Chaumont
Overview
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Hint
Intro
The ridge between Lake Neuchâtel and the Val de Ruz valley is Neuchâtel’s local mountain. It boasts stunning views, a hotel and a path that tells the story of the earth, and is the starting point for many hikes in the Jura.
Neuchâtel has three funicular railways: from the lake to the railway station, from the old town to Le Plan and from La Coudre to Chaumont. The latter climbs to an altitude of 1,087 metres. The funicular completes the 570-metre climb in 13 minutes. Once at the top, a breathtaking panoramic view over the Three-Lakes region and the Alps awaits.
The “Parc Aventure” activity park next to the upper station will make children’s hearts skip a beat, while the panorama tower, which resembles an eagle’s nest, offers adults incredible views of the city of Neuchâtel and the Swiss Plateau.
Hikers can choose between a high-altitude hike with panoramic views of Chasseral or Val-de-Ruz and the famous “Sentier du Temps” trail. The trail leads back to Neuchâtel railway station and features a number of wooden sculptures that invite you on a journey through time and the evolution of life on earth.
Altitude: 1,171 metres
How to get there:
Walk from Neuchâtel railway station (2km), or take a trolleybus (no. 107) from the north exit of the station to the district of Le Coudre, then the funicular to Chaumont
Views: Lake Neuchâtel, across the western Swiss Plateau to the Swiss Alps, on a clear day as far as Mont Blanc
Attractions: Lighthouse viewing tower, themed trail back down to Neuchâtel that tells the story of the earth, high ropes adventure course, playground and picnic area
Food and drink: Petit Hotel: restaurant with panoramic views, charter trips in the funicular
Accommodation: Petit Hotel: 5 rooms packed with charm
Groups: Petit Hotel: Seminar room for up to 15 people
Winter: The funicular runs all year round, winter hiking, alpine snowshoe tour to Les Savagnières
Special comments: High-altitude hike to Chasseral
General information
| Season |
All year
|
|---|---|
| Time required |
2 to 4 hours (half day)
|
| Suitable for children with age |
0 to 5 years, 6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years, 14+ years
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| Suitable for |
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
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| Weather |
Outdoor
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| Category |
Urban, Nature, Relax
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