//
Municipality in Vaud, Switzerland
Photo: Niels Elgaard Larsen - (WT-en) Elgaard at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Leysin, Switzerland in the commune of Vaud is a laid back, non-posh, non-pretentious mountain village in the Vaud Alps, above Montreux. It also happens to be the site of a ski resort with awesome off piste possibilities. Leysin is quickly earning a reputation as the college center of Switzerland, as it is the home of five international schools. While here stroll down the Rue du Commerce and check out the bohemian galleries, yet another side of this sleepy town. All that and the Kuklos, a mountain top revolving restaurant (of course!). In a way it's sort of amazing that one village can have this much cool stuff and remain as laid-back as Leysin is.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The views on the ride up are nearly as spectacular at those from the top. On a clear day you can take in Mt. Blanc, the Eiger, and Lausanne from this perch above Lac Leman.
At the southern edge of the village. Claiming to be the first toboggan park in the world which allows snow tubing in bobsled like runs, the toboggan park is a good alternative for kids and adults who are a bit too afraid of heights to ski, but who feel the need for snow and speed. Tickets for an hour and 50 minutes go for Fr. 20 for adults and Fr. 15 for kids. A single run on a tube is Fr. 3. The Leysin park is considered by some to be the best one in whole of Europe for its great jumps and chances for inexperienced skiers and snowboarders to practice without pressure
There's a fairly well maintained sledding run for kids opposite the Patinoire. It's completely bowl-shaped, so there's no risk of sledding out of control.
Offering basic Rösti, pasta, and other simple dishes the restaurant at the skating rink is a good place to warm up after (or wait out) kids' ski lessons at the neighboring jardin des neiges. Free Wi-Fi.
If you're in Leysin to ski there is no more convenient place to stay. It's directly next to the station for the cable car to the Berneuse. With 20 rooms. As usual with ski hotels the best room is the one in the attic.
Operates as a residence for the American summer school in July and August. It is available for group bookings of up to 60 people.
Two beautiful new chalet B+Bs near the lower village. Great views, exceptional hospitality.
This hotel might be a good choice when travelling with kids since it's just around the corner from the snow kindergarten, skating rink, and sledding area. Free Wi-Fi.
BNB L’Épicéa
Located in Leysin, a village in the Swiss Alps, this traditionally styled bed & breakfast offers a variety of facilities in a picturesque setting. Here, guests can enjoy mountain scenery and countryside views just 1 km from the cable car departure point and 60 km from Montreux and Gstaad. The hotel offers traditional rooms, decorated with mainly wooden furnishings, with a cosy atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi for guest use.
French language school. If you want to learn French, this is the place to be. All levels accepted, small classes, emphasis on oral. For more info, please check our website: www.voxlingua.ch
By car
Although the final approach to the village has a number of hairpin bends the potential motorist should not be deterred.
Leysin combines a great landscape, lower prices, and a lively atmosphere, so what's the rub? This is: a near total lack of public transport once you get off the train.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Geneva · International · GVA
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Leysin and Switzerland.
Travel tipsWhen the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it in 2026, with official prices, the break-even fare for each pass length and why the Half Fare Card often wins.
8 min read
Travel tipsStep-by-step Schengen visa application guide for 2026, covering embassy selection, €90 fees, photo specifications, bank statements and insurance.
6 min read
InspirationDiscover the best small towns to visit for a peaceful holiday, with car-free streets, scenic walks, and local food across five quiet destinations.
7 min read
Nature & adventureSwitzerland offers a great choice of ski resorts, from the small village to the large station. Most of Switzerland's ski resorts are surrounded by impressive landscapes such as large ice fields and high mountains (48…
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.