Hiking

Trans Swiss Trail
Stage 6, Chézard-St-Martin–Neuchâtel

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Trans Swiss Trail
Stage 6, Chézard-St-Martin–Neuchâtel
Val de Ruz is proving ideal hiking country. Striking, the numerous village fountains and massive church towers. Engollon has the only murals in Canton Neuchâtel which date back to before the Reformation. Descent to Neuchâtel, with superb views.
Even though the watch industry established itself in Chézard-St-Martin in the 19th century, agriculture continues to play an important role. Intensive agricultural farming is practised in the valley together with milk and meat production in the Jura heights. Pastures with the typical tall spruces standing alone or in groups provide the classic, almost mystical Jura atmosphere.
At the beginning of the hike, the valley basin with its huge stretches of farmland is crossed. Once these are behind you, you are already halfway through the hike - even though you have only just been through the two hamlets of Engollon and Vilars. Then the path branches off into the forest. After two hours, the highest point is reached at Chable au Tyrol (827 m.a.s.l.). This is followed by the descent, about 300 metres in altitude through the forest and then another 100 metres in altitude through Neuchâtel. The steep shore area into which the town on lake Neuchâtel was built can be clearly seen.
Neuchâtel has a medieval town centre with many cafés and restaurants, museums and theatres. The watch industry also plays an important role here. The observatory in the research centre shows the Swiss time to fractions of a second. The sixth stage of the Trans Swiss Trail ends at the harbour. From Porrentruy to Neuchâtel, it was possible to cover the entire distance of almost 100 kilometres on foot. Stage seven then begins with a boat trip to Cudrefin.
At the beginning of the hike, the valley basin with its huge stretches of farmland is crossed. Once these are behind you, you are already halfway through the hike - even though you have only just been through the two hamlets of Engollon and Vilars. Then the path branches off into the forest. After two hours, the highest point is reached at Chable au Tyrol (827 m.a.s.l.). This is followed by the descent, about 300 metres in altitude through the forest and then another 100 metres in altitude through Neuchâtel. The steep shore area into which the town on lake Neuchâtel was built can be clearly seen.
Neuchâtel has a medieval town centre with many cafés and restaurants, museums and theatres. The watch industry also plays an important role here. The observatory in the research centre shows the Swiss time to fractions of a second. The sixth stage of the Trans Swiss Trail ends at the harbour. From Porrentruy to Neuchâtel, it was possible to cover the entire distance of almost 100 kilometres on foot. Stage seven then begins with a boat trip to Cudrefin.
Val de Ruz is proving ideal hiking country. Striking, the numerous village fountains and massive church towers. Engollon has the only murals in Canton Neuchâtel which date back to before the Reformation. Descent to Neuchâtel, with superb views.
Even though the watch industry established itself in Chézard-St-Martin in the 19th century, agriculture continues to play an important role. Intensive agricultural farming is practised in the valley together with milk and meat production in the Jura heights. Pastures with the typical tall spruces standing alone or in groups provide the classic, almost mystical Jura atmosphere.
At the beginning of the hike, the valley basin with its huge stretches of farmland is crossed. Once these are behind you, you are already halfway through the hike - even though you have only just been through the two hamlets of Engollon and Vilars. Then the path branches off into the forest. After two hours, the highest point is reached at Chable au Tyrol (827 m.a.s.l.). This is followed by the descent, about 300 metres in altitude through the forest and then another 100 metres in altitude through Neuchâtel. The steep shore area into which the town on lake Neuchâtel was built can be clearly seen.
Neuchâtel has a medieval town centre with many cafés and restaurants, museums and theatres. The watch industry also plays an important role here. The observatory in the research centre shows the Swiss time to fractions of a second. The sixth stage of the Trans Swiss Trail ends at the harbour. From Porrentruy to Neuchâtel, it was possible to cover the entire distance of almost 100 kilometres on foot. Stage seven then begins with a boat trip to Cudrefin.
At the beginning of the hike, the valley basin with its huge stretches of farmland is crossed. Once these are behind you, you are already halfway through the hike - even though you have only just been through the two hamlets of Engollon and Vilars. Then the path branches off into the forest. After two hours, the highest point is reached at Chable au Tyrol (827 m.a.s.l.). This is followed by the descent, about 300 metres in altitude through the forest and then another 100 metres in altitude through Neuchâtel. The steep shore area into which the town on lake Neuchâtel was built can be clearly seen.
Neuchâtel has a medieval town centre with many cafés and restaurants, museums and theatres. The watch industry also plays an important role here. The observatory in the research centre shows the Swiss time to fractions of a second. The sixth stage of the Trans Swiss Trail ends at the harbour. From Porrentruy to Neuchâtel, it was possible to cover the entire distance of almost 100 kilometres on foot. Stage seven then begins with a boat trip to Cudrefin.
Length
11 km
Ascent | Descent
200 m | 560 m
Hiking time
2 h 55 min
Grade | Fitness level
easy
(hiking trail)
|
medium
Arrival | return travel
More …
Saving metres in altitude
There is a bus between Chézard-St-Martin,Grand-Chézar and Neuchâtel, Place Pury that saves about 550 metres in altitude.
Hints
Arrival | return travel
Contact
Signpost management
Signposting is managed by the cantonal hiking trail organisation on behalf of the canton.
Neuchâtel Rando
Espacité 1
2302 La Chaux-de-Fonds
info@neuchatelrando.ch
www.neuchatelrando.ch