Plizio Visual Lab
脫Lavaux
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Lavaux vineyard landscape consists of 800 hectares of terraced vines, forming Switzerland's largest contiguous vineyard area. Established by Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the 12th century, these stone-walled terraces are now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is famous for the Chasselas grape, which produces elegant and mineral white wines. Travelers can explore the scenic route on foot or via the 'Lavaux Express' train through appealing villages like Saint-Saphorin and Lutry. The steep slopes offer panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the French Alps across the water. Autumn is particularly beautiful when the foliage turns golden, creating a memorable contrast with the blue lake. The area is easily accessible by train from Lausanne or Vevey.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: La Plage de Rivaz · Atelier Maya Rochat · Temple
- Nearby: Lutry (5 km)
- Population: ~1.793 (2017)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 75 | 92 | 82 | 117 | 107 | 101 | 107 | 80 | 103 | 100 | 109 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Lavaux vineyards are open to the public. You can walk on the paths between the terraces.
Typical hours
The vineyards are accessible at all times as they are in open landscape. Winery visits typically have fixed hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, especially the view over Lake Geneva is spectacular. Drones are not allowed without permission.
Time needed
Allow at least half a day for a hike through the terraces and a winery visit.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a trip to Montreux or Vevey on Lake Geneva.
Getting there
Lavaux is well reachable by train along the Lausanne-Bern line; stations Lutry, Cully, and Rivaz are right by the vineyards.
Insider tip
Walk the path from Lutry to St-Saphorin - it has the best views of the lake and Alps.
Geography
Facts
- UNESCO World Heritage since 2007
- 800 hectares of vineyards
- Primary grape: Chasselas
- 32 km hiking trail across the region
- Origins date back to the 12th century
- Over 10,000 stone terraces
- Located between Lausanne and Vevey
- Key villages: Epesses, Rivaz
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town 脫Lavaux (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lavaux a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Because of its spectacular terraced vineyards on Lake Geneva, which date back to the 11th century.
What wine is mainly produced in Lavaux?
The Chasselas grape is the dominant variety and produces fine white wines.
Can you hike through the vineyards?
Yes, there is a well-marked hiking trail (Grand Traversée) that provides fantastic views of the lake and the Alps.
What is a 'Caveau'?
A wine cellar or tasting room where local winemakers offer their wines for tasting.
When is the best time to visit?
In autumn (September/October) during the grape harvest, when the leaves turn golden yellow.
脫Lavaux: where is it located?
脫Lavaux is located in Switzerland.
脫Lavaux: what is there to see?
Highlights include La Plage de Rivaz, Atelier Maya Rochat, Temple.
脫Lavaux: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
脫Lavaux: why is it worth visiting?
The Lavaux vineyard landscape consists of 800 hectares of terraced vines, forming Switzerland's largest contiguous vineyard area.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Switzerland →
Nearby cities
Pully
Pully is a charming city on Lake Geneva, bordering Lausanne, famous for its Roman ruins and its proximity to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vin…
Gland
A modern city in the Canton of Vaud, located between Geneva and Lausanne, home to the headquarters of major international nature conserva…
Prilly
Prilly is a vibrant suburban municipality of Lausanne, distinguished by its industrial history and modern sports infrastructure.
Ecublens
A dynamic municipality near Lausanne that enjoys worldwide academic importance as the location of EPFL and the University of Lausanne.
Payerne
Payerne is known for its magnificent Romanesque abbey church and as an important location for the Swiss Air Force.
Lutry
Lutry is a picturesque wine town on Lake Geneva, considered the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux vineyards.
Epalinges
Epalinges is an exclusive residential municipality above Lausanne, known for the prestigious EHL hospitality management school.
Crissier
Crissier is a major economic center in the Lausanne agglomeration, world-famous for its excellent gastronomy and top chefs.
Bex
Bex is located at the foot of the Vaud Alps and is world-famous for its salt mines, which are still in operation today.
Chavannes-près-Renens
Chavannes-près-Renens is a modern suburban municipality of Lausanne, shaped by its proximity to the major universities UNIL and EPFL.
Villars-sur-Ollon
An upscale resort in the Vaud Alps offering views of Mont Blanc.
Les Diablerets
An authentic mountain village at the foot of an imposing glacier massif in the Vaud Alps.
Vevey
Vevey is located on Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud.
Châtel-Saint-Denis
Châtel-Saint-Denis is a charming small town at the foot of the Fribourg Pre-Alps, known as the gateway to the Les Paccots resort and for …
Montreux
Montreux sits on Lake Geneva and is internationally known for its mild climate and elegant lakeside promenade.
History & landmarks
Romont
A hilltop medieval town in the canton of Fribourg, famous as the Swiss center for stained glass and glass art.
Saint-Maurice
A historic town in Valais, renowned for its 1,500-year-old abbey and its Roman heritage as Agaunum.
Olympic Museum
The Olympic Museum in Lausanne is a world-famous cultural destination on the shore of Lake Geneva.
Rolex Learning Center
The Rolex Learning Center in Lausanne is an architectural showcase with international reach.
Chillon Castle
Chillon Castle sits picturesquely on the shore of Lake Geneva near Montreux.
Nature
More places
Lavaux Vineyards
The Lavaux vineyards on Lake Geneva are one of Switzerland's best-known wine regions and a model of terraced agriculture.
Biopôle Lausanne
A scientific park for life sciences near Lausanne.
Gruyères City Walls
The medieval small town of Gruyères is surrounded by a well-preserved city wall.
Monthey Chemical Park
One of the largest chemical sites in Switzerland located in Lower Valais.