The 20 Most Amazing Peaks in the Vaud
Best mountain peaks in the Vaud canton offer a diverse range of landscapes across its Alpine and Jura regions. This area features numerous peaks, providing varied terrain and opportunities for outdoor activities. The Vaud Alps present high-altitude challenges and extensive views, while the Jura mountains offer more accessible summits and panoramic vistas. Visitors can explore a wide array of natural features and trails throughout the region.
Best mountain peaks in the Vaud
- The most popular mountain peaks include La Dôle Summit, a summit that offers magnificent views of Lake Geneva. This peak is the second highest mountain in the Swiss Jura and hosts a meteorological station.
- Another must-see spot is Dent de Vaulion, a summit that provides a panorama of western Switzerland, including several lakes. At 1,483 meters, it is the highest mountain in its immediate region.
- Visitors also love Mont Tendre Summit, a summit and the highest point in the Swiss Jura at 1,679 meters. From the summit, there is a 360-degree panorama of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
- Vaud is known for its high-altitude Alpine peaks and the more accessible Jura mountains. The region offers a variety of mountain peaks to see and explore, from challenging climbs to summits with easy access.
- The mountain peaks in the Vaud are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 70 upvotes and 45 photos shared.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Pic Chaussy Summit
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AstroPléiades Astronomy Trail
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La Dôle Summit
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Dent de Vaulion
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Col de Porte (Jura)
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Chasseron Summit
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Les Avants Village
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The charming village of Les Avants is located at an altitude of about 1000 meters and is part of the municipality of Montreux. It is at the gateway to the Pays d'Enhaut and the Vaud Prealps. The village was one of the first ski resorts in Switzerland and was home to the first Swiss bobsleigh run.
10 km from Lake Geneva, nestled under the Dent de Jaman and the Rochers de Naye, Les Avants is an ideal place for hiking. Many marked hiking trails, including the Daffodil Trail, attract hikers, especially in May when the hills are covered with the white flowers of daffodils.
Also to discover is the flower clock, one of the oldest in Europe, on the Place de la Gare.
Text / Source: SIA Les Avants
lesavants.ch
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Mont Pèlerin Plein Ciel Tower
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You can access the summit tower to benefit from a clear panorama for 5 CHF.
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Col du Marchairuz (1,449 m)
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Mont Tendre Summit
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Tips from the Community
The view is breathtaking all around
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The route up from Biere on the Swiss side is a solid steady climb with a few 12% and 13% sections. Traffic is quite light and the road is excellent. The trees give some nice protection from the sun and wind. Crossing the col northwards takes you down to the Vallé de Joux on a pretty steep decent with great corners and some short straights. My brakes made sounds I have never heard before! I did this and Col de Mollendrux together for a great 80k / 1,500 m ride. Recommended.
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Easy paths lead up, the view is gigantic, all the famous Alpine peaks can be seen and in front of them Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Geneva
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Greenery, small trail path, wild nature, everything is there to enjoy a breath of fresh air
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Les Avants The village was one of the first ski resorts in Switzerland. In the nineteenth century, the spa town experienced a certain tourist development with the construction of the first hotels by the Dufour family. The construction of the Jaman tunnel in 1905, which provided a rail link with the Pays d'Enhaut, allowed the resort to become a strong tourist destination until the First World War, notably with the collaboration of the architect Louis Villard. Served by one of the first electrified railways, with a steep slope and no rack railways, the village is a popular destination for the English. It is also home to Switzerland's first bobsleigh run (which later became a toboggan run) and an ice rink. It was on this ice, which was actually tennis courts converted into an ice rink below the "Grand Hôtel des Avants", that the first European Ice Hockey Championship was held in 1910. Since 1910, the Les Avants - Sonloup funicular (still in operation, with the two carriages and the historic machines renovated between June 2012 and January 2013) has been operating on the Sonloup site, allowing sledders to climb to the top of the slopes again. The first war, especially the crisis of 1929, halted development and the large hotels gradually closed. Now competing with the many winter sports resorts created after the 1939-45 war, Les Avants was never to experience the tourist attraction it enjoyed at the beginning of the century. Ernest Hemingway had recently lived in the village for a few months in 1922 (at the "Pension de la Forêt" on the outskirts of Chamby) and wrote about his experiences and pleasures of the sled race there in several chapters of "A Farewell to Arms". In the second half of the century, the village developed into a residential area and experienced a tourist activity such as hiking and some winter activities in the low mountain range (sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ski touring). Text / Source: SIA Les Avants https://www.lesavants.ch/histoire
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Les Avants The charming village of Les Avants is located at an altitude of about 1000 meters and is part of the municipality of Montreux. It is at the gateway to the Pays d'Enhaut and the Vaud Prealps. The village was one of the first ski resorts in Switzerland and was home to the first Swiss bobsleigh run. 10 km from Lake Geneva, nestled under the Dent de Jaman and the Rochers de Naye, Les Avants is an ideal place for hiking. Many marked hiking trails, including the Daffodil Trail, attract hikers, especially in May when the hills are covered with the white flowers of daffodils. Also to discover is the flower clock, one of the oldest in Europe, on the Place de la Gare. Text / Source: SIA Les Avants https://www.lesavants.ch/
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Wonderful vantage point high above Lake Neuchâtel
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Magnificent view of the Mont Blanc range
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain peaks in Vaud offer the most expansive panoramic views?
For breathtaking vistas, consider Mont Tendre Summit, the highest point in the Swiss Jura, offering a 360-degree panorama of Lake Geneva and the Alps. La Dôle Summit also provides magnificent views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the Vaud Alps, Rochers de Naye is easily accessible by mountain train from Montreux and offers stunning views over Lake Geneva and the surrounding peaks.
Are there family-friendly mountain experiences in the Vaud region?
Yes, several peaks offer family-friendly options. Les Pléiades, accessible by cog railway from Vevey, features an open-air exhibition dedicated to the solar system and is particularly beautiful during the daffodil bloom in spring. While not a peak itself, AstroPléiades Astronomy Trail is categorized as family-friendly. Mont Pèlerin, Vevey's local mountain, is also accessible by funicular, providing easy access to views from the Mont Pèlerin Plein Ciel Tower.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks in Vaud?
The Vaud region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Classic mountain passes loop in the Vaud Alps' or 'Mont Tendre Bike' for mountain biking. For running, consider the 'Pic Chaussy — loop course from Les Mosses'. Many of these routes are detailed in the Cycling in the Vaud, Running Trails in the Vaud, and MTB Trails in the Vaud guides.
Which mountain peaks are best for observing wildlife in Vaud?
Vanil Noir is an exceptional spot for wildlife observation, with ibex, chamois, and marmots frequently sighted within its nature reserve. Grand Muveran, set in a secluded wilderness, also offers a chance to observe local wildlife such as chamois and ibex in their natural habitat.
Are there any mountain peaks in Vaud with historical significance or unique natural features?
Yes, Pic Chaussy Summit offers insights into the region's past with visible remains of a former gondola lift and ski slope. Vanil Noir, part of a nature reserve, boasts a rich diversity of flora, including over 500 plant species and 70 butterfly species. Rochers de Naye is home to 'La Rambertia,' a beautiful alpine garden.
What are some accessible mountain peaks for beginners or those seeking an easier hike?
Mont Tendre is relatively accessible, with a paved road leading to an alpine café near the top, followed by a short 15-minute walk. Hiking routes from Mollendruz pass are suitable for beginners. Mont Pèlerin is easily reached by funicular from Vevey, making it a convenient option for those seeking views without strenuous hiking.
Where can I find mountain huts or restaurants near the Vaud peaks?
Near Dent de Vaulion, there's a cozy restaurant a short walk from the summit. Mont Tendre also has an alpine café near its summit. Additionally, Col du Marchairuz (1,449 m) features a restaurant, making it a good stop for a break.
Which mountain peaks are ideal for winter sports enthusiasts?
The Diablerets massif, including Sommet des Diablerets, is well-known for its glaciers and supports several popular ski resorts, offering extensive opportunities for winter sports. Le Chamossaire, near Villars-sur-Ollon and Les Diablerets village, is also a connected hub for winter activities.
What are the highest peaks in the Vaud region?
Sommet des Diablerets, at 3,216 meters (10,551 ft), is the highest peak entirely within the canton of Vaud. In the Jura Mountains, Mont Tendre Summit is the highest at 1,679 meters, while Vanil Noir, at 2,389 meters, is the highest peak of the Fribourg Prealps, shared with the canton of Fribourg.
Are there any long-distance hiking trails that pass through the Vaud mountains?
Yes, sections of the 'Chemin des Crêtes du Jura' pass over Mont Tendre, offering various hiking routes. The Col de Porte (Jura) is also part of the Jura Ridge Trail, providing wonderful views of Lake Geneva and the natural park.
What is the best time of year to visit the Vaud mountains?
The best time to visit depends on your desired activity. For hiking and exploring alpine flora, late spring to early autumn (May to October) offers pleasant weather. Spring is particularly stunning in areas like Les Pléiades when daffodils carpet the fields. For winter sports, December to March is ideal.
Can I find dog-friendly hiking trails in the Vaud mountains?
While specific rules can vary by trail and protected area, many trails in the Vaud region are dog-friendly, especially in the Jura mountains. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, particularly in nature reserves like Vanil Noir, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Check local signage for specific regulations.
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