Sauvabelin in Lausanne: animal park, lake, and wooden tower

A Breath of Nature Just Steps from the City

In Sauvabelin, the urban rhythm is quickly forgotten. Between the lake, shaded paths, small wildlife, and the large wooden tower, the place has everything for a simple and joyful family walk. It’s free, spacious, and you can easily choose the pace according to the children's ages.

What Your Children Will Discover

• The animal park, featuring endangered Swiss breeds supported by ProSpecieRara (booted goats, Valais red sheep, woolly pigs, Rhaetian grey cattle, Appenzell crested hens), which awaken curiosity and respect for living beings.
• The lake and its shores, perfect for observing ducks and dragonflies, listening to the wind in the trees, and feeling the forest.
• The Sauvabelin Tower, a large wooden totem that offers an incredible view of Lake Geneva, the Alps, the Jura, and the city. Climbing the steps becomes a little challenge to be proud of.
• Play areas and spaces to run, climb, and let off steam safely.

What to Expect On-Site

The activity is suitable from 2–3 years old to enjoy the animals and play areas. Allow 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your schedule: a leisurely tour of the lake, a visit to the animal park, a climb to the tower, and a picnic. The atmosphere is calm and natural, with a sporty touch if you climb the tower. The site is largely stroller-accessible (wide paths around the lake). The tower, however, is only accessible by stairs.

Access is free and open. No need to book. The tower is open from 8am to 6pm in April, from 8am to 8pm from 1 May to 30 September, from 8am to 6pm in October and from 8am to 5pm from 1 November to 31 March; it closes in stormy wind, snow or ice. Public toilets are located near the lake and neighboring restaurants.

In terms of equipment, think about shoes that provide good support, water bottles, snacks, hats, and sunscreen in spring/summer. After rain, some paths may be muddy: spare clothes are recommended for little ones. The site is generally safe; on the tower, keep children close and avoid it if you are afraid of heights or if the steps are wet.

The place is beautiful in spring, summer, and autumn when the forest changes colors. In winter, the walk remains lovely, but the tower may be closed and the stairs slippery.

In terms of learning, it nurtures curiosity (nature observation), motor skills (climbing the tower, walking in the forest), patience and respect for animals, self-confidence (the little challenge of the steps), and orientation thanks to the panoramic view.

Before You Go

• Activity: nature, observation, walking, small ascent of the tower.
• Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours, adjustable.
• Strollers: yes on the wide paths; no in the tower.
• Public transport: tl bus line 16, Lac de Sauvabelin or Signal stops; convenient and recommended on weekends.
• Budget: free (park, lake, tower). Consider bringing a snack or a drink.

Parents' Tips

• Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds and find a picnic spot.
• Start with a tour of the lake to warm up, saving the tower for the "final challenge."
• Bring lightweight binoculars: the view from the tower becomes a fun observation game.
• After rain, boots and a change of pants for little explorers.
• In summer, there’s plenty of shade, but water and a hat are still essential.

Useful Information

• Address: Lac de Sauvabelin, 1018 Lausanne
• Official site: City of Lausanne (leisure and nature section)
• Hours: park accessible continuously; tower open from 8am to 6pm in April and October, from 8am to 8pm from 1 May to 30 September and from 8am to 5pm from 1 November to 31 March, closed in stormy wind, snow or ice
• Ideal weather: dry weather; pleasant shade in extreme heat; caution if steps are wet
• Access: by car, small parking lot near the lake (quickly fills up on weekends). By public transport, tl bus line 16, Lac de Sauvabelin or Signal stops, or M2 to La Sallaz then walk through the forest.

Why We Recommend It

Because Sauvabelin brings together everything we love as a family: animals to observe, a soothing forest, an easy-to-walk lake, and a tower that delights young and old alike. It’s free, flexible, and we return each season to rediscover the place in a different light.

For What's Next

A simple, beautiful, and accessible nature outing that benefits everyone. For more local ideas tested by parents, create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter.