Views & landmarks
Tour de Sauvabelin
What It Is
The Tour de Sauvabelin is a wooden observation tower situated in the Sauvabelin Forest in Lausanne. Built from local timber, it features a spiral staircase leading to an elevated deck with clear views across the city, Lake Geneva, and the Alps.
Getting There
From Lausanne city centre, local buses reach the forest in 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a brief walk along paved forest trails. Walking uphill from the central old town takes about 35 minutes.
Time to Allow
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes on site, which provides enough time to walk to the base, climb to the observation deck, and enjoy the scenery.
When to Go
Visit on clear days for optimal visibility across the lake and mountains. Weekends and sunny afternoons draw larger crowds of local walkers. Avoid wet, icy, or high-wind conditions, as the wooden stairs and open deck are exposed to the weather.
Nearby Attractions
You can combine a visit with several nearby destinations:
- Lac de Sauvabelin (0.2 km): A small lake located directly adjacent to the tower with surrounding footpaths.
- Vivarium de Lausanne (0.7 km): Situated just south of the forest area.
- Vinet/Pontaise (1.1 km): A residential and sports district downhill to the west.
- Château Saint-Maire (1.2 km): A historic 15th-century castle marking the northern edge of the old town.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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