It is an understatement to say that life, especially these days, can be stressful. We have become tied to our phones, our social media accounts, our work email. We are constantly reachable, connected, and tied down.
Thankfully living and working in Lausanne allows for opportunities to stop, disconnect, and simply breathe. It is a place where nature is weaved into the cityscape allowing you to see nearly as much green as you do glass and concrete. You can easily go from forest to city centre to lakeside without escaping the city limits. Here are some of the loveliest places to take a moment and connect with the natural world around you.
Sauvabelin Forest
Located in the heights of Lausanne, the Sauvabelin forest offers a complete break from city life. Winding through the towering trees are shaded trails for both runners and walkers. For those looking for a slight adrenaline rush, there is a spiralling tower with over 300 steps to climb, that boasts extensive views of the city, lake, and Alps.
There are plenty of quiet spots around the man-made lake to sit and meld with the natural world around you. From Sauvabelin, there are even more trails that lead to the spectacular grounds of the Hermitage museum and eventually back down into the city centre.
Bois de Sauvabelin, 1003 Lausanne
The Lausanne Botanical Garden
In the heart of Lausanne lies Parc Mon Repos and within the park the Lausanne Botanical Garden. It is a magical spot that many locals and visitors alike seem to miss altogether. The Botanical Garden is comprised of a small museum offering local artist exhibitions, ponds and water features brimming with vibrantly vocal frogs, greenhouses, and a climbing garden rich with flora and fauna from both near and afar.
A trek upwards on the small dirt paths brings you to a serene clearing that makes you feel like you are alone at the top of the world. The views are stunning, the birdsong clear, and the calm all-encompassing. It is the perfect spot to practice Yoga, meditate, or simply focus on the beauty of the present moment.
*Please note that some sections of the garden are closed in winter.
Avenue de Cour 14bis, 1007 Lausanne
Les Quais d’Ouchy
Ouchy is, by far, one of the most striking quarters of Lausanne. Located in the southernmost part of the city, it is spotted with parks, quays, walking paths, and shady benches. Here you can have a stroll past the Tour Haldimand, stop for a moment of contemplation in Denantou Park with it’s scintillating Thai Pavillion, or try to beat Usain Bolt’s time on the 100-metre racetrack in the Olympic Museum Park.
There are few places more beautiful to sit and admire the enormous Alpine backdrop than from one of the retaining walls near the main port. Ouchy is a must-be destination for anyone who wants to disconnect from the daily grind and take a moment to drink in the natural beauty that this region of Switzerland has to offer.
Les Quais d’Ouchy
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