A Guide to Hiking in the Alps

The Virée Alpestre is a circuit route through the Alps region of Vaud, starting from Aigle or Diablerets, passing through Bex, Gryon, Villars, Col de la Croix, Les Diablerets, and Le Sépey, and ending in Leysin.

World Cycling Centre (CMC)

Located on the banks of the Rhône River outside the town of Aigle, this futuristic building looks like a standard UFO. The World Cycling Centre is the headquarters of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and an important training and coaching center for top cyclists from around the world. You can also experience the glory and honor of the Olympics here with trampolines, an Olympic BMX track, and a velodrome with a 200-meter indoor track.

Aigle Castle

Surrounded by lush vineyards and set against the backdrop of the rolling Alps, the medieval Aigle Castle feels like stepping into a wonderful fairy tale. The Vine and Wine Museum showcases nearly 2000 years of winemaking history in the region, with exhibits ranging from wine labels to harvest festival costumes. A warm tip for family visitors: there is an adventure park nearby where you can enjoy the fun of treetop walking in this rope park.

Bex Salt Mines Site touristique des Mines de Sel de Bex

The salt mines in Bex have been in operation since 1684. Today, the mines are still being exploited, with an annual salt production of about 35 tons. Over the centuries, miners have created a vast labyrinth of tunnels, some of which are open to the public. Visitors can take a mine train deep underground and learn about the different methods of salt extraction through audio and video presentations. The subsequent walking tour takes approximately one hour.

Les Bains de Lavey SA

According to local legend, people discovered the salt mines in the area because goats liked to drink the salty water of Lavey. The thermal spring water, which emerges from the ground, reaches temperatures as high as 69 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest mineral water in Switzerland. In this beautiful thermal bath, the pool temperatures range from 32 to 35 degrees Celsius, providing a very comfortable experience—visitors who do not consume alcohol are welcome to come and relax.

Golf-Club Villars

Dreaming of playing golf at a higher altitude? Try the sunny course at Villars (1600 meters above sea level), where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains extending all the way to Mont Blanc. This renowned 18-hole golf course is 5288 meters long and offers numerous challenges. But don't worry, you don't need to be an expert or even play golf: most visitors simply come here to enjoy lunch and take in the scenery.

Taveyanne

The charming mountain village of Taveyanne is filled with chalets and wooden shingle roofs, offering a pastoral resting place for hikers. The entire area is protected by conservation orders, and the village does not use electricity. At the cozy restaurant Refuge de Taveyanne, you can taste hot melted cheese with potatoes, cheese fondue, mushrooms, potato pancakes, and homemade fruit tarts, all prepared with wood-fired stoves.

Natural rock pyramids

These striking rocks are part of the natural heritage near Croix Peak, located on the route connecting Villars and Les Diablerets. Starting from the top of the pass (altitude 1778 meters), it takes only a few minutes on foot to admire this geological wonder: pyramids formed by natural gypsum eroded by wind and water over thousands of years. Continuing forward, the ridge offers magnificent views of the entire region.

Via Ferrata - Cascade - Alpe Grand Serre

Located near Les Diablerets, next to the 'Cascade du Dar' waterfall, this via ferrata (fixed rope climbing) route requires skill, strength, and a head for heights to conquer. This highly challenging route is situated on the cliff to the left of the waterfall, featuring several overhangs along the way and culminating in a thrilling high-altitude zip line. The entire via ferrata route is 400 meters long and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. How to get there: From Col du Pillon, head towards the waterfall, and you will reach it after about a 10-minute walk.

Ormonts Museum

This charming little museum is located in the village of Vers-l’Eglise, 2 kilometers from Les Diablerets, and is named after the nearby Ormonts Valley. The museum mainly showcases various aspects of life in the region, with exhibits covering history, geology, language, architecture, as well as natural disasters and agricultural traditions. We consider this museum a true gem and highly recommend a visit.

Peak Walk by Tissot - Glacier 3000

You must not be afraid of heights: the world's first suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks is 107 meters long and only 80 centimeters wide. Visitors can take a cable car from the Col du Pillon, located between Gstaad and Les Diablerets. The 'Peak Walk by Tissot' at Glacier 3000 connects the viewpoint with Scex Rouge (altitude 2971 meters). Entry to Glacier 3000 is free.

Kuklos Rotating Restaurant Panoramique Le Kuklos

The panoramic restaurant overlooking Leysin welcomes you to enjoy delicious food while admiring many famous peaks of the Alps from your seat. How is this possible? The Kuklos restaurant rotates around its axis every 90 minutes with the help of solar energy: you have plenty of time to savor delicious potato pancakes while enjoying the views of the Eiger, Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Lake Geneva, the Vaud Riviera, and the Rhone Valley slowly passing by outside the window.

Jardin Gentiana Medicinal Plant Garden

Every visitor interested in plants or natural medicines will enjoy touring the Gentiana Plant Garden, where they can also admire the magnificent scenery of the Rhône Valley. The garden is located below the resort of Leysin, not far from the sports center. It is one of the gardens with the most gentian and other medicinal plants grown in a natural environment, encompassing various plant growth environments such as woodlands, forest edges, marshes, dry meadows, and rocky soils.

Aigle Adventure Park

Do you see yourself as Tarzan or Jane? Here’s your chance to try! Traverse between treetops on suspension bridges, test your balance on wobbly wooden planks (15 meters above the ground), and glide through the air on high zip lines: both children and adults can experience thrilling fun at this adventure rope park located in Aigle. Spend 3 hours at this popular attraction in the Le Fahy forest, and it will definitely be worth your while.