In Leysin, you can plan your days around marked trails, climbing areas, cheesemaking and winter sports. The options offer different highlights: a circular hike takes you to two lakes, while the ski area stretches across more than 100 kilometres of pistes. When planning your trip, first consider whether hiking, local cheesemaking, climbing or snow should take centre stage.
Hiking and views around Leysin
From the Berneuse cable car, you can access a network of marked trails that runs through green alpine pastures and larch forests. Access may vary by season. If you would rather plan a circular hike with named stops, a route from Leysin leads via Lac de Mayen and Lac d’Aï into the Swiss Pre-Alps. These two descriptions offer different perspectives: trails through pastureland and forest in one case, and a circuit passing two lakes in the other.
At the Berneuse cable car’s upper station, the revolving restaurant Le Kuklos welcomes guests with 360° panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. This makes the Berneuse trip a chance to visit a distinctive viewpoint. When planning your hikes, you can consider the cable car trails and the circular route via Lac de Mayen and Lac d’Aï as separate options, without assuming that their starting points are connected.
Cheesemaking and history
At Le Temeley, Alain Cornamusaz and his team make cheese from their cows’ milk every morning in a large, wood-fired cauldron. The traditional alpine dairy operates throughout the summer; the timing of a demonstration depends on the season. Arrange your visit in advance. At La Chèvrerie, you can watch cheese being made, sample products and buy them in the shop. Check current access before your visit. The two experiences have different focuses: at Le Temeley, the morning cheesemaking in the cauldron takes centre stage, while La Chèvrerie combines watching, sampling and shopping.
The Musée de Leysin offers a glimpse into everyday life in the 18th century in an authentic historic chalet. Opening arrangements may vary. Fort Famelon offers a different historical insight: the Second World War military fort is located 400 m below the summit of Tour de Famelon. Its corridors are about 300 m long; its rooms cover a total of 400 m² and span three floors. Check arrangements for visits in advance.
Climbing, skiing and other activities
Leysin offers indoor and outdoor climbing for beginners, children and experienced climbers alike. Climbing areas include multi-pitch walls, bouldering gardens and climbing gyms. The range therefore extends from climbing gyms to outdoor crags; which option you choose depends on the type of climbing that interests you.
In winter, Leysin is connected with Les Mosses and La LĂ©cherette, forming a ski area with more than 100 kilometres of pistes. The availability of lifts and pistes varies by season. LeysinPark is divided into several zones for all skill levels; its features may change over time. Downhill biking is another option, with 700 metres of vertical descent. Check the current route layout before your trip.
Planning your journey and travel dates
The Aigle–Leysin narrow-gauge railway line entered service in 1900 and runs through the vineyard slopes of the Vaud Chablais to Leysin. For your specific journey, check the timetable, as journey times may change.
Le Temeley operates as an alpine dairy throughout the summer, while the availability of lifts and pistes depends on the season. Access to the marked trails may also vary by season. This makes it possible to plan your stay around the activities you would like to enjoy in Leysin.
Discover more destinations: Villars-Sur-Ollon, Barboleusaz, Villeneuve Vd, Corbeyrier, Chessel, Ormont-Dessous, Ollon Vd, Bex
Return to the main travel overview: Aigle.
