Hikes and walks
Is there a better way to forget about everyday worries than by surrounding yourself with breathtaking panoramas in the great outdoors? The Canton de Vaud offers no less than 3,700 kilometres of marked trails, which meet all needs and are suitable for all levels. Presenting varying lengths and degrees of difficulty, these routes invite seasoned walkers and athletes to explore the canton’s multiple facets to enjoy exciting moments of surpassing oneself and away from it all.
Routes and suggestions
With its reliefs and varied vegetation, the Canton of Vaud lends itself ideally to outings surrounded by nature. Some routes have even become legendary:
The Via Valdensis crosses the canton of Vaud from north to south. The route showcases the pre-Alpine landscapes, the vineyards of Lavaux and several regional cultural sites.
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The Via Jacobi follows the historic pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. It guides walkers through varied landscapes, including lakes, forests and Swiss villages steeped in history.
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The Via Alpina is an international network of trails that runs through the entire Alpine arc. In Switzerland, it allows you to explore Alpine valleys, high mountain passes and protected natural areas.
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The Huguenot Trail retraces the journey of exile undertaken by Huguenot Protestants in the 17th century. The route combines historical heritage, iconic villages and peaceful rural landscapes.
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The Via Cluny connects various sites of the former Cluniac monastic network. The route passes through rural areas and historic towns, highlighting the medieval religious heritage.
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The Alpine Panorama Trail from Lake Constance to Lake Geneva promises beautiful views of the Alpine peaks, as well as the Swiss Plateau and the Jura Mountains. The route passes through the traditional cultural landscape of the Pre-Alps, where milk and cheese still dominate today.
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This iconic trail follows the Jura mountain ridges, offering a unique blend of forests, pastures and wide horizons. Perfect for hikers seeking tranquillity and immersion in nature.
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The Échappée Jurassienne connects France to the Swiss Jura, crossing varied landscapes such as plateaus, viewpoints, lakes and forests. The route offers a gradual discovery of the Jura’s natural and geological heritage.
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Eurotrek
If you want to enjoy your hike to the fullest without worrying about logistics, consider exploring our partner Eurotrek’s platform. Specialising in itinerant travel, Eurotrek offers turnkey packages including accommodation, luggage transport and practical services, allowing you to enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind.
Sustainable and accessible hikes
An activity for all and 100% sustainable, hiking is an excellent way to enter into communion with nature. The points of arrival and departure of the routes are easily accessible by public transport. Getting there is even part of the entire adventure. Already the access route allows you to immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of the region, be it by bus, post bus, cog train or boat.
In Villars, the summit of the Grand Chamossaire at an altitude of 2,212 metres is accessible by cable cars and ski lifts in summer and winter. Close to that point of interest, Glacier 3000 allows everyone to get a high-mountain experience. The Toblerones Trail in La Côte or the Bois des Brigands in the Echallens region are perfect examples of forest walks, while the La Sauge BirdLife Nature Centre and the Botanical Forest Trail of the Bois de Châtel allow you to behold local fauna and flora. Some excursions such as the Handicap & Nature trail are particularly suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Well-deserved gourmet breaks
Hiking is also the ideal opportunity to treat yourself to a delicious dish and taste local terroir treasures. Indeed, many circuits have been designed for gourmets with walks stopping in mountain pubs or Alpine chalets. Lausanne Tourisme even offers a Choco Tour and a Food Tour.
To prepare for your outings and put together a gourmet picnic, consider stopping by our grocery stores to take advantage of our certified local Vaud products.
Original accomodation
To prolong such pleasant moments, why not spend a night on site, maybe even in an unusual place? The Canton of Vaud has plenty of mountain cabins or pilgrim accommodation that will gladly welcome exhausted walkers. Hotels and inns complete this offer for those seeking more classic accommodation.
Find all the hiking offers for the various destinations directly on their website.
Discover other ideas for activities in the Canton of Vaud
