Tour de Sauvabelin

Tour de Sauvabelin is a wooden lookout tower in the Sauvabelin forest above Lausanne, in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. About 35 metres tall, it is one of the city's most popular viewpoints. Entry is free, and the climb rewards you with a sweep across the city, Lake Geneva and the Alps.

What is the Sauvabelin tower?

The present tower opened to the public at the end of 2003 and replaced an earlier structure dating from 1904. It is built from timber harvested in Lausanne's own forests, mostly Douglas fir with spruce and larch. The city holds it up as a showcase for sustainable construction. The top platform sits at roughly 30 m, with the whole structure reaching about 35 m.

What can you see from the top?

The view runs a full 360 degrees. Lausanne's tourist office describes three of Switzerland's landscapes meeting in one frame: the Alps, the Jura and the Plateau. In clear weather the mountains across the lake stand out sharply, and visitors report spotting even Mont Blanc. The rooftops of Lausanne lie below, with forest and Lake Sauvabelin right next to the tower.

What is the climb like?

The stairway is a spiral shaped like an Archimedes screw. The step beams are fixed to a central axis, and a second, separate spiral carries people down, so up and down traffic never meets. Sources quote 151 steps each way, or 302 if you count both flights. The ascent is not technical, but it asks for average fitness. If heights bother you, note that the structure is open and airy.

How do you get there?

The tower stands in the Sauvabelin forest, north of central Lausanne, beside the walking paths around the lake. It is part of the "Balade des panoramas", a scenic walk promoted by Lausanne Tourism. You can walk up from the centre, or shorten the trip with city public transport. Pair the climb with a loop around the lake.

When is the best time to visit?

Clear afternoons and the hour before sunset give the best visibility, when the light picks out the Alpine ridgelines. In the warm season the tower is open through the day into the evening, with visitors reporting access until about 6 p.m. In winter and in fog the view can be limited, so check the forecast and the City of Lausanne website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is the tower free to climb? Yes, it is open to everyone at no charge.

How tall is it? About 35 metres, with the highest viewing platform at roughly 30 m.

What is it made of? Timber from local city forests, mainly Douglas fir, spruce and larch.

Is it a good stop with children? Yes, the surroundings are wooded and made for strolling, and the stairs are wide and safe. Over a hundred steps can tire the youngest, though.