THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Turn Lausanne’s old-town streets into a playground with a self-guided scavenger hunt that uses the World City Trail app. Solve location-based riddles as you walk 3.5 km of landmarks—from Esplanade de Montbenon to the Cathedral—at your own pace.
Turn Lausanne’s old-town streets into a playground with a self-guided scavenger hunt that uses the World City Trail app. Solve location-based riddles as you walk 3.5 km of landmarks—from Esplanade de Montbenon to the Cathedral—at your own pace.
You step off a tram onto a broad esplanade, the city breathing around you — cobblestones underfoot, the cathedral spires pointing toward the lake, and a set of clues glowing on your phone. This self-guided scavenger hunt lets you move through Lausanne at your own tempo, following the World City Trail app from the Esplanade de Montbenon through the medieval lanes to Place de la Palud and the timbered streets that funnel toward the cathedral.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by World City Trail · Lausanne, Vaud
You step off a tram onto a broad esplanade, the city breathing around you — cobblestones underfoot, the cathedral spires pointing toward the lake, and a set of clues glowing on your phone. This self-guided scavenger hunt lets you move through Lausanne at your own tempo, following the World City Trail app from the Esplanade de Montbenon through the medieval lanes to Place de la Palud and the timbered streets that funnel toward the cathedral.
Lausanne sits on steep terraces above Lake Geneva; its compact upper town grew around a 12th-century cathedral and a cluster of civic buildings like the Parlement Vaudois and Château Ste-Maire. Stone façades and narrow stair alleys tell of a city shaped by centuries of trade, religion and cantonal governance more than dramatic geology — though the view down to the lake reveals the glacial sculpting of the region.
Culturally, the route mixes civic squares and quiet parish churches — Palais de Rumine’s museums peep from a classic façade, while Flon offers a more modern urban vibe and street art. The game’s clues highlight local facts and legends without requiring paid entry; you can pause the tour, eat in a café, and pick up again later.
Practicalities: the route covers about 3.5 km of mostly paved streets with an estimated walking time of 43 minutes but plan 1–2 hours to solve puzzles, photograph landmarks and rest. You need a charged smartphone and internet to run the app, comfortable shoes for stairs and slick cobbles, and a tolerance for occasional crowds near the cathedral and main squares.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; ability to walk 3–4 km on paved surfaces and climb short stair sections is sufficient.
Download the World City Trail app, redeem your booking within the app, and begin at any listed starting point — there’s no hosted guide and no set start time.
No — the puzzles focus on outdoor areas; entering museums or paid attractions is optional and not required to complete the game.
Yes — the activity requires internet to load clues and log progress, so bring mobile data or use local Wi‑Fi where available.
Yes — the activity is family- and group-friendly; puzzles are adaptable, and you can pause the tour to accommodate different paces.
Lausanne’s upper town developed around its 12th-century cathedral and evolved as a cantonal administrative center; many civic buildings reflect 18th–19th century civic growth.
Respect historic fabric by staying on public paths, avoid climbing on monuments, and carry out any trash; supporting local cafés helps sustain small businesses in the old town.
World City Trail operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off a tram onto a broad esplanade, the city breathing around you — cobblestones underfoot, the cathedral spires pointing toward the lake, and a set of clues glowing on your phone. This self-guided scavenger hunt lets you move through Lausanne at your own tempo, following the World City Trail app from the Esplanade de Montbenon through the medieval lanes to Place de la Palud and the timbered streets that funnel toward the cathedral.
You step off a tram onto a broad esplanade, the city breathing around you — cobblestones underfoot, the cathedral spires pointing toward the lake, and a set of clues glowing on your phone. This self-guided scavenger hunt lets you move through Lausanne at your own tempo, following the World City Trail app from the Esplanade de Montbenon through the medieval lanes to Place de la Palud and the timbered streets that funnel toward the cathedral.
Lausanne sits on steep terraces above Lake Geneva; its compact upper town grew around a 12th-century cathedral and a cluster of civic buildings like the Parlement Vaudois and Château Ste-Maire. Stone façades and narrow stair alleys tell of a city shaped by centuries of trade, religion and cantonal governance more than dramatic geology — though the view down to the lake reveals the glacial sculpting of the region.
Culturally, the route mixes civic squares and quiet parish churches — Palais de Rumine’s museums peep from a classic façade, while Flon offers a more modern urban vibe and street art. The game’s clues highlight local facts and legends without requiring paid entry; you can pause the tour, eat in a café, and pick up again later.
Practicalities: the route covers about 3.5 km of mostly paved streets with an estimated walking time of 43 minutes but plan 1–2 hours to solve puzzles, photograph landmarks and rest. You need a charged smartphone and internet to run the app, comfortable shoes for stairs and slick cobbles, and a tolerance for occasional crowds near the cathedral and main squares.