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Villars-sur-Ollon

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City
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Villars-sur-Ollon (Switzerland)
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Practical info — Villars-sur-Ollon

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • For the best views of Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi, take the gondola up to Roc d'Orsay. The late afternoon light is particularly spectacular.
  • In summer, the guest card (often provided by your accommodation) gives you free or discounted access to mountain lifts and public transport.
  • Parking in the village centre is limited and expensive. Use the cogwheel train from Bex; the journey itself is scenic and relaxing.
  • Instead of eating at pricey mountain restaurants, buy local cheese, sausage, and bread from the shops in the village for a picnic with a view.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fondue/Raclette

A must-try specialty in the Alps. Look for a traditional restaurant in the village center specializing in cheese dishes, often with a cozy, wood-paneled interior.

🍽
Saucisson Vaudois

Try this hearty raw sausage from the canton of Vaud. It's often served with leeks and potatoes (Papet Vaudois) and can be found in local 'boucheries' (butcher shops) or on bistro menus.

🍽
L'Etivaz AOP

A hard cheese made over an open fire in the summer. Buy a piece from a 'fromagerie' (cheese shop) to experience the authentic taste of the alpine pastures.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Delicacies

Visit the main street where you'll find 'boulangeries' for fresh bread, 'pâtisseries' for sweet treats, and 'fromageries' for a selection of regional cheeses.

🛍
Sports Gear

As an upmarket ski resort, Villars has numerous boutiques selling high-end ski and hiking equipment, as well as designer brands.

🧘
Lac des Chavonnes

A serene mountain lake accessible via hiking trails or by taking the train to Bretaye and a short walk. A great spot for a quiet break in nature.

🧘
Hiking trails around Bretaye

Although it's a busy hub, many paths lead away from Bretaye into quieter areas. Choose a less-traveled trail and enjoy the silence of the Alps.

🧘
Golf Course

Even if you don't play golf, a walk on the paths around the high-altitude golf course gives memorable views and a peaceful atmosphere outside of playing hours.

Villars-sur-Ollon is situated on a natural balcony at 1,300 meters in the Canton of Vaud, boasting a spectacular panorama stretching from Lake Geneva to the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc. The resort is well-known for hosting several prestigious international boarding schools and gives a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere. Its ski area is linked with Gryon and Les Diablerets, providing over 100 kilometers of slopes and easy access to the high-altitude Glacier 3000. In summer, Villars is a premier destination for golfers, who can play on one of Switzerland's most scenic 18-hole courses at the top of the mountain. Hikers enjoy the trails leading to the serene Lac de Bretaye or the ascent to the Grand Chamossaire. A historic cog railway connects Villars with the town of Bex in the Rhone Valley, passing through forests and meadows. The nearby salt mines of Bex offer a unique underground excursion for visitors of all ages.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-227111517171393-1
Rain mm92729081127114115120819490101

Geography

Population
2,500
Coordinates
46.29625, 7.05624

Facts

  • Located at 1,300m altitude
  • Spectacular Mont Blanc views
  • Linked to Glacier 3000 area
  • Cog railway connection to Bex
  • Home to elite international schools
  • 18-hole panoramic golf course
  • Hiking destination: Lac de Bretaye
  • Part of the Vaud Alps region

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.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Villars-sur-Ollon (10)

Église de Huémoz⛪ religious

Church of Huémoz in the Villars-sur-Ollon ski resort.

Église anglicane⛪ religious

Anglican church in Villars-sur-Ollon.

Temple de Villars⛪ religious

Reformed village church with a distinctive spire in the centre of Villars-sur-Ollon.

Mines de Sel de Bex🏛 museum

Mines de Sel de Bex operates as a museum in Villars-sur-Ollon, showcasing local salt mining heritage.

En Pravoutioz🌿 nature

En Pravoutioz, a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of the Vaud Alps.

Rando Parc📍 landmark

Rando Parc, a themed hiking trail with interactive stations in Villars-sur-Ollon.

Petit train du Gryon Parc📍 landmark

Petit train du Gryon Parc, a miniature railway running through a park with alpine scenery.

Le Chamossaire🌿 nature

Le Chamossaire is a scenic mountain near Villars-sur-Ollon, offering remarkable alpine landscapes and great hiking trails.

Roc à l'Ours🌿 nature

Discover Roc à l'Ours, a magnificent mountain in Switzerland that provides sweeping views of the surrounding natural landscape.

Grand-Chamossaire

Take in the spectacular panoramic vistas from Grand-Chamossaire, an exceptional viewpoint located near Villars-sur-Ollon.

Frequently asked questions

What panorama does Villars-sur-Ollon offer?
A fantastic view of the Rhone Valley, Lake Geneva, and the Mont Blanc massif.
Is the ski area connected to other places?
Yes, Villars is connected with Gryon and, via Glacier 3000, also with Les Diablerets.
What is the Golf Club Villars?
An 18-hole golf course at 1,660 meters altitude with spectacular views, one of the most beautiful in Switzerland.
Are there international schools in Villars?
Yes, Villars is home to several prestigious international boarding schools, giving the town a cosmopolitan flair.
How do you reach Villars by train?
By train to Bex and from there with the BVB cog railway directly up to Villars.
Villars-sur-Ollon: where is it located?
Villars-sur-Ollon is located in Switzerland.
Villars-sur-Ollon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Église de Huémoz, Église anglicane, Temple de Villars.
Villars-sur-Ollon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Villars-sur-Ollon: why is it worth visiting?
Villars-sur-Ollon is situated on a natural balcony at 1,300 meters in the Canton of Vaud, boasting a spectacular panorama stretching from Lake Geneva to the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc.
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