Timeline
14:42
Arrive at the Fondation de l'Hermitage as it opens at 10:00. The building was a banker’s residence before becoming a museum, and the grounds offer marvellous views of the Cathedral and the Alps. Being here early ensures you have the space to yourself.
15:42
Walk down to Pinte-Besson, the oldest restaurant in Lausanne. It serves utterly classic Swiss cooking of very high quality. It is also the neighbourhood bar, so you can grab a drink or a light lunch in the same spot.
16:42
Return to the Fondation de l'Hermitage for the golden hour. The sun sets toward the WSW around 17:12, casting a warm light over the wooded space and the city below. Use this time to find the best vantage point in the gardens.
17:22
End the evening at Café du Château. It opens at 17:00, perfectly timing your arrival after the sunset. Try the 100% natural ginger beer made on the spot or a slice of their tasty pizza.
Local tip
The Fondation de l'Hermitage is open Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00. On Thursdays it stays open until 21:00, but for this plan, the afternoon light is the priority. Café du Château opens at 17:00 daily, so you will have no trouble finding it open after your sunset viewing.
Check before you go
- Fondation de l'Hermitage opens at 10:00. Check the website for any special exhibition closures.
- Café du Château opens at 17:00. The Brasserie serves pizza and beer, but you must order at the bar.
- Pinte-Besson is open Mo-Fr 08:00-24:00.
Worth knowing
- Pinte-Besson is open at 15:42 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Lausanne (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).