Things To Do
in Lutry

Lutry is a charming lakeside town on Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, just a short train ride from Lausanne. It combines historic charm with sweeping views of the Lavaux vineyard terraces and the Alps beyond. The town sits on the water's edge, offering relaxed promenades, wine terraces, and a calm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Visitors can experience a blend of Swiss lake life, local wine culture, and easy access to the surrounding vineyards and mountains.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Lutry
morning
:

Arrive at Geneva Airport and take a train to Lutry, admiring the stunning views of Lake Geneva along the way. Once you reach Lutry, check into your charming lakeside hotel with a beautiful view of the Alps. Spend your morning exploring the picturesque streets of the old town and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café overlooking the lake, sampling Swiss specialties like fondue or raclette. Afterward, take a stroll along the promenade, visiting local artisan shops and galleries that showcase Swiss craftsmanship. Don't miss the chance to relax on the lakeside beach and watch boats gently glide across the water.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, savoring local wines produced from the Laveaux vineyards. After dinner, take a moonlit walk along the shore, where you can feel the gentle breeze and listen to the lapping waves. Wrap up your first night with a drink at a cozy bar, soaking in the ambiance of this charming town.

day 2
Exploring Lavaux Vineyards
morning
:

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a hike through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards. The panoramic views of terraced vineyards cascading down to Lake Geneva will take your breath away. Enjoy stopping at various viewpoints to take photos and fully appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.

afternoon
:

After your hike, have a wine tasting and lunch at a local vineyard where you can sample exquisite wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie. Learn about winemaking traditions from friendly vineyard staff and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the countryside. Afterward, stroll through the vineyard paths, immersing yourself in the landscapes of lush vines and panoramic lake views.

evening
:

Return to Lutry and treat yourself to dinner at a gourmet restaurant featuring seasonal dishes. Savor each bite while taking in the ambiance created by flickering candles and the sounds of soft conversation. Conclude the evening with a delightful gelato from a local shop, experiencing the Italian influence of the region.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🧀Local cheese$6-12
🚆One-way public transport ticket$2-4
🏨Hotel room (mid-range, per night)$120-200

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning lake and vineyard scenery
  • Close proximity to Lausanne and Lavaux wine region
  • High-quality public services and safety
  • Easy to reach by train from major Swiss cities
  • Quiet nightlife in Lutry itself
  • Limited dining options in the immediate town
  • Higher prices typical of Switzerland
  • Can be hilly and steep in parts around the vineyards
  • "Bonjour" - Hello
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est... ?" - Where is...?
  • "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
  • "L’addition, s’il vous plaît." - The bill, please.

Places to Visit in Lutry

Visit one of these nice places.

Port of Lutry Lakeside

Harbor views with pastel boats and reflections along the calm water, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Lavaux Vineyards Terraces

UNESCO-listed terraced slopes above Lutry offering dramatic lines, greens, and lake views across the water.

Ouchy Waterfront, Lausanne

Long promenade with boats, water, and mountain backdrops; ideal for blue-hour photography and wide landscapes.

Chillon Castle and Lake Geneva shoreline

Medieval castle framed by the lake and mountains, a classic Swiss-historic lake shot near Montreux.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lutry

Lutry and the surrounding Lausanne region celebrate fresh lake produce, local cheeses, and the famed Lavaux wines. Expect light, seasonal meals with generous portions of cheese, fish from the lake, and bread or potatoes as staples. The wine culture is deeply embedded in everyday dining, from casual bistros to vineyard terraces.

Lutry Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Papet Vaudois

Leek and potato stew served with sausages, a classic dish from the Vaud region.

Must-Try!

Filet de Perche du Lac Léman

Delicate perch fillet cooked with butter and herbs, frequently accompanied by potatoes and a light sauce.

Malakoff

A local cheese snack—deep-fried, crispy, and perfect as an appetizer or with drinks.

Tarte à la prune

A seasonal plum tart reflecting local fruit heritage, often found in pastry shops near the lake.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de la Riponne

Lausanne’s bustling market offering cheeses, breads, seasonal produce, and ready-to-eat treats on market days.

Lakeside Street Food by Ouchy Promenade

Casual stalls and snack options near the water with regional bites and light meals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lutry has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The lake moderates temperatures, often reducing heat in summer and lightening winter cold. Rain is possible throughout the year, with a tendency for wetter periods in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Greet with Bonjour or Bonsoir; use formal address until invited to use first names.

Punctuality and privacy

Be punctual for appointments; respect personal space and quiet in public places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Lutry is a safe town with typical Swiss safety levels. Take standard precautions in crowded tourist areas to avoid pickpockets; follow local guidance on weather conditions and mountain activities. In emergencies, dial 112 for help.

Tipping in Lutry

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are often included; if not, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary.

Payment Methods

Cash, debit/credit cards, and contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) widely accepted.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blossoming vineyards; great for walking and photography, with occasional rain.

Summer

Warm days and long evenings; lake activities and outdoor dining; occasional thunderstorms in late afternoon.

Autumn

Golden vineyard colors and harvest season; cooler evenings and wine tastings in Lavaux.

Winter

Milder than inland areas near the lake, with festive markets in Lausanne; occasional snow in higher elevations.

Nightlife Guide

Lutry at Night

In Lutry, nightlife is quiet and intimate, with lakeside bars and lounges; a short ride to Lausanne offers clubs, live music, and student-friendly venues along the Flon district and the Ouchy harbor area.

Hiking in Lutry

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lavaux Vineyards Terrace Trail

Scenic walk along UNESCO-listed terraces with lake views.

Forêt du Jorat

Extensive pine and beech forest with well-marked trails near the Lausanne region.

Airports

How to reach Lutry by plane.

Genève Aéroport (GVA)

Geneva International Airport, a major hub about 60-75 km from Lutry, accessible by train or car.

Zürich Flughafen (ZRH)

Zurich Airport, a major national hub about 230-260 km from Lutry, requiring train or flight connections.

Bern-Berne Belp Airport (BRN)

Bern Airport, a smaller regional airport about 120-150 km away, with limited international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Lutry is very walkable along the lake and through the village, with pleasant promenade paths. Some hills lead up to the terraced vineyards, which are doable but may be steep. A short train ride brings you to Lausanne for more dense urban walkable areas and services.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Many residents are locals with long-standing ties to the lake and vineyards.

Commuters

A significant number commute to Lausanne for work or study.

Students and young professionals

Proximity to Lausanne’s universities and job market attracts younger residents.

Tourists and day-trippers

Visitors primarily from Switzerland and nearby Europe.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Rowing on Lake Geneva

A popular sport around the lakefront towns; many clubs offer lessons and rentals.

Hiking and trail running

Accessible forest and vineyard trails in the Lavaux and Jorat regions.

Skiing and snowshoeing

In the nearby Alps, winter sports are popular in higher elevations.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in the region is excellent (trains and buses). Road traffic around Lausanne can be busy during peak hours, especially on routes to and from the lakefront; driving is reliable but Swiss roads can be expensive. Parking can be challenging in peak seasons, so consider trains or bicycles for local travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lutry.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Navigate by selecting cheese plates, vegetable dishes, dairy-based fondue, or mushroom and herb-focused plates. Ask for no meat or fish to tailor meals.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Switzerland has a high standard of healthcare. In Lutry you’ll find general practitioners and pharmacies; for hospitals and specialized care, Lausanne hosts CHUV and other major clinics. Swiss health insurance is required for residents and visitors, with emergency numbers 112 or 144 for medical emergencies.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide