Things To Do
in Gland
Gland is a small lakeside town on the north shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in the canton of Vaud, known for its pleasant promenade, marina and vineyards on the La Côte. It hosts international organizations (notably the IUCN) and attracts a mix of local commuters and expats who work in nearby Nyon and Geneva. The town is a good base for exploring the lake, nearby wine villages and the Jura hills, with easy rail links to Lausanne and Geneva.
Gland offers a relaxed, quiet atmosphere with opportunities for outdoor recreation, wine tasting and short cultural outings.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Gland, Switzerland, and settle into your charming accommodation overlooking Lake Geneva. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while taking in the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. Spend some time exploring the charming town streets and admiring the local architecture.
Visit the nearby Parc de l'Indépendance, a perfect spot for a picnic and a stroll amidst beautiful gardens and views of the lake. Take the afternoon to relax or engage in a variety of watersports like kayaking or paddleboarding. Optionally, consider visiting a local winery for a leisurely wine tasting.
Dine at a characteristic Swiss restaurant, savoring local specialties like fondue or raclette. Enjoy the warm ambiance and perhaps indulge in some Swiss chocolate for dessert. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk along the lakeside promenade, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
After breakfast, take a scenic train ride to nearby Montreux, famous for its breathtaking lakeside views and the annual jazz festival. Start your day by walking along the beautiful lakeshore promenade lined with flowers and palms. Visit the historic Château de Chillon, nestled on the lake's edge, and explore its fascinating history.
Take a break for lunch at a lakeside café, enjoying fresh fish dishes typical of the region. Afterward, visit the Montreux Museum to learn about the town's artistic heritage and cultural significance. If time allows, take a funicular ride up to Rochers-de-Naye for stunning panoramic views.
Head back to Gland for a relaxed evening, opting for a light dinner at a local brasserie. Spend the evening savoring Swiss desserts and perhaps a nightcap in a cozy bar. Experience the tranquil nightlife under the starlit sky by taking a leisurely walk around the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚆Local train ticket (short regional) | $6-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-200 |
| 🍷Glass of local wine | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lakeside setting with easy access to vineyards and mountain scenery
- Excellent public transport links to Geneva, Lausanne and Nyon
- Safe, clean and well-organized with high-quality services
- Good base for both relaxation and outdoor activities
- Relatively quiet with limited nightlife and entertainment within town
- Switzerland can be expensive compared with many other destinations
- Some attractions require travel to neighboring towns or into the hills
- Accommodation and dining prices increase during peak season
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Gland
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic views of the lake, marina and distant Alps—excellent for sunrise and sunset shots.
Terraced vineyards with rows of vines, rustic chalets and sweeping lake panoramas—great for golden-hour photos.
Boats, reflections and atmospheric early-morning light; seasonal activity makes for lively compositions.
Local viewpoints above the lake provide panoramic shots of the region and sweeping alpine backdrops on clear days.
Food in Gland
Gland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pan-fried perch fillets from Lake Geneva, usually served with potatoes; commonly found at lakeside restaurants in Gland, Nyon or Rolle.
Must-Try!
Classic Swiss melted-cheese dishes—raclette is popular in winter and many local restaurants or mountain huts offer both.
A regional sausage-and-leek stew (local to Vaud) often available in traditional restaurants and during seasonal festivals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local market (check local schedule) with fresh produce, cheeses and baked goods—great for assembling a picnic.
Close by and larger, Nyon’s market has produce, charcuterie, regional specialties and occasional street-food stalls on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Swiss culture values punctuality—arrive on time for appointments and shared activities.
Use a polite greeting (Bonjour) and a handshake in formal situations; be courteous and use formal French with older people unless invited to be informal.
Respect quiet hours (often evenings and Sundays) and keep noise to a minimum in residential areas.
Follow recycling rules and dispose of waste properly—locals take waste separation seriously.
Safety
Tipping in Gland
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is generally included in bills, but rounding up or leaving a small tip (5–10%) for exceptional service is appreciated. In cafés you can leave small change; in taxis and for porters rounding up is common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but have some cash (Swiss francs) for small shops, markets and rural places. Contactless and mobile payments are common; ATMs are widely available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant weather with opportunities for swimming, sailing and lakeside dining; tourist activity increases but Gland remains calmer than Geneva. Expect long daylight hours and many outdoor events.
Mild days and crisp evenings; vineyard colors change to gold and red—ideal for wine tastings and photography. Weather can be changeable, so bring layers.
Cold with occasional snow; lakefront is quieter and some lakeside facilities close for the season. Nearby Jura and Alps offer winter sports within an hour or two.
Variable weather with blossoming landscapes and fewer tourists—great for hiking and cycling before the summer crowds arrive.
Gland at Night
Hiking in Gland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle trails weaving through vineyards above the lake with panoramic views and winery stops—great for half-day walks.
Short drive to a popular ridge with trails and cable-car access; offers dramatic views over Geneva, the lake and the Alps (note: technically in France but very accessible).
Network of trails in the Jura mountains offering moderate hikes, forest scenery and viewpoints; suitable for day trips.
Longer day-hike options for panoramic alpine and Jura vistas; best for well-prepared walkers and clear weather days.
Airports
How to reach Gland by plane.
The closest major international airport (~30–45 minutes by car or train). Frequent public transport connections to Gland via train and bus, making it the most convenient entry point.
Switzerland’s largest airport (~2.5–3 hours by train), an option for wider international connections but farther from Gland.
Major French airport (~2–2.5 hours by car), useful for some international flights; reachable by car or combined rail connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents from the canton of Vaud with local traditions and community life.
Gland’s international organizations and proximity to Geneva attract expatriates and international professionals.
Many residents commute to larger employment centers such as Nyon, Geneva and Lausanne for work.
The peaceful lakeside setting appeals to retirees and older residents seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Sailing is very popular on Lake Geneva with clubs and rental opportunities along the shore.
The nearby Jura and lakeside paths attract hikers and runners year-round.
Popular spectator and participant sports in Switzerland with local amateur clubs in the region.
Both road cycling along the lake and mountain biking in nearby hills are common activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gland.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in traditional restaurants—look for cheese-based dishes, salads and vegetable tarts; larger towns nearby (Nyon, Geneva) offer more variety.
Vegan choices are increasingly available at cafés and international restaurants, but always ask staff (French phrase: “Je suis végan/ve”); bring snacks when venturing into more rural areas.
Many places can accommodate gluten-free diets on request, but cross-contamination can occur—inform staff and prefer naturally gluten-free items like salads, grilled fish and potatoes.