Vaud - Waadt

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Lavaux Léman 1.jpeg
Canton of Vaud
CapitalLausanne
Residentsapprox. 743,000
other value for residents on Wikidata: 799145 Update residents in WikidataRemove entry from the quickbar and use Wikidata
surface
3,212 km²
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location
ValaisThurgauAppenzell InnerrhodenAppenzell AusserrhodenSchaffhausenObwaldenNidwaldenBasel cityBasel-CountrySolothurntrainZurichSt. GallenAargauLucerneGlarusSchwyzUriTicinolawGrisonsNeuchâtelGenevaFriborgVaudVaudBernFranceLiechtensteinAustriaItalyGermanyGermanyCanton of Vaud in Switzerland

The Canton of Vaud lies in the Switzerland. It has shares in the Mittelland, but also in the Jura and the Alps. The capital is Lausanne.

The Vaud extends in north-south direction between the Neuchâtel and the Lake Geneva and in an east-west direction between the law (Lac de Joux) and the Vaudois Alps (Pays-d'Enhaut). This is in the heart of Vaud Gros de Vaud, the granary of the Vaud, which is in the north-west of the Broyetal, sometimes steep, drops off. In terms of size, Vaud is the largest in the whole of the world French-speaking Switzerland belonging to the canton and the fourth largest in Switzerland, measured by population, around three quarters of a million, Vaud is in third place among the Swiss cantons. The canton's capital, Lausanne, has around 130,000 inhabitants, making it 4th among the largest cities in Switzerland and a bit larger than Bern.

There are many tourist highlights in Vaud, for example the density of castles and palaces is extraordinarily high. There are also many beautiful towns and cities, especially on the shores of Lake Geneva, but also in the Rhone Valley, on Lake Neuchâtel and in the Orbe plain. Winter sports are mainly located in the Vaudois Alps and in the Jura, so the Lac de Joux freezes over completely every year and is released for ice skating.

There is just as much to see for nature lovers, that is paramount Lavaux (Unesco World Heritage Site), the Lac de Joux and the Pays-d'Enhaut in the Vaudois Alps are recommended. Another sparsely populated region is the Gros de Vaud.

Many museums have been set up for culture lovers, not only in Lausanne but also in other cities in Vaud, and there are at least as many art monuments. If you want to walk in the footsteps of famous people, you should go to the Vaudois Riviera, and not just for it Montreux-Jazz Festival.

If you just want to get on board and enjoy the beautiful view, there are scheduled boats on Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, and in summer also on Lac de Joux, and the Golden Pass panorama train line runs from Montreux through the Pays-d'Enhaut to Zweisimmen.

At the Vaudois Riviera

Regions

map

The canton of Vaud can essentially be divided into 5 regions, some of which have several sub-regions:

  1Vaud Jura
  1aVallée de Joux - High valley in the Jura.
  2The Vaud Central Plateau, consisting of the districts (from 2008) Broye-Vully and Gros-de-Vaud as well as parts of the districts Jura-Nord vaudois and Lavaux-Oron.
  2aOron region
  3The Lake Geneva Region with five sub-regions:
  3aVersoix area
  3bLa Cote of Morges to Nyon; Wine-growing area.
  3cThe Greater Lausanne consists of the districts from January 1, 2008 Lausanne and Ouest lausannois.
  3dLavaux between Lausanne and Vevey. The Jorat (928 m) rises above the landscape of La Vaux, with which the plateau leans against the alpine areas.
  3eVaudois Riviera between Vevey and Villeneuve
  4The Pays-d'Enhaut, part of the Vaudois Bernese Alps and Freiburg Alps.
  5Chablais, the Vaudois Rhone Valley with the Rhone Delta.

places

Montreux at night

see also: Vaud / place register

Other goals

Summit of high mountain character are: Oldenhorn (3134 m), Diablerets (3251 m), Grand Moveran (3061 m) and Dent de Morcles (2938 m), while others merge more and more into the pre-Alps, such as the "three towers": Tour d'Ai ( 2383 m), T. de Mayen (2323 m) and T. de Famelon (2158 m), the Chamossaire (2113 m), the Tornette (2543 m) and the Tête de Moine (2351 m), the Rochers de Naye ( 2044 m) and the Dent de Jaman (1879 m).

background

language

The predominant language is French, many locals can also speak German, but do not like to speak it. English is also widely used as a second language.

getting there

With the plane above Geneva International Airport. The airport is directly connected to the railway network with the Genève Aeroport train station and there are 3-4 direct trains every hour via Genève Corvain to the canton capital of Lausanne (journey time approx. 45 minutes).

With the automobile via the A1 motorway to get from German-speaking Switzerland to Lausanne. Lausanne can also be reached from Geneva via the A1. To reach Vevey or Montreux from German-speaking Switzerland, take the A12 from Bern via Freiburg. The A5 runs along the southern foot of the Jura, but it has not yet been completed, so there are still gaps.

With the train From Zurich you have the choice of traveling via Bern-Freiburg or along the southern foot of the Jura via Biel-Neuenbug to Lausanne. Both routes have the same travel time. The fastest train connection from Basel is via Delémont-Biel, from Italy you can reach Lausanne via Brig and the Rhone line through Valais. There are also TGVs to Paris from Lausanne, but also from Geneva and Neuchâtel, the TGV from Lausanne also stops in Vallorbe .

By boat

Vaud is not by the sea, but it is connected to France via Lake Geneva. So it is possible to reach some cities on this lake by ship. There are four ferries which run on a regular schedule in every season:

  • N1 Lausanne - Evian-les-Bains, fare CHF 19.40
  • N2 Lausanne - Thonon-les-Bains, fare CHF 32.-
  • N3 Nyon - Yvoire, fare CHF 13.80
  • N4 Nyon - Chens-s-Léman CHF 12.60

If you click on the links, you get directly to the timetable. The Prices are for the second class, one-way trip. For further trips on Lake Geneva, timetables and prices, here is the link CGN

mobility

The Road network is good, usually even motorways or motorways between the cities, in the Jura and in the Alps narrow and steep stretches can occur.

The Railway network is well and densely developed, and is networked with the bus lines, so that the canton can be explored easily by public transport and without a car.

For Cyclists Many routes are suitable, but there is an altitude to overcome between Lake Geneva and the Mitteland. The Jura and the Alps are also only partially suitable for bike tours.

Operate on Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel Course ships.

Tourist Attractions

Chillon Castle
  • Chillon CastleWebsite of this institution. One of the most famous Swiss castles, is located in Lake Geneva near Montreux in Vaud. The castle was first mentioned in 1150. It belonged to the Savoy, but was forgotten and was only "rediscovered" by the Bernese. When Vaud became an independent canton, renovation work began and continues to this day.Price: For example, entry for an adult costs CHF 12.- and CHF 6.- for a child.
St-Maire Castle
Lausanne Cathedral
  • Grandson Castle. Grandson Castle (website in French only) is located on Lake Neuchâtel near the town of the same name in the canton of Vaud. What catches the eye with this castle are the five towers. It was built in 1050. In addition to the castle museum, there is also a vintage car museum.Open: From April 1st to October 31st, daily 8.15am - 6pm. It closes an hour earlier from November 1st to March 31st.Price: Entry costs CHF 12.- for an adult and CHF 5.- for a child. There are other discounts.
  • Nyon Castle. The castle (website in French only) is elevated above the old town of Nyon and Lake Geneva. It was built at the end of the 13th century and first belonged to the Savoy, then to the Bernese. From the castle you have a great view of the city and Lake Geneva. The castle houses a historical museum and a porcelain museum and has the following opening times: November to March 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and April to October 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays. General public holidays, which are on a Monday, are excluded. The prices: Adults: CHF 8.- and children under the age of 16 are free. There are further reductions.
  • Oron Castle, Associaton pour la Conversation du Château d'Oron, Case postale 6, 1608 Oron-le-Châtel, in Oron-le-Châtel in the canton of Vaud. It was probably built in the 13th century. It houses a castle museum with a library. However, it is only open from April to September and only on Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The entrance fees are CHF 9.- for adults and CHF 5.- for children. For more information, call 41 021 907 90 51. The secretariat is open Mon, Tue, Thu Fri from 8.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Aigle Castle. The castle (website only in French) is located in the Rhone Valley near the town Aigle in Vaud. Its current appearance dates from 1475 when the Bernese rebuilt and expanded it. Today it houses a castle museum and the museum of winemakers and wine.Open: March 19 - October 30, daily 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Price: Admission: Adults CHF 11.-, children CHF 5.-.
  • Yverdon Castle. The castle is in Yverdon-les-Bains and houses archaeological finds, as well as Egyptian antiquities, but also art from the region. The museum was opened as such in 1761. You can now also take a tour of the castle with the iPot.Open: Tue - Sun from October to May: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., from June to September: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.Price: Admission: Adults CHF 8.-, children CHF 4.-.
  • Château de Maire. The castle is in the middle of Lausanne and has an eventful history. Built as a bishop's palace, it was conquered by the Bernese and was the seat of the Vaudois government for a while. Today it houses a history museum.Open: Mon - Thu 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri - Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.Price: Admission: Adults CHF 8.-, children under 16 years are free.
  • Lausanne Cathedral. The cathedral is located in Lausanne and was built in several stages. It was built in the Gothic style and is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Switzerland. Guided tours are offered. Please refer to the website for more information. The opening times are listed under the note "Timetable". The website also shows how to get to the cathedral.
  • Romainmôtier Monastery. The monastery was built between 990 and -1030 and is one of the oldest Romanesque buildings in Switzerland. The monastery is in the community Romainmôtier-Envy.
  • Romanesque monastery church and monastery, in Payerne. The Romanesque monastery church and monastery is the largest Romanesque building in Switzerland and was built between 1040 and 1050. The choir of the church is 16 meters high and the central nave is 67 meters long. Only the capital hall remains of the monastery building. There is an exhibition on Romanesque buildings in Switzerland.Open: In summer, daily 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. In winter it closes at 5 p.m.Price: Admission: Adults CHF 6.-, children CHF 3.-.

activities

Shipping

Scheduled ships on Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva offers boat trips all year round. The operator of these lines is CGN. Most ships sail in summer. With the ship you have beautiful views of many beautiful castles, cities and vineyards, for example this LavauxA trip across the entire lake from St-Gingolph to Geneva takes 5 hours and 40 minutes, which is worth it daily ticket For CHF 60.- (2nd Class).

Here are some travel times between the destinations:

  • Lausanne Ouchy - Geneva around 4h, CHF 41.80
  • Lausanne Ouchy - Vevey 1h, CHF 19.40
  • Lausanne Ouchy - Chillon-Villneuve 1h 45 min., CHF 26.60
  • Lausanne Ouchy - Montreux 1h 20 min., CHF 24.80
  • Lausanne Ouchy - Nyon round 2h, CHF 32.-
  • Geneva - Nyon round 1h 15 min., CHF 20.80

The prices are for 2nd class and are for a one-way trip.

Scheduled ships on Lake Neuchâtel & Lake Murten

There are liners which connect Neuchâtel with Estavayer-le-lac and Yverdon-les-Bains. The operator is NAVIG, which also operates the round-trip boats on Lake Murten.

Driving times:

  • Neuchâtel - Estavayer-le-lac 1h 15 min., CHF 20.20
  • Neuchâtel - Yverdon-les-Bains 2h 45 min., CHF 35.-
  • Yverdon-les-Bains - Estavayer-le-lac 1h 25 min., CHF 20.20
  • Tour of Neuchâtel-Estavayer-le-lac - Neuchâtel 3h
  • Round trip Estavayer-le-lac - Yverdon-les-Bains - Estavayer-le-lac 3h 15 min.
  • Round trip on Lake Murten 1h 10 min., CHF 19.-

The prices are 2nd class, single journey.

Important: In spring and autumn, only the small tour Neuchâtel - Portalban - Neuchâtel is offered on Lake Neuchâtel. The round trip on Lake Murten is only offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

kitchen

The Vaudois Saucisson, a hearty sausage that is cooked in water for about 40-50 minutes, the Saucisson aux Choux, (cabbage or cabbage sausage), and the Papet-Vaudois are regional specialties. The Papet-Vaudois is a leek and potato puree. In general, it can be said that the people of Vaud are very fond of leeks.

  • Saucisson vaudois

  • Papet-Vaudois

Another tasty side dish is the pommes de terres au lard (bacon potatoes), with jambon à l'os (ham), and of course there are also sweet specialties, such as the bouchons vadois (Vaudois bottle corks), which is made from biscuit and has an almond praline filling. Caracs, made from shortcrust pastry with a chocolate and cream filling, are something that people all over western Switzerland like to eat. A specialty from Goumoens is the Gâteau de Goumoens, a delicious cake filled with cream.

Vaud is the second largest wine-growing region in Switzerland, with grapes being grown on over 3800 hectares. Large wine-growing areas are the La Côte, Lauvaux, Chablais, the area between Orbe and Yverdon on Lake Neuchâtel and Vully on Lake Murten. Chasselas is usually served for white wines, Pinot Noir for red wines, followed by Gamay.

Of course there are also many types of cheese in Vaud, such as l'Etivaz, a cheese from the Pauys-d'Enhaut. There are also many types of soft cheese. Tomme, for example, is an original Vaudois soft cheese that originally comes from the Vallée de Joux, but is now also made in other regions of the canton, and is made from raw milk.

nightlife

There is a diverse nightlife in Lausanne with numerous clubs that do not close until the early hours of the morning. Also in the cities of Yverdon-les-Bains or e.g. Vevey also has some good bars and clubs. For the night life of Lausanne please see the page of Lausanne.

security

climate

trips

The neighboring cantons also have interesting places:

Or off to France?

literature

Web links

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