Lausanne in Winter: 7 Best Things to Do in this Fairytale Lake Town

Lausanne in winter is fairytale perfect the way that Switzerland can only do winter: houses seemingly meant to be covered in blankets of snow, an ever-present twinkle of lights on the city streets, crisp wintry air blowing in off the lake… there’s something so unmistakably cozy about a Swiss lake city that exudes warmth even on the coldest of winter days. 

Unlike Montreux (my other favorite winter destination on Lake Geneva, besides, well, Geneva itself!), Lausanne is bigger and a bit more urban. 

Still, this stunner of a city keeps its charm even when the temperature drops, and perhaps even gains a new loveliness to it. Lausanne really does have it all: a medieval cathedral perched on a high hill, the shimmering expanse of an ice-licked Lake Geneva below, and a lively cultural scene even in the winter.

Here’s everything you should do if you’re planning a winter trip to Lausanne!

Things to Do in Lausanne in Winter

Visit the charming Christmas Markets

During its Bô Noël Christmas Market each winter, Lausanne really comes to life with tons of festive cheer. 

Unlike Montreux’s market which is pretty much only along its lakeside promenade, Lausanne’s market spreads across several squares and streets, bringing the city center to life.

There, you’ll find stalls selling artisan crafts and gifts — but also plenty of stalls selling mulled wine (aka vin chaud!) to keep you toasty while browsing. If you want to snack, there are food stalls cold-weather Swiss favorites like melty Swiss raclette-topped potatoes, rosti, and freshly-grilled sausages.

🎄 Good to know: Bô Noël’s dates for the 2025 Christmas season are officially announced! The dates are November 20 through December 31, 2025.

Take a day trip to Montreux

Since Lausanne and Montreux are only about 25 minutes apart by train, it would be a shame not to combine the two. 

Montreux in winter has one of Switzerland’s most enchanting Christmas markets, plus the nearby Chillon Castle (one of my favorite castles in Switzerland, which is really high praise for a country so full of them!) and Chaplin’s World, one of the most unique museums in Switzerland.

If you’re basing yourself in Lausanne for a few nights, a Montreux day trip is a quick no-brainer.

It’s easy enough to do on your own, especially if you follow my Montreux in winter post as a guideline, but you can also book a guided tour including Glacier 3000 if you wish.

Warm up in the Olympic Museum

Lausanne isn’t just any Swiss city — it’s the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee and has a museum to celebrate this honor! 

The Olympic Museum is a brilliant indoor activity any time of year but it’s an especially welcome respite on a chilly day. Break away from the cold and enjoy the museum’s high-tech exhibits that showcase the history of the Games and the Olympic spirit.

From interactive displays to important historic Olympian memorabilia, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for how uniting and enduring the Olympics really are. Plus, the museum café has gorgeous views over Lake Geneva — so that’s another check in its column!

Admire the Alps on a boat cruise on Lake Geneva

Boat cruises on Lake Geneva definitely don’t shut down for the winter!

You can hop on a CGN boat from Lausanne’s Ouchy port and glide across Lake Geneva, watching the snowy Alps reflect on the baby-blue water.

Bundle up on deck for fresh air and photo opportunities of the beautiful surroundings. If (more like when) it gets too cold, you can sit inside the warm heated lounges while still enjoying panoramic views through the windows.

Visit the Collection de l’Art Brut

One of Lausanne’s most unique museums, the Collection de l’Art Brut, showcases unconventional artwork made by self-made artists — which includes those outside the traditional art world, including psychiatric patients and other marginalized artists.

It’s moving, sometimes eerie, sometimes playful… but always fascinating. It’s not a huge museum, so it’s a perfect stop to warm up in between outdoor sightseeing, while also taking in an offbeat cultural attraction.

Pop by the Lausanne Cathedral

Standing proudly above the city, the Lausanne Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame) is Switzerland’s largest Gothic-style building, with an incredible stained-glass rose window.

But the best part is that you can climb up the tower for snowy city and lake views all from one of the best vantage points in time. Added bonus? If you visit Lausanne in December, the cathedral often hosts holiday choir performances and concerts. 

Sip local wine from the Lavaux vineyards

Just outside Lausanne lies the UNESCO-listed Lavaux wine region, where terraced vineyards cascade down to the lake’s edge. Winter does mean bare vines as the harvest season is over, but it’s still worth visiting as the views are no less magical (and the wine no less tasty!)

Many local wine cellars (caves in French, pronounces “cahvs” with a short a) remain open in winter, offering tastings of crisp Chasselas, the local white grape variety that pairs beautifully with — what else? — fondue.

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016, visiting 75+ countries in total. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. As a former educator, she merges her writing and educational experience to encourage ethical, sustainable travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and TBEX. Her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Bangkok, Thailand.