If you ask me: in Lausanne, Switzerland, is there a way to travel that doesn't rush, doesn't spell out attractions, and can fit the Alps and Lake Geneva into your memory all at once? I would not hesitate to say: go on a Lake Geneva cruise. Not the kind of “on board the boat to take two pictures and leave” show type of tourism, but really stay on the water for a few hours, do nothing, just look at the mountains, look at the water, look at the people, look at the sky. That kind of feeling, as if you are gently supported by the lake, the whole person floating in a world without effort.
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Ouchy Pier in Lausanne is the departure point of the cruise. Even before the boat starts, you can feel a sense of “floating”. The water looks like dark green glass, and swans occasionally swim by the edge of the lake. In the distance, the Alps look like they have just taken a bath, covered in a layer of fog.
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Once on board, the deck is that classic white railing and dark brown wooden floor, step on the creaking sound. Most boats have two levels, one is an indoor area with windows, sofas and dining tables; the second level is an open deck where you can stand, sit or lie in the sun.
There are not many people on the boats in the morning; some are tourists with cameras, and some locals come up with their dogs and coffee to sit around for a while. You'll notice that no one is particularly excited - not that they don't feel it, but they don't want to disturb the silence.
Lake Geneva boat, some are still steamers, a hundred years of history, relying on the kind of “puffing and puffing” of the big wheel driven by the propulsion, the sound is very retro, like the soundtrack of the old movies. You can see the brass machinery on both sides of the ship in operation, the whole process is not noisy, on the contrary, it is particularly reassuring.
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The more modern cruise ships are even quieter, going smoothly, with little engine roar. You stand in the bow, you can only hear the sound of the water gently being cut, like a brush stroke in the water so smooth.
The air smells of water vapor mixed with the plants of the lake, not too salty, not too fishy, light with a bit of coolness. If you close your eyes, you might even mistake yourself for being in a forest.
You can choose the seat at the bow of the boat, with the widest view, you can see the mountains slowly approaching in the distance, and the lake is like a blue silk spread out. Suitable for taking pictures, the wind is a little strong, if you want to wear a hat, remember to fasten it.
You can also sit in the stern, the water was broken into white foam, like a long ribbon has been dragging behind you. Sitting there and watching the track pull away a little bit will give you a kind of “ah, I am really going forward” sense of wonder.
The interior of the cabin is also very comfortable, with large windows and upholstered sofas, many people order a cup of coffee and sit there all afternoon. The waiters come around with menus, offering drinks, snacks, and even meals. If you're willing to splurge a little, you can order a Swiss cheese platter with a glass of white wine - Lutry or Lavaux region, authentic as hell.
Departure: Lausanne Ouchy Marina (Ouchy-Olympique metro station within walking distance)
Operating hours: Spring and summer are the most intensive, usually from 9am to late afternoon. In winter, some routes are closed.
Fare reference:
Short loop (about 1 hour): 25 to 35 CHF
Medium and long routes (to Vevey, Montreux, Chillon): 40-60 CHF.
Most cruises are free of charge with a Swiss Travel Pass (route checking required).
Recommended route:
Easy: Lausanne - Vevey round trip, about 1.5 hours, suitable for morning or evening.
Scenic: Lausanne - Chillon Castle one way, approx. 2.5 hours, can be combined with a boat trip.
Leisurely: the entire route around the lake, about 3 hours or more, suitable for a full day of relaxation
Services on board:
Catering service available, offering coffee, drinks, snacks, hot dishes
Seats are available for reservation (some boat types), or you can sit on the deck at will
Restrooms are available and kept tidy
Suitable for: all ages
Strollers can be brought on board and wheelchair access is friendly
Shaded areas and indoor lounging areas for the elderly
Photo suggestions:
Clear water in the morning, sunset in the evening.
Take pictures of mountains at the bow, waves at the stern, and silhouettes of the boat at the side.
Don't be too afraid of the weather change, rainy days are also very “European”.
Recommended to carry:
Windproof jacket (windy on the lake)
Sunglasses, sunscreen
Camera or rechargeable cell phone
A book (for those times when you just can't get enough)
You may have traveled to many places and seen many lakes, but Lake Geneva, seen from a boat, seen in the wind, seen from the foot of the Alps, is different. It's not meant to be viewed from a boat, it's meant to “stop”. If you are traveling and need a little “useless but comfortable” time, come to Lausanne and get on this boat. You don't have to do anything, let the lake take you and see everything slowly.
