If you’re looking for a hike that’s as easy as it is breathtaking, you have to try the Terrasses de Lavaux Wine Trail. Imagine walking through gently sloping hills, with incredible views of Lake Geneva sparkling below and the majestic Alps in the distance. It’s an experience that feels almost magical.
This trail winds through one of Switzerland’s largest wine regions, and since 2007, it’s been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning 800 hectares, the Lavaux Vineyards are a place where nature, history, and culture come together beautifully.
We took the classic 11-kilometer route from Saint-Saphorin to Lutry, and let me tell you—it was unforgettable. The views of the lake and mountains seemed to stretch on forever, framed by the terraced Lavaux Vineyards that were nothing short of stunning. And don’t worry if 11 kilometers feels like too much; you can always opt for a shorter walk or hop on the charming tourist train that winds through the area.
Whether you’re a wine lover, a nature enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a good walk with amazing views, the Lavaux Vineyards trail is an absolute must for those who visit the Lake Geneva area.
Highlights Along the Trail
This lovely 3-hour walk through the Lavaux vineyards takes you from Saint-Saphorin to Lutry. The walk is about 11 km long and is pretty easy, with a few short, steep bits along the way.
Starting Point: St. Saphorin
We started our walk through the Lavaux Vineyards in the lovely village of Saint-Saphorin, tucked at the foot of Mont Pèlerin. Did you know this village used to be at risk of landslides? To protect it, special arcades were built to support the houses, which is why it’s known as a fortified village.
Wandering through the village center feels like stepping back in time, with its narrow, stone-paved streets lined with winegrowers’ homes and simple, charming houses. Most of these houses are built in the local style, with white stone walls and colorful, symmetrical fronts that make them so unique.
The village square is the heart of it all. It’s surrounded by landmarks like a church with a bell tower and the cozy Auberge de l’Onde. Throughout the year, the square comes alive with events like spring festivals, grape harvest celebrations, and festive Christmas markets.
There’s a touch of culture here too—Saint-Saphorin once attracted many artists, including the famous singer Jean Villad Gilles, who called this village home.
There are many walking trails that start from Saint-Saphorin and go towards Lutry. You can choose one that’s close to the lake, a bit higher up, or a path with great views. All of them are a must-try for everyone.
Rivaz: A Pretty Wine Makers’ Village
From Saint-Saphorin, we walked through the vineyards to Rivaz. It is one of the smallest towns in Switzerland. We followed a small path along the Forestay River, which flows for about 6.5 kilometers through Lavaux and ends at Rivaz.
Rivaz is such a charming little village! With its old winegrowers’ houses and colorful gardens, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
One of the highlights here is Vinorama, a wine shop that showcases over 300 wines from the Lavaux region. It’s the ideal place to take a break, sip on some incredible local wines, and learn more about the winemaking traditions of this area. And just below the village, perched on a rocky outcrop, is the stunning Glérolle Castle—a sight you definitely won’t want to miss!
Epesses: Discovering Chasselas
We kept walking through the stunning Lavaux Vineyards until we arrived in Epesses, another charming little wine-growing village. If you’re visiting, you absolutely have to stop by Le Verre Gourmand, a cozy wine bar. They serve delicious local wines and food, making it a great place to rest and savor the local flavors.
Epesses is also the place to get acquainted with Chasselas, the main grape variety of the Lavaux region, which covers nearly three-quarters of its vineyards. Chasselas is used to make dry, crisp white wines that are perfect as an apéritif.
The Lavaux region itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to about thirty other grape varieties. These include white wines like Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris, as well as some red wines.
If you get the chance, try a glass of Chasselas white wine, such as the “2020 Epesses Grand Cru Lavaux.” It’s refreshing, and just what you need before heading to your next stop: the lovely village of Cully!
Cully: A Charming Old Gem
As we walked down to Cully, the views got even more beautiful. The village is surrounded by vineyards and has old houses and narrow streets that feel like they’re from the Middle Ages. Right in the center of town, you’ll find a historic gem—the Fountain of Justice, a striking landmark that’s been standing since 1643.
Strolling through Cully’s old streets eventually brought us to the shores of Lake Geneva and Parc Cully, a beautiful park with breathtaking views of the vineyards and the distant Alps. This is where we chose to pause for a while, soaking in the fresh air and the incredible scenery around us.
Final Stop: Lutry
The last part of our hike through the Lavaux Vineyards took us to Lutry, a town that perfectly blends history with a laid-back Mediterranean feel. The old part of Lutry is a protected historical site, and as we wandered through its narrow streets and past its charming stone houses, it felt like we’d stepped back in time.
The lakeside walk in Lutry was another highlight. The peaceful vibe, paired with the inviting cafés and bars along the way, made it the ideal place to unwind after our hike through the Lavaux Vineyards.
Alternative to Hiking: Lavaux Express Tourist Train
If walking isn’t your thing, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the Lavaux Vineyards on the charming Lavaux Express tourist train! This adorable little train offers several routes, including one that starts in Cully and follows part of the same scenic path as the hikers. The ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs CHF 16, with discounts for kids.
The tourist train is a great option for families with small children or people with mobility issues. Plus, the train comes with a roof, so you can stay cool and comfortable even on sunny days. The train ride is available from April to November. Check the Lavaux Express website for the current schedule.
How to Get to the Lavaux Vineyards
This trail is one-way, so you need to plan where to start and how to get back to your starting point.
By Train
Take a train from Montreux, Vevey, or Lausanne to Saint-Saphorin or Lutry train station. We went from Zurich to Lausanne, then changed trains to Montreux and got off at Saint-Saphorin.
By Boat
If you want a boat ride, note that Lutry and Cully have ports, but not Saint-Saphorin. We took the train to Saint-Saphorin, hiked to Lutry, then took the boat back to Lausanne. Check the CGN website for the boat schedule.
By Car
If you drive, we suggest you park in Lutry, which has large parking areas. Saint-Saphorin only has a few parking spots near the train station.
Best Time to Visit the Lavaux Vineyards
For the best experience, plan your hike between March and November, when the weather is just right and the vineyards are at their most beautiful. The hike itself takes a few hours, but the exact time depends on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views (or snap some photos—you’ll definitely want to!). Starting in the morning is a great idea so you can enjoy the daylight to its fullest and take your time exploring without feeling rushed.
What to Pack for your Hike through the Lavaux Vineyards
Make sure to pack the essentials for your hike! Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, a sunhat, and some sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must, along with weather-appropriate clothing to keep you comfy throughout the journey. And here’s a bonus tip: if you’re hiking in the summer, you might come across some great spots to take a dip. So don’t forget to pack a swimsuit—you’ll thank yourself later.
Conclusion
Hiking through the Lavaux Vineyards is more than just a walk—it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Switzerland’s wine culture. Along the way, you’ll wander through charming winegrower villages, take in breathtaking views, and even have the chance to savor some incredible local wines.
If you love wine, nature, and discovering new places, this hike is the perfect adventure. It’s an experience that will leave you with amazing memories of one of Switzerland’s most beautiful regions—ones you’ll treasure for years to come.
