Experience

SWITZERLAND | Introducing Lausanne

Posted by Timothy on

Switzerland will host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. But which city in the Helvetic Confederation will welcome the thousands of artists, media people and fans? Geneva, Sankt Gallen, Basel and Fribourg have already expressed their interest. Other obvious options are Zurich and Bern. And why not Lausanne? Swiss broadcaster Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) also sees Biel/Bienne and Lucerne as viable options. Combined, Danny and I have visited almost all of them. So let us introduce them. 

As have Lucerne and Lugano in Ticino, Lausanne has state it can’t host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, even if it’s a large city in Switzerland. Lausanne is the fourth most populous city in the Confederation with 140.000 inhabitants. It also has 247 hotels featuring some 70 beds per accommodation on average. 

Syndicus (mayor) Grégoire Junod: “The only place that could be suitable in terms of gauge would be the Vaudoise Arena, but we are already at the limit of what is required. We also do not have the additional premises which are required, in particular to accommodate the media centre.”

In addition to limited capacity, the syndic cites a second very important element to take into account: “The main obstacle is also the calendar. The venue must be available several weeks before the start of the event and this is not possible due to the hockey season.”

Junod hopes the French-speaking region of Romandy gets the nod. So, he roots for Geneva. 

Flag with cantons of Switzerland.

Lausanne

Lausanne is the capital city of the canton of Vaud and is located on the northern shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning natural scenery, Lausanne is also famous for being the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. 

Eurovision history

Lausanne has had the honor of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest once. In 1989, the city welcomed the event to the Palais de Beaulieu, one of its largest venues. This edition of Eurovision was particularly memorable for several reasons:

The contest was won by Yugoslavia with the song ‘Rock Me‘ performed by Riva. It marked Yugoslavia’s first and only win in the competition. The country split up in the years after in what was a bloody civil war.

The 1989 contest featured 22 countries, with the debut of Cyprus and the return of Greece after a five-year absence.

The Olympic Museum

Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee, and the Olympic Museum is one of its standout attractions. The museum, located in the Ouchy district, offers a comprehensive history of the Olympic Games, with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and multimedia displays. It provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, celebrating the spirit and history of the Olympics.

Lausanne Cathedral or Cathédrale de Notre Dame

This Gothic masterpiece is one of Switzerland’s most impressive churches. Built in the 13th century, Lausanne Cathedral or Cathédrale de Notre Dame

features stunning architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and a majestic organ. The climb to the top of the tower rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city and Lake Geneva.

Olympic rings in Ouchy.

Ouchy Promenade

The lakeside district of Ouchy offers a beautiful promenade along Lake Geneva. It is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, rollerblading, or enjoying a picnic with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding Alps. The area also hosts several parks, restaurants, and the Château d’Ouchy, a luxurious hotel housed in a medieval castle.

Ouchy.

Brutal Art Collection or Collection de l’Art Brut

Th unique museum of Brutal Art Collection or Collection de l’Art Brut is dedicated to Art Brut, or Outsider Art. The Collection de l’Art Brut showcases works created by self-taught artists who often operate outside the traditional art world. 

The museum’s intriguing and sometimes eccentric exhibits offer a different perspective on art and creativity.

Palais de Rumine

Located in the heart of Lausanne, the Palais de Rumine is an architectural gem that houses several museums, including the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts, the Cantonal Museum of Geology, and the Cantonal Museum of Zoology. The building itself is a masterpiece of Florentine Renaissance architecture.

Esplanade de Montbenon

This beautiful park of Esplanade de Montbenon offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It’s a great place to relax, have a picnic, or enjoy outdoor events. The park is also home to the Casino de Montbenon and the Swiss Film Archive, which regularly hosts film screenings and cultural events.

Sauvabelin Tower

For those who enjoy panoramic views, a visit to Sauvabelin Tower or Tour de Sauvabelin is a must. This wooden tower, located in the Sauvabelin Forest, offers a 360-degree view of Lausanne, Lake Geneva, and the surrounding mountains. The climb to the top is worth the effort for the spectacular scenery.

Sauvabelin Tour.

Exploring the Old Town

Lausanne’s Old Town or Vieille Ville is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets filled with historic buildings, charming cafes, and boutique shops. Key highlights include the Place de la Palud with its animated clock and the Rue de Bourg, a popular shopping street.

Lausanne.

Lavaux wine

Just a short drive from Lausanne lies the Lavaux vineyard terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The terraces stretch for about 30 kilometers along Lake Geneva, offering stunning views and some of the best wines in Switzerland. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and scenic hikes through the vineyards.

Lavaux.

Boat cruises on Lake Geneva

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Lausanne and its surroundings is by taking a boat cruise on Lake Geneva. Various cruises are available, from short sightseeing trips to full-day excursions that explore the picturesque lakeside villages and the famous Château de Chillon.

Local cuisine

Lausanne boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a wide range of dining options. Traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue, raclette, and rösti are widely available, along with international cuisine. 

The city’s markets, such as the weekly farmers’ market at Place de la Riponne, are perfect for sampling local produce and specialties.

Museums and galleries

In addition to the Olympic Museum and the Collection de l’Art Brut, Lausanne offers several other notable museums and galleries:

  • The Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (MUDAC): Features innovative design and contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Musée de l’Elysée: A renowned photography museum that hosts exhibitions by both historical and contemporary photographers.

Language

The primary language spoken in Lausanne is French, reflecting its location in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. However, English and German are also widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

Education and research

Lausanne is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). These institutions attract students and researchers from around the world, contributing to the city’s vibrant intellectual and cultural life.

Transport

Lausanne boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the Lausanne Metro, which is the only metro system in Switzerland. T

he city is well-connected by train to other major Swiss cities, and the nearby Geneva International Airport provides easy access to international destinations.

Lausanne Metro.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Lausanne is during the spring and summer months, from April to September, when the weather is warm and conducive to outdoor activities. 

The city also hosts numerous festivals and events during this time, such as the Festival de la Cité and the Lausanne Jardins.

So?

Well, it’s not going to happen for Lausanne. 

More on Lausanne and Romandy

Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Switzerland