The Best Golden Hour Spots in Lausanne Near Ouchy

For official information, visit Lausanne Tourisme.

For the most up-to-date details, check The Olympic Museum before you go.

Walking toward the Olympic Museum offers many benches for resting and taking your photos. Local families often gather here to enjoy the cool breeze and the changing sky colors. This route is part of the most popular best sunset walks in Lausanne for tourists. You will find many ice cream shops open along the promenade during the summer.

Access to Ouchy is very easy via the M2 metro line from the city center. Most parks along the shore are free to enter and stay open all day. You might see local sailors returning to the harbor as the sky turns orange. The mountain peaks across the lake often turn pink during the very last light.

The Majestic Lausanne Cathedral Terrace

The Cathedral of Notre Dame sits high above the city on a very steep hill. Its terrace serves as a fantastic location for panoramic views of the entire region. You can see the red rooftops of the Old Town glowing in the warm sun. The stone walls of the cathedral turn a deep gold during the late evening.

This spot is ideal for capturing the contrast between historical buildings and the lake. Many visitors enjoy sitting on the stone ledges to watch the horizon change colors. You can reach this area by climbing the famous Escaliers du Marché wooden stairs. The walk up the stairs is steep but offers many great views of Lausanne.

Explore the narrow streets nearby to find more hidden gems for your photography collection. Our guide to Lausanne Old Town walking routes highlights several great viewpoints. The atmosphere feels magical as the city lights begin to flicker on below. Make sure to bring a light jacket as the hilltop can get quite breezy.

Lavaux Vineyards and the Famous Le Deck

A short train ride from Lausanne takes you to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux wine region. These terraced vineyards are widely considered top locations for nature lovers in 2026. The sun hits the stone walls and green vines at a perfect angle. You will see the lake stretching out like a blue mirror toward France.

Le Deck is a popular terrace bar offering high-end drinks and unbeatable sunset views. It is located in the village of Chexbres and overlooks the entire vineyard landscape. You should book a table in advance if you plan to visit during the summer. The cocktails served here are excellent and match the high quality of the view.

The yellow trains run frequently between Lausanne and the small villages of the Lavaux. Learn where to watch sunset in Lavaux to find the quietest spots. Walking through these hills provides a great workout and many unique photo opportunities. The local wine is famous for its crisp taste and pairs well with sunsets.

Sauvabelin Tower and the Northern Heights

Sauvabelin Tower is a unique wooden structure located in a lush park above the city. It offers a 360-degree view that makes it a prime spot for evening visitors. You must climb the spiral staircase to reach the top of the tall tower. From the top you can see the Jura Mountains and the entire lake basin.

The surrounding park features a small lake and several friendly animals for children. It is a great place for a quiet picnic before the sun begins to set. Entry to the tower is free but check the seasonal closing times before you go. The wooden architecture creates interesting shadows and patterns during the final hours of daylight.

The park is accessible by bus number 16 from the main train station in Lausanne. Consider following some sunset photography tips for Lausanne walks while you are here. This is a favorite spot for locals who want to escape the busy city center. Wear comfortable shoes as the park paths can be a bit steep in places.