crêt du Midi.
The modern cable car takes you up to Crêt du Midi from the village of Vercorin in 15 minutes. It provides a beautiful viewpoint over the forest. The panorama shows lots of mountain peaks of more than 4,000 meters over the Pennine Alps.
Why should you visit Crêt du Midi?
The town of Vercorin will also be included in your visit to Crêt du Midi. Upon reaching the Crêt du Midi, you will be rewarded with splendid views of the Pennine Alps. Among the various peaks are Dents de Morcles, Diablerets, Wildhorn, Wildstrubel, and Bietschhorn.
Summary
Here is a brief summary of the closest mountains to Lausanne and how far away these are (in kilometers, approximate).
| Mountain | Height (m) | Distance from Lausanne (km) | Canton |
| Mont Pèlerin | 1,080 meters | 21.7 km | Vaud |
| Sonloup | 1,156 meters | 33.4 km | Vaud |
| Les Pléiades | 1,361 meters | 35.9 km | Vaud |
| Rochers-de-Naye | 1,968 meters | 39.3 km | Vaud |
| Le Moléson | 2,002 meters | 62.9 km | Fribourg |
| Les Diablerets – Glacier 3000 | 2,950 meters | 65.6 km | Vaud |
| Berneuse | 2,041 meters | 65.8 km | Vaud |
| Chaumont | 1,087 meters | 82.2 km | Neuchâtel |
| Crêt du Midi | 2,326 meters | 114 km | Valais |
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