Map

Thumbnail for the map of the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hiking trail, opens link to interactive web map.
Source1

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile of the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hiking trail.
Source: Bundesamt für Landestopografie; Drawn with schweizmobilplus.ch

Useful Links

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Short Description

The “Sentier du Creux du Van” route leads onto and around the natural rock amphitheater Creux du Van in Neuchatel, Switzerland.

Formed by erosion, this spectacle of nature offers a great view both of itself, and from its top/ridge.

The circular route leads to the top through a forested, relatively steep ascent, follows the semicircle ridge, then descends through alp farms and forests roads.


Impressions

Since this is a relatively popular tourist attraction, we figured the lockdown and travel restrictions made for a great opportunity to see the Creux du Van a bit less populated than usually. So as soon as the site was reopened to the public, we went and were proven right.

View of the creux de van natural amphitheater / canyon during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
The Rock Amphitheater in question.

The semicircle of sheer rock walls is awesome to behold in person, and we enjoyed the ascent as well as the views from the top.

We also met a number of capricorns along the way, one of which seemed not just used to tourists, but to downright enjoy posing for pictures. Of course we can’t say for sure if these animals felt more comfortable because there were fewer hikers around than usual, or if such close encounters are usual on this route.

Male capricorn relaxing, seemingly posing for pictures, during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
He’s just modeling for pictures 🙂 In front of the gate we have to take.

The descent through forest roads and grazing lands made for a relaxing end to a great hike with fantastic views. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

Would you like to share your own experiences with this hike? Do you have any questions? Something to add? Feel free to leave a comment below 🙂


Route Report / Gallery

Full size images without watermarks are available for licensing to interested parties. Check romans.pictures for a selection of my favorites, or contact me for details.

  • Forest view during the ascent during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View of the Creux du Van face during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View during the ascent during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View along the ridge during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Dry stone wall along the ridge during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View along the ridge during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View of the creux de van natural amphitheater / canyon during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View from the ridge during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Dry stone wall along the ridge during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Sign in french about danger of death during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Dry stone alls along the ridge during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View along the ridge during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View from our lunch spot during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View from our lunch spot during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • interestingly shaped dead tree seen during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • interestingly shaped dead tree seen during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View along the ridge during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Woman enjoying the view from the ridge during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Female capricorn seen during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Female capricorn seen during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Female capricorn seen during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Male capricorn seen during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Relaxed male capricorn sitting on the path during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Male capricorn relaxing, seemingly posing for pictures, during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Herd of cows seen during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Geese seen during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View during the descent during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View of cows during the descent during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View during the descent during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • Shadow of two people holding hands projected on a gravel road during the descent during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.
  • View during the descent during the Schweizmobil 'Sentier du Creux du Van' (286) hike.

NEWSLETTER

Don’t miss a hike 🙂

Basic Data

Date of Hike:2020-05-29
Participants:Roman, Jenny
Technical Difficulty:T2: Mountain Trail (Partially)

Stats

Km14
Net Hours (Est.)4.5
Net Hours (Act.)4
Ascent (m)778
Descent (m)778
Max. Alt. (m)1458
Loop?Yes
Cable Car?No
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