Tour de Sauvabelin Lausanne
A 35m wooden tower with a 302-step spiral staircase offering free panoramic views of Lausanne and Lake Geneva.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ascent
Tour de Sauvabelin Lausanne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ascent
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 35m wooden tower with a 302-step spiral staircase offering free panoramic views of Lausanne and Lake Geneva.
"Climbing to the top is absolutely worth it for the breathtaking 360° view of Lausanne, Lake Geneva, and the Alps."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 302 steps can be a workout! Comfortable footwear is a must for the climb.
📸 Capture the Spiral
The wooden staircase is incredibly photogenic. Get creative with your shots!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 2,474 reviews
Type
Observation Deck
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Observation Deck
Top of the tower
Ascend 302 steps for breathtaking 360° views of Lausanne, Lake Geneva, and the Alps.
+1
Impressive Wooden Spiral Staircase
Inside the tower
Marvel at the unique, spiraling wooden staircase, a feat of engineering and a photographer's dream.
Sauvabelin Forest Park
Surrounding the tower
Enjoy a peaceful walk through the forest, visit farm animals, and relax in this green oasis.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Climb
Free Views, Priceless Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 302 steps can be a workout! Comfortable footwear is a must for the climb.
📸 Capture the Spiral
The wooden staircase is incredibly photogenic. Get creative with your shots!
🌳 Explore the Park
Don't just climb the tower; wander through the surrounding forest and enjoy the nature.
⬆️ Be Prepared for Uphill
Lausanne is hilly! Expect some inclines on your way to the tower.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 302 steps can be a workout! Comfortable footwear is a must for the climb.
📸 Capture the Spiral
The wooden staircase is incredibly photogenic. Get creative with your shots!
🌳 Explore the Park
Don't just climb the tower; wander through the surrounding forest and enjoy the nature.
⬆️ Be Prepared for Uphill
Lausanne is hilly! Expect some inclines on your way to the tower.
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy the incredible views and the tower experience without spending a franc.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Tour de Sauvabelin for its breathtaking, free panoramic views and the impressive wooden spiral staircase. The surrounding forest park adds to the appeal, offering a peaceful natural escape. While the climb is rewarding, some find the height daunting, and the uphill approach to the tower is a common observation for Lausanne.
"The wooden spiral staircase is impressive, and climbing to the top is absolutely worth it. Best part? It’s completely free! From the top, you get a breathtaking 360° view of Lausanne, Lake Geneva, and the Alps on a clear day. Surrounded by forest, the walk to the tower is peaceful and refreshing. A perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone looking to enjoy the city from above. Don’t miss it!"
Shema Biswas
"A nice landmark to visit when in Lausanne.
Entrance is free, and the views are amazing! We did a little hike going there but the trail path is clear enough you won’t get lost even as a tourist.
How to get there is easy. We did the less walking route since it was a hot summer day when we visited. We got off on Riponne metro station and took a bus to Lac Sauvabelin and from there it’s about 5-10 mins of walking. If you don’t mind walking more, you can get off at Sallaz metro station and walk from there. It’s about 15-20mins of walking and be prepared for uphill streets/paths since it’s the norm in Lausanne.
The tower was amazing to see and the steps are said to be over 150 steps one-way, so be prepared for that as well. There’s also a mini steep hill going up to the base of the tower, before the main steps. Forgot to take photos from the observation deck because I got a little scared of the height after I saw how high I went (haha!) and only remembered to take photos when I was on the last platform on my way down. :))
Stairs go in a spiral way, too, so be careful if you get dizzy easily. Since it’s a winding staircase, it’s expected to have parts of the steps to be narrower on one side vs the other. A wooden hand rail is also available on the outer side of the steps. Felt a little more scared going down due to me being a little scared of heights, but it’s a view worth seeing!"
Jia Varlez
"The area was nice, but I didn't like the idea of electrified fences everywhere
The tower is worth visiting with nice views."
Ehab Hamza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Tour de Sauvabelin by public transport. Take the metro to Riponne and then a bus towards Lac Sauvabelin, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, metro to Sallaz and enjoy a longer, uphill walk through the city.
While there might be limited parking in the vicinity, public transport is highly recommended due to Lausanne's hilly terrain and the tower's location within a park.
Yes, walking is a great option, especially if you enjoy scenic routes. Be prepared for uphill paths as Lausanne is known for its topography.
The trail paths are generally clear enough, even for tourists, making it difficult to get lost on your way to the tower.
Metro stations like Riponne or Sallaz are good starting points, with Riponne offering a shorter bus connection and Sallaz a longer, more scenic walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best part? Entry to the Tour de Sauvabelin and its observation deck is completely free!
The tower is generally accessible during park hours, which are typically from dawn till dusk. It's advisable to check local listings for specific times.
No advance booking is required as the entrance is free. You can visit spontaneously during park opening hours.
The Sauvabelin Park itself is free to enter, allowing you to enjoy the forest and animals before or after visiting the tower.
While generally open, extreme weather conditions might temporarily affect access. It's always a good idea to check local advisories if unsure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are approximately 302 steps on the spiral staircase leading to the observation deck.
The climb involves 302 steps and can be challenging for some, especially those with a fear of heights or who are not used to climbing. Take your time and use the handrail.
From the top, you'll get a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Lausanne, Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Jura mountains on a clear day.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Children often enjoy the climb and the views, but supervise them closely due to the height and stairs.
The spiral nature of the staircase can be disorienting for some. If you're prone to dizziness, take it slow and focus on the handrail.
📸 📸 Photography
The spiral staircase itself offers unique architectural shots. The panoramic views from the top are also spectacular, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Absolutely! The 360-degree views provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography, capturing the city, lake, and mountains.
Yes, you can take photos inside the tower, particularly of the impressive wooden spiral staircase.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light for both the tower's architecture and the surrounding landscape.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit