The tower's design incorporates two staircases that wind around a central pillar, allowing people to ascend and descend simultaneously without meeting.
The timber used for the construction originates from the city-owned forests of Lausanne.
The structure is built to withstand high wind loads despite being composed of exposed wood.
The height of the tower is exactly 35 meters, intended to match the height of the tallest surrounding trees.
The foundation uses 12 massive wooden pillars anchored into the ground.
It is a popular site for observing the local heron population nesting in the nearby lake area.
Sauvabelin Tower is a 35-meter-high wooden observation tower constructed entirely from locally sourced Douglas fir and spruce. Located in the Sauvabelin forest above Lausanne, it features a double-helix staircase design that separates ascending and descending foot traffic. Visitors climb 151 steps to reach an observation platform offering 360-degree views of Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps, and the Jura Mountains. The structure was built in 2003 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Canton of Vaud's entry into the Swiss Confederation. It sits adjacent to Lac de Sauvabelin, a small artificial lake featuring Highland cattle and peacocks. The site remains a notable example of sustainable timber architecture within an urban forest ecosystem. Access to the tower is free, supported by the municipality of Lausanne.
From the ground looking up to capture the geometric spiral of the wood structure, or from the top platform facing the lake.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes as the open-grid metal stairs can be slippery in wet weather.
Bring a pair of binoculars to identify distant peaks in the Alps and Jura ranges.
Plan to walk around the adjacent Sauvabelin Lake after descending the tower.
Attempting to visit during high-wind warnings when the tower may be closed for safety.
May close periodically during severe weather conditions or high wind alerts.
