Lac de Sauvabelin is a 2-hectare man-made lake created in the 19th century in a beech forest north of Lausanne. Walk around the water, watch ducks and swans, then see fallow deer, ibex and marmots at the neighbouring wildlife park.
Lakes & ponds
Lac de Sauvabelin
Main highlights
- Man-made forest lake north of Lausanne, lined with beech trees and circled by a 1.4 km trail
- Free-entry wildlife park with fallow deer, ibex and marmots in spacious enclosures
- Picnic areas with tables, benches and public grills by the water in the warmer months
Overview
Lac de Sauvabelin is a man-made body of water created in the 19th century by damming a small stream. The project follows the tradition of urban landscape parks designed for the leisure of the bourgeoisie, and the site quickly became a favourite walking spot for Lausanne residents.
The lake covers 2 hectares in the heart of a forest made up mainly of century-old beech trees. Over the decades, the site has been fitted with trails, rest areas and visitor facilities. It is one of the most popular green spaces in Lausanne.
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Things to see and do
A 1.4 km trail runs all the way around the lake. This easy loop, dotted with benches, lets you view the water from different angles. Ducks, moorhens and swans come close to walkers; a sign reminds visitors not to feed them, as bread harms their health. Several picnic areas with tables and benches line the route, with public grills in the warmer months.
Next to the lake, the wildlife park showcases Swiss fauna in enclosures that recreate their natural habitats. The fallow deer roam a large wooded area, the ibex have a rocky enclosure ideal for climbing, and the marmots live in a colony with burrows visible from the wooden fences. Information panels describe each species.
The surrounding forest offers many waymarked trails of varying lengths, leading up to the Signal de Sauvabelin, the highest point in the woods.
Practical information
Getting there : north of Lausanne, bus line 16, Sauvabelin stop, about 15 minutes from the city centre. Paid parking on site.
Visit duration : 1 to 2 hours for the lake loop, the tower and the animals.
Suitable for : families with children of all ages; the lake trail is accessible with pushchairs and for people with reduced mobility.
On site : free wildlife park, picnic areas, restaurant.
Visiting tips
Come on a weekday or in the morning to avoid the crowds on sunny weekends, especially at the picnic areas. Wear sturdy shoes, as some areas get muddy after rain, and bring warm clothing in winter for the wind-exposed tower.
This place is part of the Lausanne : Olympic capital selection.
Nearby
- The Tour de Sauvabelin, a wooden tower with 151 steps, offers a panoramic view over Lausanne and Lake Geneva.
- The Fondation de l’Hermitage hosts art exhibitions in a historic mansion.
- The Château St-Maire is a fortified 15th-century episcopal residence overlooking the old town.
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