Lausanne, Switzerland

When I got on the train to Lausanne, I had no idea it would be the last trip I would take this season (thanks corona!). Tensions were mounting as the virus continued to spread throughout the world and I knew my time to sightsee was getting more limited by the day. A week before my unexpected departure from Switzerland, I travelled to Lausanne for one last day trip of the 2019-2020 season. And what a beautiful farewell it was.

With my handy Rick Steves’ travel guide in hand, I started the Old Lausanne Walk at the Pont Bessieres bridge overlooking the city and the lake beyond. By stopping part way across the bridge, you get a fabulous view of the city, though a similar view can be seen from the Esplanade de la Cathedrale outside of the Lausanne Cathedral, the latter being a stop on one of several pilgrimage routes that end at the Camino de Santiago in Spain. There is a table located in the church where you can get a pilgrim’s stamp to mark your stop.

Pro Tip: Invest in an All-Day Metro Ticket

Lausanne is a very hilly city, and getting from Old Town to the waterfront in Ouchy can be quite the trek. Save your legs and get an all-day pass for the public transit.

The Musee de L'Elysee offers a photography exhibit if you have the time to check it out. If not, follow the path past the main entrance to the gardens. From the terraced lawn you can enjoy the stunning vista of the lake and alps, and if you are lucky, walk through the cherry blossom orchard in bloom.

Keep following the path and you will reach a red track that marks the start of the Olympic Museum.

Lausanne is the home of the International Olympic Committee, the governing body that organizes the summer and winter Olympic games, and as such has been dubbed the “Olympic Capital”. The museum is home to famous symbols of the games, from medals to torches to personal effects of famous athletes. Outside the museum, wander through the park and check out the sculptures and art pieces showcasing the essence of competitive sports.

The waterfront is the perfect spot to end your tour of Lausanne. Walk the promenade, grab a bite at one of the nearby cafes or sit and enjoy the view. I could spend all day sitting by the water and gazing at the mountains.

Not only was my visit to Lausanne a great leg workout, it was the perfect ending to my time in Switzerland. Full of history, shopping and mountain views, this city on the shores of Lake Geneva has something for everyone.