Hike Report – ‘Tour du Lac de Joux’ (SM 127)

Short Description

As the name implies, this route follows the shore of Lac de Joux in Jura, northwestern (and french-speaking) Switzerland.

On the human side of things, this region is known for a rich watch-making history, and there is a museum to satisfy anyone’s curiosity on the subject, as well as multiple cute small villages that tell a part of the story.

On the natural side, there’s a “Wildpark” close by, i.e. basically a zoo for local fauna with big enclosures. But being a relatively remote area, some of that fauna can also be spotted along the route (see Impressions).

Notes

• As always in western (and southern) Switzerland: Pay extra attention to the signage. Even if the trail just follows a lake shore.

Impressions

This was honestly one of the MAYBE options on my to do list of hikes, due to the less than spectacular nature of either trail or region. Alas, the weather wasn’t right for a mountain trek. In fact, this was about the only region of Switzerland without rain forecast that day, so on we went.

First impression: Surprisingly beautiful, and pleasantly deserted. We were pretty much alone outside of the few towns along the way.

Not completely, as we me some Gämse (a native kind of mountain goat) on the sole hill of the route. First these two, who then “led” us to their family, presumably. They weren’t tame, but not exactly shy either. Undoubtedly used to tourists.

Very cute, especially the small ones:

There’s not all that much to say about the rest of the tour. It was a pleasant, long walk along a beautiful lake, crossing multiple biomes along the way, keeping things interesting.

Recommended as a more relaxed alternative when the weather isn’t right in the mountains, or if you enjoy nigh-zero elevation difference trails.

There might be a lot more people in summer though, as many tend to congregate around lakes.

Route Report / Gallery

This is one of my first hikes with my new camera, so obviously any good pictures are a matter of pure luck. Nonetheless, full size images without watermarks are available for licensing to interested parties. Check romans.pictures, or contact me for details.