
Travel diary
Published on 08.08.2025
Content
In Leysin, rock is more than just part of the landscape – it’s the living, spectacular, and fascinating soul of the region. From the slender silhouettes of the Towers of Leysin to the rugged formations of the Truex limestone pavements, every relief tells an ancient story, forged by the titanic forces of nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a thrill-seeker, or a curious wanderer, this area offers countless experiences centered around rock.
From dizzying climbs to peaceful walks, geological discoveries to moments of awe, here are 6 must-do activities this summer to explore this unique limestone mountain.
For those seeking thrills and direct contact with the rock, the via ferrata of the Tour d’Aï is an unmissable adventure.
Accessible to fit and active hikers, this secured route leads to the summit via the western face, using cables, metal rungs, and footbridges. It offers a fun and vertical way to experience the mountain, with stunning views over Lake Geneva, the Alps, and even Mont Blanc on clear days.
Additionally, the via ferrata of Plan Praz, also located in Leysin, offers another vertical route full of excitement.
All necessary gear can be easily rented in Leysin, notably at Hefti Sports, located at the base of the ski lifts.
A child and two young people getting to grips with the via ferrata at Tour d'Aï © Visualps Matthias Lehmann
Just steps from the peaks, the Truex limestone pavements reveal a strange and captivating calcareous world. This plateau, streaked with grooves and crevices carved by millennia of erosion, resembles a natural labyrinth.
Easily accessible from the Leysin – Tête d’Aï chairlift or from the Restaurant des Fers, it's the perfect spot for a unique walk, whether solo or with friends.
Everyone will be amazed by this almost lunar landscape, inviting both exploration and peaceful reflection.
Drone view of the Lapiaz of Truex, with a view of the towers of Leysin and Lake Geneva. © Visualps - Matthias Lehmann
The Three Towers Trail is a legendary hike linking the Tour d’Aï, Tour de Mayen, and Tour de Famelon, offering a complete experience through these time-sculpted formations.
Suitable for intermediate to experienced hikers, the route winds through alpine pastures, rocky zones, and scenic viewpoints with exceptional panoramas of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and occasionally Mont Blanc.
It’s a full immersion in a grand natural setting, where every turn unveils a new view, a new geological story, and a fresh invitation to pause and take it all in.
Hikers above Lake Aï, with the Tour d'Aï and Tour de Mayen in the background. ©matthiaslehmann - Visualps
Leysin is a favorite destination for climbers, offering numerous climbing routes for all levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find natural walls with varied challenges and breathtaking views of the Alps and Lake Geneva.
Local guides offer supervised outings to learn the basics, improve your skills, or simply discover the joy of climbing in complete safety, all while benefiting from their deep knowledge of the terrain and best spots.
Girl climbing ‘Wall Street’ in Leysin, seen from the top of the climbing route. © Visualps - Matthias Lehmann
To explore Leysin’s rock formations and landscapes with peace of mind, nothing beats a guided outing with the professionals of the Alpes Vaudoises Mountain Guides Office.
These passionate guides offer themed hikes, technical routes, and via ferrata introductions.
It’s the perfect opportunity to learn, grow, and have a more immersive experience in a safe and friendly setting.
Mountaineer on a mountain ridge in the Alpes Vaudoises. © Bureau des guides des Alpes Vaudoises
While the summits offer breathtaking views, the mountain’s depths also hold their own share of wonder.
In Leysin, caving lets you explore an underground world carved by thousands of years of water infiltration into the limestone.
Led by professionals, these expeditions are open to beginners and experienced cavers alike and offer a chance to immerse yourself in fascinating caves, galleries, and natural caverns.
In the mineral silence, among shadows, stalactites, and narrow passages, the mountain reveals a whole other side – intimate and mysterious. A one-of-a-kind adventure in direct contact with the rock.
Caving enthusiasts observing the rock by the light of their headlamps. © Caverfox
This summer, exploring Leysin’s rock formations means more than ticking off activities on a map – it means connecting with a timeless landscape, both powerful and calming.
Whether you climb a peak, wander through limestone cracks, or marvel at a scenic overlook, every experience reveals another facet of this mountain shaped by time.
Welcoming, accessible, and rich in meaning, Leysin’s rock invites everyone to slow down, observe, and feel – for an unforgettable summer stay between sky, stone, and emotion.
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Leysin Tourisme
Rte de la Cité 27
1854 Leysin
+41 24 493 33 00
info@leysin-tourisme.ch