Bois de Sauvabelin – Urban forest & family park in Lausanne

A nature break in the heights of Lausanne

Above the city, the Bois de Sauvabelin combines fresh forest, a peaceful lake, and encounters with local wildlife. It’s a place where you can walk without rushing, where children observe, touch, compare, and ask a thousand questions. People come here to breathe, play, and leave with rosy cheeks and sometimes a bit muddy boots.

What your children will discover

• Easy woodland paths, perfect for little legs and all-terrain strollers.
• A lake inhabited by birds where you learn to watch and listen without disturbing.
• A wildlife park with local and domestic species (goats, sheep, pigs, cows, deer depending on the season). Observing without feeding is the best way to respect the animals.
• A large playground in a clearing for climbing, sliding, and inventing stories.
• The Tour de Sauvabelin, for older kids and motivated parents, when it is open: many steps, but a view that rewards the effort on clear days.

The atmosphere is simple and family-friendly. You’ll see scooters, balance bikes, strollers… and children happy to get a little dirty.

Before you go

• Ages: accessible from a very young age. The main paths are suitable for strollers. The tower is more for children aged 6–7 years and up, accompanied.
• Duration: plan for 1 to 3 hours. A walk around the lake can be done in 30–45 minutes, but with the playground and the animals, you can easily spend the morning there.
• Type of activity: calm and nature, with active moments (games, walks). Ideal for gently letting off steam and stimulating curiosity.
• Reservation and fees: free and open access to the forest, lake, playground, and wildlife park. No reservation necessary.
• Stroller and transport: wide and well-maintained paths on the main loops. Some slopes; brakes are useful downhill. Access by TL bus to the Signal/Sauvabelin area, then a few minutes on foot.
• What to bring: good shoes, water, and a small snack. Hat and sunscreen in spring/summer; windbreaker and warm layers in autumn. After rain, think about boots.
• Safety: the perimeter of the lake is secured, but keep little ones close. Do not feed animals or birds. The tower has a narrow staircase: one adult in front, one behind, it’s reassuring.
• Best season: from spring to autumn. The shade of the trees in summer is very pleasant. In winter, it’s pretty too, but the paths may be frozen.
• Benefits for children: motor skills (walking, balance), observation of living things, nature vocabulary, confidence (climbing, daring the tower), spontaneous socialization at the playground.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on weekends to enjoy the calm and find a parking spot.
• Do the loop around the lake first, then the playground: it motivates little legs.
• Keep a cup or a water bottle to avoid litter around the lake.
• In summer, shade is welcome, but water remains essential: plan for more than usual.
• After rain, slippery on roots: slow down and choose wide paths.

Useful information

• Address: Bois de Sauvabelin, 1018 Lausanne
• Official website: https://www.lausanne.ch
• Hours: free access all year round. The Tour de Sauvabelin opens according to conditions and hours posted on-site.
• Ideal weather: dry weather. After rain, muddy paths; in summer, very pleasant thanks to the shade.
• Car access: parking at the Signal de Sauvabelin nearby, then access on foot.
• Public transport: TL bus to the Signal/Sauvabelin area, short walk to the lake and paths.

Why we recommend it

Because it’s one of the best "outdoor" ideas when you want to go out without too much planning. Free, accessible, varied: animals, nature, games, and, if you feel like it, a panoramic view from the tower. Children leave proud of their steps and discoveries, parents with the feeling of having truly unplugged.

Want to go?

The Bois de Sauvabelin is a classic in Lausanne that remains a safe bet for a morning or afternoon with family. For more simple ideas close to home, create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter.