15 unusual places around Lake Geneva
Jet d’eau of Geneva
Originally created for practical reasons, the Jet d’eau of Geneva has become an unusual yet essential tourist attraction. Rising 140 meters high, it shoots 500 liters of water per second at a speed of 200 km/h, creating one of the city’s most iconic sights.
Bex Salt Mines
The Bex Salt Mines are the last still operating in Switzerland — an unusual underground world of tunnels stretching for kilometers, part of which is open to visitors. This labyrinth reveals through the visit the secrets and techniques of salt mining from 1684 to the present day. Visitors take the miners’ train deep inside the salty mountain and can even take home a pure or flavored salt sample from the shop or market.
The Olympic Museum
Created in 1993 on the initiative of Pierre de Coubertin, the Olympic Museum sits along Lake Geneva in Ouchy, Lausanne. This modern and interactive place immerses visitors in the Olympic spirit. Here, technology stands beside ancient relics, offering an unusual blend of history, sport, and innovation.
Gorges du Pont du Diable
Access to the unusual Pont du Diable Gorges starts through the forest path called the “Parc Sylvestre,” leading to the entrance of the gorges. Informative signs punctuate the walk, and secure walkways guide visitors into the heart of the cliffs, above a subterranean river flowing deep in a breathtaking chasm.
Panoramic Express
The Panoramic Express, part of the unusual GoldenPass Line, runs from Montreux along Lake Geneva to Interlaken. Its elegant golden carriages offer spectacular panoramic views of Alpine landscapes, including Gstaad and Zweisimmen — an unforgettable rail journey through Switzerland’s heart.
Fort l’Ecluse
Built into the mountainside, Fort l’Ecluse stands as an unusual feat of military architecture. Besides its historical ruins, the fort provides an exceptional view of the Rhône Valley and hosts various festivals, performances, and concerts throughout the year.
Château de Ripaille
During a free, audio-guided or guided visit, wandering through Château de Ripaille and its park reveals countless surprises and treasures. This unusual historic site is also a wine estate surrounded by 22 hectares of Chasselas vines, producing a crisp white wine listed among France’s “100 Remarkable Taste Sites.”
English Garden
Beyond its view of Lake Geneva, the English Garden features unusual floral displays, including the famous “Flower Clock,” a tribute to Swiss watchmaking. The National Monument and an old-fashioned bandstand add charm to this lakeside retreat, which hosts summer concerts in a timeless atmosphere.
MUMAPS Museum (formerly CIMA)
In the village of Sainte-Croix, the world capital of mechanical music, the MUMAPS museum showcases an unusual collection of music boxes and automata. It offers a journey through the history of these mechanical wonders, while the Reuge Manufacture continues to produce exquisite musical automata in the traditional way.
Panoramic Balcony above the Sea of Fog
In winter, the panoramic terrace of Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses offers an unusual sight: a thick sea of fog resembling an ocean of clouds, while above it stretches a stunning view from Säntis to Mont Blanc.
Maison d’Ailleurs in Yverdon
The Maison d’Ailleurs in Yverdon-les-Bains is a museum of the unusual, dedicated to science fiction, utopia, and extraordinary journeys. Its rare collections and interactive exhibitions blur the boundaries between imagination, contemporary art, and pop culture — a fascinating dive into the realm of the fantastic.
Collection de l’Art Brut
In Lausanne, the Collection de l’Art Brut displays unusual artworks by self-taught, marginal, or unconventional creators. This one-of-a-kind museum offers a raw and spontaneous vision of creativity, away from traditional artistic codes, opening a new perspective on human expression.
Panorama de Champeillant
Perched discreetly above Lake Geneva, the panorama of Champeillant is an unusual viewpoint offering breathtaking, unexpected scenery of the lake and surrounding Alps, including Mont Blanc. This peaceful belvedere invites visitors to reconnect with nature off the beaten path.
Maison de la Rivière
Located in Tolochenaz, the Maison de la Rivière combines aquarium, scientific museum, and sensory trails in an unusual natural setting. Through interactive exhibits and immersive design, visitors discover the local aquatic biodiversity and the hidden life of Lake Geneva’s ecosystems.
Delta de la Dranse Nature Reserve
Near Thonon-les-Bains, the Delta de la Dranse Nature Reserve is a wild and unusual natural area at the heart of Lake Geneva. Its mosaic of preserved habitats makes it ideal for birdwatching and peaceful walks among river, lake, and wetlands — a secret haven for nature lovers seeking an authentic Lémanic experience.