The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces stretch about 30 km along the north shore of Lake Geneva, from the eastern edge of Lausanne toward Chexbres and Vevey, forming Switzerland's largest contiguous vineyard at over 800 hectares. The dry-stone terraces were shaped from the 11th century by Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries and were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. A rare microclimate of 'three suns' — direct sunlight, light reflected off the lake, and heat stored in the stone walls — ripens the region's signature Chasselas white wines. In 2026 it remains a living, working wine landscape, best explored slowly on foot, by tourist train, or from a lakeside café terrace.
The classic 11 km vineyard-ridge walk from Lutry to Saint-Saphorin (about 3h30), with sweeping views of the lake and Alps
Tasting Lavaux wines, especially Chasselas — at the Lavaux Vinorama in Rivaz (around 300 labels) and in village wine cellars
Wine villages such as Saint-Saphorin, Épesses and Cully, with medieval lanes and lakeside terraces
The 'balcony of Lavaux' viewpoints around Chexbres, looking down over the terraced slopes and Lake Geneva
Riding the Lavaux Express or Lavaux Panoramic tourist mini-trains through the vines
Good to know
SeasonThe best times are spring (mid-March to end of May) and the autumn harvest (September–October). Summer is hot with little shade on the terraces, and in winter many wine cellars and tourist trains are closed.
RulesA Swiss Travel Pass or regional pass covers the regular CFF/SBB trains (e.g. Lausanne–Vevey) but not the Lavaux Express or Lavaux Panoramic tourist trains, which are paid separately and usually run only April–November — check dates, booking and fares in advance.
SafetyThe vineyard paths are steep, with cobbled and gravel sections. Wear grippy shoes and bring water and sun protection; pack layers, as it can be windy by the lake.
MannersThe vineyards are mostly private property. Don't pick grapes or walk into the vines — stay on marked paths. Many winegrowers' cellars open only on weekends or at set hours, so check ahead.
CautionSwitzerland is generally very safe, but watch for pickpockets at Lausanne station and on crowded tourist trains and city trams. Village parking is very limited, so public transport is recommended.
MannersTipping is not obligatory in Switzerland, as service is included; simply rounding up the bill at a restaurant is enough.
Practical info
From Geneva or Lausanne, CFF/SBB trains reach the Lavaux stations (Lutry, Villette, Cully, Rivaz, Saint-Saphorin) in roughly 5–15 minutes from Lausanne. The vineyards are an open landscape with no entry fee, but the Vinorama, tourist trains, wine tastings and lake boats each have their own hours and prices — check the latest before you go.
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