Sauvabelin Tower is a solid wood tower over 35 m tall rising from the Sauvabelin forest, in the upper part of Lausanne. Its 151 ascending steps, arranged in a double helix, lead to a platform with views over the city, Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura.
Towers
Main highlights
- A wooden double helix that separates the way up from the way down, inspired by the structure of DNA
- A 360° panorama over the Lake Geneva basin, the Alps, the Jura and the Vaud countryside
- A family-friendly park around the tower, with a lake, a mini-zoo and a large wooden playground
Overview
Sauvabelin Tower stands on the mound above the Sauvabelin drinking water reservoirs, in the heights of Lausanne. It rises more than 35 m above the forest canopy and can be seen from several points in the city.
It is built from local solid wood sourced from the city’s own forests. Its 302 steps, 151 going up and 151 going down, form a double helix around a central axis. This design separates the flow of visitors and keeps traffic moving smoothly. Over time, the copper roof takes on a verdigris patina.
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What to see and do
The climb is the main attraction. The steps spiral steadily around the central axis, and the wood creaks underfoot. At the top, the observation platform offers a 360° view. On a clear day, you can see Lake Geneva along its entire length, the Swiss and French Alps, the Jura on the horizon and the hilly landscape of Lausanne.
Sauvabelin Park surrounds the tower. A path loops around the lake in a woodland setting. The mini-zoo along the shore is home to goats, woolly pigs, wild boar, ducks and other birds, which you can observe up close.
Children can enjoy Lausanne’s largest playground, with slides, huts and climbing structures made of natural wood. A vast grassy picnic area with tables and benches completes the setting.
Practical information
Getting there : buses 16 and 21, Sauvabelin stop, about 15 minutes from Place Saint-François. On foot, allow 30 to 40 minutes from the city centre. Limited parking nearby.
Visit duration : 15 to 20 minutes for the tower, half a day including the park, the lake and the mini-zoo.
Capacity : a maximum of 50 people at a time, controlled by an automatic gate.
Weather : access may be closed in strong winds.
Visitor tips
Choose a clear day to make the most of the view. The wood can be slippery in wet weather : climb carefully and take breaks; the effort is moderate. When it’s busy, expect a short wait at the gate.
With children, bring a picnic so you can combine the tower, the mini-zoo and the playground. This place is part of the Lausanne : Olympic capital selection.
Nearby attractions
- Lake Sauvabelin combines lakeside walks and wildlife watching in a woodland setting.
- The Musée de la main UNIL-CHUV offers interactive exhibitions on science, medicine and society.
- The Lausanne Botanical Garden brings together botanical collections, educational spaces and walking paths.
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