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Creux du Van

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Mountain
—°7
Creux du Van (Switzerland)

Weather…

Creux du Van is a spectacular natural rocky cirque located on the border of the Cantons of Neuchâtel and Vaud in the Jura Mountains. The horseshoe-shaped rock wall is approximately 1400 meters wide and plunges vertically for nearly 160 meters. The formation of this basin is attributed to the erosive power of glaciers and water, which carved out the limestone over millions of years. At the foot of the cliffs, a unique microclimate with permafrost persists, supporting arctic-alpine flora. The region is a significant nature reserve where ibex, chamois, and marmots can be observed. Hiking trails follow the unprotected edge of the cliff, offering expansive views across the Swiss Plateau to the Alps. The highest point of the rock face is near the Le Soliat peak, at 1463 meters above sea level.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C004812161818141041
Rain mm10281978512210910410985106102116

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The rock cirque area is accessible either via a multi-hour hike starting from Noiraigue or via a narrow driving road leading up to the Le Soliat restaurant located right by the cliff edge.
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Best season
The best time to visit is between May and October; in winter, access is often hampered by snow, and the hiking trails can become very dangerous, especially in the steeper sections.
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Terrain & paths
While the path along the cliff edge is relatively flat, the ascent from the valley requires good physical fitness to overcome approximately 750 meters of elevation on partly rocky trails.
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What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential. Due to the exposed location on the Jura ridge, you should also always carry a windproof jacket and a sufficient supply of drinking water.
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Parking
Parking spaces are available at the Noiraigue railway station for hikers or in limited numbers directly near the Le Soliat restaurant for those visitors who prefer a much shorter walk.
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Safety
There are no railings or barriers along the cliff edge; extreme caution is required, especially during strong winds or fog, or when visiting with children and pets in tow.
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Time needed
For the full hiking loop starting from Noiraigue, you should plan for about 4 to 5 hours. If arriving by car at Le Soliat, one hour is often enough to enjoy the main viewpoints.

Geography

Coordinates
46.93000, 6.72000

Facts

  • Width of the cirque approx. 1400 m
  • Cliff depth measures 160 m
  • Highest point at Soliat (1463 m)
  • Formed by glacial erosion
  • Switzerland's first nature reserve (1870)
  • Home to colonies of ibex and chamois

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Creux du VanCreux du Van<1 km · NEExplore →
La Chaux-du-MilieuLa Chaux-du-Milieu9 km · NExplore →
Val-de-TraversVal-de-Travers10 km · WExplore →
MilvignesMilvignes12 km · EExplore →
EstavayerEstavayer13 km · SEExplore →
Le Locle Watch IndustryLe Locle Watch Industry14 km · NExplore →
PeseuxPeseux15 km · NEExplore →
📍Villers-le-Lac15 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Creux du Van (6)

Creux du Van

Creux du Van is a mountain in Switzerland.

Foto-Spot Creux du Van

This viewpoint features a good opportunity for photos of Creux du Van.

Le Soliat

Le Soliat is a mountain in Switzerland.

Crêt aux Moines

Crêt aux Moines is a mountain in Switzerland.

Crêt Teni

Crêt Teni is a mountain in Switzerland.

La Maison de l'industrie🏛 museum

La Maison de l'industrie is a museum in the Creux du Van region.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Creux du Van?
A natural rock amphitheater of immense proportions with 160-meter-high vertical rock walls.
Where does the hike start?
The classic starting point is the Noiraigue railway station in the Val de Travers.
Which animals can be seen here?
With a bit of luck, ibex, chamois, and marmots can be observed in the rock walls.
Are there fences at the cliff edge?
No, there are no safety fences. Great caution is required directly at the cliff edge.
Can you drive up by car?
Yes, a narrow road leads to the 'Le Soliat' restaurant, which is only a few minutes' walk from the edge.
Creux du Van: where is it located?
Creux du Van is located in Switzerland.
Creux du Van: what is there to see?
Highlights include Creux du Van, Foto-Spot Creux du Van, Le Soliat.
Creux du Van: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Creux du Van: why is it worth visiting?
Creux du Van is a spectacular natural rocky cirque located on the border of the Cantons of Neuchâtel and Vaud in the Jura Mountains.
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