The Tropiquarium de Servion is an indoor zoo dedicated to tropical animals, located in the Jorat region of Vaud near Lausanne. Here you can see Komodo dragons, giant tortoises, African penguins, reptiles and tropical birds.
Aquariums & vivariums
Main highlights
- Komodo dragons : Switzerland’s only pair of these largest living lizards, housed in a dome
- Endangered species : Galápagos giant tortoises, Siamese crocodiles and African penguins
- Indoor, heated route, ideal in any weather and any season
Overview
The Tropiquarium de Servion traces its origins back to 1979, when the Servion Bird Park opened. The facility later specialised in tropical reptiles and expanded in stages.
A pavilion for African penguins opened in 2007, an area dedicated to renewable energy in 2009, followed in 2014 by a dome built to house Switzerland’s only pair of Komodo dragons. The park recreates tropical habitats and raises awareness about protecting endangered species.
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What to see and do
The vivarium displays a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians in planted terrariums : boas, monitor lizards, tortoises, geckos and poison dart frogs. The park also grows fruit here for its residents, using wood-chip heating and solar panels.
The endangered species dome is home to the Komodo dragons, which can exceed 3 m in length and 130 kg, as well as the Siamese crocodile and the Galápagos giant tortoise. In fine weather, some animals head out into the adjoining outdoor areas. The African penguin pavilion features an indoor pool with access to the outside.
In the tropical greenhouse, you walk among free-flying tropical birds. The aviaries house flamingos, ibises and cranes, while outdoor enclosures are home to ostriches and giant tortoises. An educational pavilion explains five renewable energy sources : biomass, wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower.
Practical information
Getting there : in Servion (VD), via the A9 motorway, exits Chexbres-Puidoux or Lausanne-Vennes, or the A1, exit Payerne. Buses run from La Sallaz (M2 metro) or from Palézieux station to the Servion, Zoo-Tropiquarium stop.
Visit duration : 2 to 3 hours.
Visitors : the route is accessible to pushchairs and people with reduced mobility. Dogs are not allowed.
On site : car park, restaurant with terrace, picnic areas, playground with zip line and slides, gift shop.
Visitor tips
As the route is indoors and heated, the Tropiquarium is a great option on rainy days. The Zoo de Servion is right next door : a combined ticket lets you visit both parks in a single day.
This venue is part of the selection The top 10 indoor activities for children in French-speaking Switzerland.
Nearby attractions
- The Zoo de Servion, founded in 1974, is a family-friendly animal park in the heart of the Jorat region of Vaud.
- The Château d’Oron, first mentioned in 1137, traces the history of the Lords of Oron and the Bernese period.
- Lac de Bret, above Puidoux, is a peaceful lake fed solely by natural springs.
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