Travel Guide to Lausanne, Switzerland

Even though Lausanne is a small place, this is the most visited city of Switzerland that is traditionally popular among tourists. Lausanne is located at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi Mountains and the Alps, on the north shore of Lake Geneva. The population of the city together with the port town reaches approximately 125 thousand of inhabitants. If you make a ride on a funicular to the mountain peaks, you will be able to see breathtaking views of the city. This is also a great opportunity to visit the largest glacier of the Alps - Mer de Glace.

All historical places of interest of Lausanne are concentrated in its old part, on a hill named Cité. This part of the city is the location of the palace that once has belonged to Russian Count Ryumin. Today the palace is used to exhibit numerous zoological, historical, geological and archaeological collections. Art museum is located nearby. The museum features a large collection of works by local artists. Port quarter of the city is famous by such historical places of interest as the Gothic cathedral built in the XII century, the tower created in the XIII century, the castle of St. Mary (XIV century), and an original museum named "Art Brut" that exhibits mystical and scary work of people with mental disorders and other "unusual" people.

This town is also known as the location of headquarters of the International Olympic Committee and many other sports organizations.