Lavaux vineyards: which train ride is best, any moderate walks?
Kiwibird is planning a day trip in mid June to explore the Lavaux vineyards while staying in Cousier-Sur-Vevey. They’re looking for advice on the best train option to use, and whether to choose between the Cully or Lutry loop for scenic views, as they also have a car available.
- Consider taking the Train des Vignes for a public transport experience in the vineyards.
- The Lavaux Express offers scenic tours, but it's a tourist vehicle, not a train; both loop options have similar views, so choose based on convenience.
- It’s possible to buy tickets for the Lavaux Express on arrival without prior booking, which is ideal if your plans aren’t fixed.
AI-generated summary-
Hi . We are staying in Cousier-Sur-Vevey in mid June this year, and want to spend a day (a Wed or Thurs) exploring the Lavaux vineyards and hiking around the area. There have been some posts lately about this, but wanted to specifically ask – there seem to be a number train options (Train des Vignes, Lavaux Express, Lavaux Panoramic etc)…which of these would be best for us to take, to combine with walking for up to 1-3 hours if weather ok, to enjoy this area. We also have a car, which we can use if necessary but may be not needed on this day. Also the Lavaux Express seems to offer a Luttry loop or a Cully loop – if choosing between these, which would be most scenic? Many thanks Kiwibird
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Hi Kiwibird,
The Lavaux Express and Lavaux Panoramic are not actual trains, but train-shaped motorised vehicles designed to transport tourists around the narrow lanes through the vineyards.
They are a good option for people who would like to experience the vineyards up close, but may not have the mobility or stamina to do a long walk in steep terrain. The little carriages have open sides, so you can take photos without windows getting in the way (although the safety rails along the lanes do tend to get in the way!)
The Train des Vignes is an actual train (normal public transport) that runs on a railway line high up on the hills of the vineyards.
In terms of which of the little tourist vehicle options is most scenic, I have only done the Cully Loop on the Lavaux Express, so I can’t compare it with the others. However, I would expect they are all pretty much the same in terms of scenery, as they are all operating with the same general area.
Your choice will probably come down to which is more convenient in terms of point of departure, and days / times of operation, which vary quite a bit.
I did the Cully Loop in the Lavaux Express in mid-September 2019, after a walk in the vineyards, as I thought it might be a good opportunity to see more of the vineyards than I had seen on my walk. As it departs from and returns to the park adjacent to the Cully boat dock, arriving and departing by boat is most convenient if the boat timetable works for you, but the Cully railway station is not far away.
I didn’t reserve ahead, as I was not sure when I would finish my walk, and whether or not I would be able to get to the departure point on time. So I just bought my ticket on arrival, and was lucky enough to be accommodated in the next departure.
It was a pleasant ride, and at the halfway mark we had a break for about 10-15 minutes where there was a stand selling wine (Chapelle de Didier Imhof) and a lookout point.
I have attached some photos.
Alpenrose
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These photos were taken from the Train des Vignes and the connecting train on the route Vevey-Puidoux-Lausanne.
Alpenrose
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Hi kiwibird,
You’ve selected a lovely region to explore.
In addition to Alpenrose’s informative reply and what amazing photos with such stunning weather. Here are some details to a moderate walk which will allow you to enjoy and discover the Lavaux vineyards on foot and soak in the views of the lake from the vineyards.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Hi Alpenrose
Many thanks for this very helpful information – much appreciated. The photos are stunning – certainly the weather helps!
Kind regards
Helen
Hi Yolanda
Appreciate your reply – many thanks.
The walking route is very helpful. Looking forward to it all.
Cheers
Helen
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