Discover Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut

The Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut district stretches from the Vaud Prealps to the Fribourg peaks. Spruce forests, lush pastures and villages such as Rossinière, Rougemont and Château-d’Œx shape the landscape. When choosing a hotel, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your trip: would you mainly like to hike, discover regional architecture, or learn about traditional crafts and cheesemaking? The region offers different ways to explore each of these interests.

Hiking and alpine landscapes

Hiking trails lead through spruce forests, across pastures and through traditional villages, with far-reaching views along the way. Pierreuse, south of Château-d’Œx, is a special natural area. This protected area of national importance encompasses rocks, pastures, marshes and spruce forests, and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including ibex, chamois, eagles and black grouse. The landscape can be appreciated not only for its views but also for its variety of habitats.

In Château-d’Œx, the Turrian Bridge, built in 1883, crosses the Sarine and marks the entrance to the Ramaclé floodplain, known for the beauty of its waterfall. The bridge is within walking distance of Château-d’Œx. Trail runners will find routes for various ability levels at Espace Trail du Pays-d’Enhaut. Trail Connect provides maps, elevation profiles, points of interest, GPX files and information on opening hours. The Pays-d’Enhaut also offers outings by mountain bike, gravel bike, road bike and e-bike. In winter, prepared and marked cross-country ski trails are available for both classic and skating styles.

Crafts, museums and architecture

The Musée du Pays-d’Enhaut has an important collection of paper-cutting works and is considered a Swiss centre for this centuries-old tradition. Paper-cutting can also be discovered in the Pays-d’Enhaut through exhibitions, workshops and introductory courses. Bobbin lace is another living craft tradition: demonstrations and workshops offer an insight into how the craft is passed down. Those interested in traditional building methods can look out for the so-called tavillons. These individual, thin wooden shingles cover and clad roofs and façades; a few craftspeople in the Pays-d’Enhaut still practise this craft.

In Rougemont, historic wooden houses with carved or painted façades are a defining feature of the village. Beneath the gable, you may find the year of construction, often a biblical text, and the names of the owner and carpenter. The Grand Chalet, formerly called Grande Maison, was built in 1754 as a two-family home and later became associated with the painter Balthus. He lived and worked there from 1977 until his death in 2001. The house’s historic cheesemaking heritage includes a large cheese cellar and the original intention to make the building a centre for the cheese trade.

With its interactive exhibition, Espace Ballon is dedicated to the history and appeal of hot-air ballooning. The Chapelle Balthus in Rossinière offers a different way to explore the connection between place and art: it is open to visitors and displays works, mementos and tributes connected with Balthus. Balthus’s studio opens its doors in summer, offering a rare glimpse into his creative workspace; this visit is seasonal.

Cheesemaking traditions and regional discoveries

At Le Chalet in Château-d’Œx, the offer includes demonstrations of cheesemaking over a wood fire, followed by a tasting. The Maison de l’Étivaz combines cellar tours and insights into cheesemaking with a tasting of a cheese renowned far beyond the country’s borders. Those who prefer to spend time outdoors can combine an easy hike on the Sentiers du Fromage d’alpage with explanations from a producer about making cheese over a wood fire. Savurando offers a playful walk with discoveries, puzzles and tastings. The experiences differ: one focuses on learning about production, while another invites you to explore and sample along the way.

Getting around the region

The GoldenPass Express runs from the Vaud Riviera through the Pays-d’Enhaut and on to Interlaken, passing through Gstaad and Zweisimmen, among other places. From your first overnight stay in the region, the Pass d’Enhaut provides free public transport across an extensive area, as well as offers and discounts from local providers. For a specific timetable reference: regional trains on line S5 call at Veytaux-Chillon station every hour; from there, Château de Chillon is a six-minute walk away. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, the landscape, culture and activities you have planned can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Château-D'oex, La Lécherette, L'etivaz, Vevey, Caux, Chardonne, La Tour-De-Peilz, Blonay, Corseaux, Rougemont Vd, Montreux, Jongny, Les Avants, Rossinière, Veytaux, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Chamby, Chardonne VD.

To the regional travel overview: Vaud.