Rossinière is in the canton of Vaud, in the Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut district. If you would like to combine architectural heritage with nature or hiking, you’ll find plenty of options here, from the Grand Chalet and sites dedicated to Balthus to trails around the municipality. When choosing your travel dates, take seasonal opening times and trail conditions into account.
Timber architecture and local history
The Grand Chalet is classified as a monument of national importance and is one of Switzerland’s largest wooden residential buildings. Its 113 windows give the building a striking scale. The plans included large cellars for cheese, which was to come from local farmers and their neighbours.
The Hameau de la Frasse is one of the oldest settlement centres in Rossinière; most of its buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its south-facing façades feature carved wooden decorations and painted or engraved inscriptions. Here, the focus is on the façades’ details, while the Grand Chalet also stands out for its size.
The Cure de Rossinière combines stone architecture with local traditions, including a wooden-shingle roof and broad wooden galleries along its sides. The Temple de Rossinière has been classified as a historic monument since 1900. Together, the buildings offer a variety of architectural features, from carved wood to stone and gallery designs.
Balthus and cultural visits
The Atelier Balthus is located in the Grand Chalet, where the artist Balthus lived. A visit offers a chance to discover his working environment. Access is subject to seasonal opening dates; check before you travel.
The Chapelle Balthus in the centre of Rossinière shows films, photographs and artworks about the figurative painter. These include nine important films by director Jacqueline Veuve about the trades and skills of woodworkers. In the garden below the chapel, you can pause at Balthus’s grave.
Guided tours of Rossinière introduce visitors to the history, architecture and life of the Pays-d’Enhaut. Confirm availability before booking.
Landscape and trails
Rossinière is part of the Pays-d’Enhaut–Les Mosses section of the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park. This section also includes Château-d’Œx, Ormont-Dessous and Rougemont. The nature park is home to notable biotopes and geotopes, as well as a rich variety of flora and fauna.
The landscape around Rossinière is considered pre-Alpine, with mountain pastures, dense forests and mountain formations. The Sarine and the Hongrin Valley shape the wider local topography. Alongside architectural heritage, the landscape and natural surroundings are further themes to explore during your stay.
On foot or by mountain bike
The Boucle de Rossinière au Clos des Mis circular hike starts in the village centre and is 4.9 kilometres long. It follows a forest trail alongside the Torrent de la Frasse to the Clou des Mis, from where you can enjoy a view of Lac du Vernex. The route is accessible in summer and autumn, subject to conditions. Check before setting out.
The Rochers-de-Naye–Rossinière hiking trail reaches Rossinière station after crossing the Sarine over a stone bridge. For a mountain bike ride, the Les Villages du Pays-d’Enhaut route, SuisseMobile no. 593, passes through Rossinière. The options therefore vary according to your mode of transport and destination; they should not be treated as one continuous route.
Getting there and planning
Rossinière station is on the Montreux–Oberland Bernois (MOB) line. The MOB serves the station from Montreux or Zweisimmen as a request stop. Check the latest service information before travelling and take the request-stop arrangement into account when planning your journey.
For a stay focused on culture and trails, it’s worth coordinating the Atelier’s opening dates, the circular hike’s conditions and the train connection with your chosen travel dates. This way, you can explore Rossinière’s architectural heritage, Balthus sites and landscape according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Les Avants, L'etivaz, Chamby, Jongny, Vevey, La Tour-De-Peilz, Chardonne VD, Château-D'oex
For the wider travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.
