Sights and landmarks in Lausanne

Sights and landmarks in Lausanne

1. See

   Aquatis

   The largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium in Europe, opened in 2017. Over 10,000 fish, 100 reptiles and amphibians in 46 aquariums, vivariums and terrariums. Visit takes about 2 hours.

   1 Nov-31 Mar: 10:00-18:00; 1 Apr-31 Oct: 09:00-19:00·Fr. 29 for adults, Fr. 19 for children over 5 years old, free for younger children. Family prices and student discounts available

2. See

   Collection de l'Art Brut

   This must-see collection of works by untrained artists will at turns delight, amaze, baffle, and irritate. Many of the artists whose works are shown here found life difficult or impossible outside (or inside) of institutions, finding solace and purpose in sometimes compulsive acts of creation.

   Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00·Fr. 10

3. See

   Fondation de l'Hermitage

   Built in 1841 as a residence for the banker Charles-Juste Bugnion, the Hermatage occupies its own wooded space on the hill above old-town, with marvellous views of the Cathedral and the Alps. The family donated the house and land to the City of Lausanne in 1976, which now uses the building to host first class travelling international art exhibitions.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, Thu 10:00-21:00, Bank holidays 10:00-18:00·Adults Fr. 15, Seniors Fr. 12, Students and unemployed Fr. 7, Under 18 free.

4. See

   La Tour d'Ale

   One of the few surviving parts of the medieval ramparts, the tower provides a good excuse to visit rue de l'Ale and rue de la Tour. While you can admire it from outside it's closed to visitors.

5. See

   Musée Historique de Lausanne

   A collection of maps, images and documents about the history of Lausanne, and the Lake Geneva region from the earliest times through the long Bernese occupation to liberation and the present day. A beautifully hand-crafted diorama of 16th-century Lausanne is worth a visit all by itself.

   Tue-Thu 11:00-18:00, Fri-Sun 11:00-17:00·Fr. 4, students Fr. 2.50

6. See

   Musée Romain Lausanne-Vidy

   On display are architectural finds from the settlement site just across the road which still features the remains of walls and a forum from the time of Caesar.

   Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00·Fr. 8, students Fr. 5

7. See

   Musée de l'Elysée

   A world-class photography museum, located in a splendid park. Very close to the Olympic Museum.

   Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00·Fr. 8, students Fr. 4

8. See

   Notre Dame cathedral

   At the summit of the mountain that the old town is built on. The cathedral is architecturally quite interesting with a lot of small towers and windows. There is a fantastic look over the city and the surroundings from the tower, but as the cathedral is situated at the top of the city, already the view from the small square outside it worth taking a picture of.

   Mon-Fri 07:00-19:00, Sat Sun 08:00-18:00·Free

9. See

   Olympic Museum

   The museum advertises itself as presenting "wealth of memories which will keep your passion for Olympism burning". The sculpture garden, overlooking Lac Léman, is open to the public. Closed on Mondays from 1 Nov-31 Mar. Items on display include Jean-Claude Killy's ski boots and Carl Lewis' golden track shoes.

   1 May to 30 Sep: daily 09:00-18:00, 1 Oct to 30 Apr: Tue-Sun 09:00-18:00·Fr. 14 for the whole museum, Fr. 7 for just the temporary exhibitions. Children get in half price. Children under 10 admitted free

10. See

    Palais de Rumine

    Based on an Italian renaissance design, this lovely building is not as old as it looks. There are five different museums inside with exhibitions covering subjects ranging from fine arts to natural history.

    Tue Wed 11:00-18:00, Thu 11:00-20:00, Fri-Sun 11:00-17:00·Fr. 4

11. See

    Espace Arlaud

    Place de la Riponne 2 bis

    Wed-Fri 12:00-18:00, Fri-Sun 11:00-17:00·Fr. 6

12. See

    Mudac

    The museum of design and contemporary applied arts.

    Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00, Jul-Aug Mon 11:00-18:00·Fr. 10

13. See

    Musée d'archéologie et d'histoire

    Place de la Riponne 6

    Tue-Thu 11:00-18:00, Fri-Sun 11:00-17:00·Fr. 6

14. See

    Musée des Beaux-Arts

    Place de la Riponne 6

    Mon-Thu 11:00-20:00, Fri-Sun 11:00-17:00

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Lausanne (CC BY-SA 4.0).