Layers of Lausanne: A Self-Guided Tour
Overview
Once the site of a Roman military fort called Lausanna and now part of Switzerland for over two centuries, Lausanne is often called the world’s best small city. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore the history and culture of this dynamic Swiss city nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva.
The tour starts at the Neo-Renaissance Palais de Rumine, where I’ll tell you about its fascinating origins as a gift to the city and its historical significance as the site where the Treaty of Lausanne was signed in 1923. You’ll go on to climb the 70 stairs to Lausanne Cathedral with its magnificent Gothic architecture and impressive 13th-century rose window containing 105 medallions depicting the medieval worldview.
You'll make your way to the Palace of Justice, and discover why the Swiss Federal Supreme Court is located in Lausanne rather than the capital, Bern. The tour ends at the Esplanade de Montbenon with its spectacular lake views.
What's Included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Meeting Location
Pl. de la Riponne 6
1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Av. Louis-Ruchonnet 22
1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
The tour ends at the Esplanade de Montbenon
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Palais de Rumine (pass by)
Townhall of Lausanne (pass by)
Esplanade de Montbenon (pass by)
Cathedrale de Lausanne (pass by)
Escaliers du Marche (pass by)
Eglise Reformee Saint-Francois (pass by)
Fontaine Pierre Viret (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Layers of Lausanne: A Self-Guided Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-110804P907
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it.
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
- App for Android and iOS.
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start.
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour.
- Smartphone and headphones.
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour.
- Food and drink.
- Transportation.
The minimum age to participate is 6..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Layers of Lausanne: A Self-Guided Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Layers of Lausanne: A Self-Guided Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
