Jura & Trois-Lacs : Hiking ideas for a weekend
Article updated on 28.06.26
Less than two hours from most of French-speaking Switzerland, Jura & Trois-Lacs is the perfect destination for a weekend surrounded by panoramic landscapes.
The hikes are accessible, and the views are spectacular. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi and even the Jungfrau massif, with the Three Lakes stretching out below.
Over two days, we set out to discover some of the region’s most beautiful viewpoints.
Here are the hikes we tested during our weekend.
Creux du Van
To kick off this panoramic hiking weekend, there’s no better place than Creux du Van, undoubtedly the most iconic natural site in the Neuchâtel Jura.
There are several ways to discover this spectacular natural rock amphitheatre, depending on how much time you have and your hiking level.
The easiest option is to park at the Restaurant du Soliat parking lot. From there, it’s just a five-minute, almost flat walk to reach the edge of the cliffs. You can then follow the rim of the cirque and enjoy the many viewpoints along the way.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, several trails lead to Creux du Van from Noiraigue, Travers and other nearby villages.
We chose to hike a loop via the Buvette de la Baronne, combining a beautiful walk with a delicious local food stop.
The scenery is spectacular. The cliffs drop more than 150 metres into the nature reserve below and, if you’re lucky, you may spot some of the ibex that live here all year round.
⚠️ Drones are prohibited throughout the reserve to help protect the local wildlife.
You can find information about all the different hiking options on the official website: creuxduvan.com
Lunch at Buvette de la Baronne
Located just a few minutes from Creux du Van, Buvette de la Baronne is the perfect place to recharge after your hike.
This traditional mountain restaurant serves several regional specialties. We recommend trying the rösti, the local charcuterie board or the chalet-style cream pasta.
Creux du Van Loop on Swisstopo
You’ll find the Swisstopo route below.
If you’re using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Rochers de Tablettes
After Creux du Van, we recommend continuing to Rochers de Tablettes, about a 30-minute drive away.
Less well known than Creux du Van, this viewpoint offers one of the most impressive panoramas in the region. From the cliffs, you’ll overlook the entire valley with views of Lakes Neuchâtel, Morat and Biel. On a clear day, you can even spot Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi and the Jungfrau massif.
The hike is suitable for everyone. From the Restaurant de la Tourne parking lot, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint. The trail first winds through a beautiful forest before arriving at the dramatic cliffs of Rochers de Tablettes.
For those looking for a longer outing, numerous hiking trails continue beyond the viewpoint.
We simply hiked to the lookout and back before driving to our hotel.
Rochers de Tablettes on Swisstopo
You’ll find the Swisstopo route below.
If you’re using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Overnight at Hôtel de la Vue des Alpes
To end the first day, we stayed at Hôtel de la Vue des Alpes, located about 10 minutes from La Chaux-de-Fonds.
As its name suggests, the hotel enjoys an exceptional panoramic location. On clear days, you can admire the Three Lakes as well as the Alps directly from the hotel.
The hotel’s restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients and is an excellent place to end your first day of hiking.
Tête de Ran
To start the second day, we recommend setting your alarm a little earlier to enjoy sunrise from Tête de Ran.
From Hôtel de la Vue des Alpes, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the parking lot, or about a one-hour hike (2 km with 220 m of elevation gain) directly from the hotel.
From the very first steps, the panorama opens up over the Three Lakes and the entire Alpine range.
If you start from the parking lot, it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the summit. You can also extend the walk by following the ridge for several kilometre
Tête de Ran on Swisstopo
You’ll find the Swisstopo route below.
If you’re using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Chaumont Funicular and Panoramic Tower
After your hike at Tête de Ran, we recommend heading to Le Coudre, in Neuchâtel, to take the Chaumont Funicular.
Parking at the funicular station is paid. The ride takes around 10 minutes and costs CHF 2.30 per person, one way with the Half Fare Card (CHF 4.60 full fare). You can also drive directly to Chaumont, but taking the funicular adds a unique touch to the experience.
Once at the top, bring a few CHF 1 coins to access the panoramic tower. After crossing the long footbridge and climbing several flights of stairs, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 360° view over the Three Lakes, the Jura Mountains and the Alps.
If you’re travelling with children, there’s also an adventure park located next to the upper funicular station.
On the way back, you can either take the funicular down or hike all the way back to Neuchâtel.
A final panoramic viewpoint that perfectly wraps up this weekend dedicated to spectacular landscapes.
A weekend among the Jura's most beautiful panoramas
In just two days, this itinerary lets you discover some of the most beautiful viewpoints in Jura & Trois-Lacs: Creux du Van, Rochers de Tablettes, Tête de Ran and Chaumont.
Easily accessible from French-speaking Switzerland, it’s a fantastic weekend destination combining hiking, great local food and breathtaking scenery.
To finish your trip, we recommend stopping in Neuchâtel for a bite to eat at Les Bains des Dames and, if the weather is warm enough, taking a refreshing swim in Lake Neuchâtel before heading home.
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