Follow a cunning chain of clues from Lausanne station up to Sauvabelin in this 2–3 hour urban scavenger hunt. Expect stairs, forest paths, and puzzles that reward teamwork and sharp eyes.
Follow a cunning chain of clues from Lausanne station up to Sauvabelin in this 2–3 hour urban scavenger hunt. Expect stairs, forest paths, and puzzles that reward teamwork and sharp eyes.
You step off the train at Lausanne CFF with a set of starting documents and a head full of riddles; the city’s slopes rise ahead and the forested shoulder of Sauvabelin waits like a puzzle. Streets give way to staircases—one steep run locals call the Harakiri stairs—and the trail threads parks, plazas and wooded glades where clues are tucked under benches, behind plaques and beside statues.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Foxtrail Schweiz · Lausanne, Vaud
You step off the train at Lausanne CFF with a set of starting documents and a head full of riddles; the city’s slopes rise ahead and the forested shoulder of Sauvabelin waits like a puzzle. Streets give way to staircases—one steep run locals call the Harakiri stairs—and the trail threads parks, plazas and wooded glades where clues are tucked under benches, behind plaques and beside statues.
Lausanne’s compact center sits on glacially sculpted hills above Lake Geneva; Sauvabelin’s wooden tower (opened in 2003) crowns one of the higher forested knolls and offers the payoff view. The Foxtrail format mixes sightseeing with scavenger-hunt logic: cultural touchpoints, local lore and physical landmarks become part of the game. Expect a handful of challenges that reward observation and teamwork rather than speed—concert posters, municipal plaques and playful references to urban wildlife appear in the route.
Practically, plan for about 2–3 hours, roughly 4–6 km of walking and an elevation gain in the neighborhood of 150–250 m depending on exact route choices. Terrain alternates city pavements, cobbles, park paths and steep wooden or stone stairs—firm footwear and a charged phone are critical. Public transport drops you at the start; documents and a helpline are provided if a clue stalls you. Go midweek or early morning to avoid crowds; carry water, layer for wind off the lake, and allow time to climb the Sauvabelin tower or pause at the small lake. This is an urban adventure that pushes observation, collaboration and simple stamina—nature nudges you upward while the city keeps the puzzles coming.
The Foxtrail Alti starts near Lausanne train station (CFF or Flon) and leads up to Sauvabelin before returning toward the center.
Expect moderate exertion: multiple stair sections and 150–250 m of cumulative elevation gain over 4–6 km; not suitable for those with severe mobility limits.
Clues are typically in the local language (French) but the format and helpline support non-native speakers—bring a translation app if needed.
Yes; the route is flexible—allow extra time to climb the Sauvabelin tower, visit the small lake or pause at viewpoints.
Foxtrail Schweiz operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You step off the train at Lausanne CFF with a set of starting documents and a head full of riddles; the city’s slopes rise ahead and the forested shoulder of Sauvabelin waits like a puzzle. Streets give way to staircases—one steep run locals call the Harakiri stairs—and the trail threads parks, plazas and wooded glades where clues are tucked under benches, behind plaques and beside statues.
You step off the train at Lausanne CFF with a set of starting documents and a head full of riddles; the city’s slopes rise ahead and the forested shoulder of Sauvabelin waits like a puzzle. Streets give way to staircases—one steep run locals call the Harakiri stairs—and the trail threads parks, plazas and wooded glades where clues are tucked under benches, behind plaques and beside statues.
Lausanne’s compact center sits on glacially sculpted hills above Lake Geneva; Sauvabelin’s wooden tower (opened in 2003) crowns one of the higher forested knolls and offers the payoff view. The Foxtrail format mixes sightseeing with scavenger-hunt logic: cultural touchpoints, local lore and physical landmarks become part of the game. Expect a handful of challenges that reward observation and teamwork rather than speed—concert posters, municipal plaques and playful references to urban wildlife appear in the route.
Practically, plan for about 2–3 hours, roughly 4–6 km of walking and an elevation gain in the neighborhood of 150–250 m depending on exact route choices. Terrain alternates city pavements, cobbles, park paths and steep wooden or stone stairs—firm footwear and a charged phone are critical. Public transport drops you at the start; documents and a helpline are provided if a clue stalls you. Go midweek or early morning to avoid crowds; carry water, layer for wind off the lake, and allow time to climb the Sauvabelin tower or pause at the small lake. This is an urban adventure that pushes observation, collaboration and simple stamina—nature nudges you upward while the city keeps the puzzles coming.