Tour de Sauvabelin

Tour de Sauvabelin is a wooden observation tower standing 35 meters high at 670 meters above sea level in Lausanne, offering views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Jura mountains. The structure is built entirely from timber and allows visitors to see the surrounding landscape from an elevated vantage point.

The tower grew from designs created by EPFL students during the 1980s and was approved in 1994 before opening to the public in December 2003. The project emerged as part of Lausanne's urban development and reflects the city's commitment to incorporating local materials into public structures.

The tower serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors come together to enjoy views and experience the landscape from above. Its construction using timber from surrounding forests demonstrates how the community values and uses its natural environment.

Access to the tower is managed through an automatic gate system, with a maximum capacity of 30 visitors at any one time to ensure a comfortable experience. It is wise to check opening times in advance and be cautious during poor weather, as the observation platform is exposed to the elements.

The tower contains two separate spiral staircases with 151 steps each, forming a double helix structure that allows visitors to ascend and descend simultaneously without congestion. This dual staircase design is an uncommon architectural solution that sets it apart from typical observation towers.

Location: canton Vaud

Floors above the ground: 1

Made from material: wood

Address: Sauvabelin, 1018 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-20:00

Phone: +41213154274

Website: http://tour-de-sauvabelin-lausanne.ch

GPS coordinates: 46.53526,6.63852

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30