Lac de Sauvabelin, Artificial lake in Lausanne, Switzerland

Lac de Sauvabelin is an artificial lake in the Sauvabelin forest above Lausanne, Switzerland. It measures 150 meters (490 feet) long and 100 meters (330 feet) wide, and is fed by springs and, when needed, by the city water network.

The lake was created in 1889 after the city of Lausanne authorized its construction in 1888, originally serving as a permanent skating lake. A restaurant was built in 1891, followed by a deer park in 1896, and the lake was served by the Lausanne-Signal funicular until 1948.

The name Sauvabelin likely comes from the Latin Sylva Bellini, meaning forest of Belinus, a Celtic god, though some say it refers to Belin, the ram from the Roman de Renart. Today, the lake is a favorite spot for family outings and school trips, and the adjacent playground, the largest in Lausanne, features wooden structures and a water play area.

The lake is easily reached on foot from Lausanne city center, and the surrounding forest paths are open year-round. Visitors should note that some paths are steep and may be slippery when wet, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

The lake is home to a variety of fish, including several types of carp, and water birds such as ducks, geese, coots, and swans, as well as turtles. Since 2006, the adjacent animal park has focused on endangered livestock breeds supported by Pro Specie Rara, such as Rhaetian Grey cows, woolly pigs, and Valais Blacknose sheep.