Val-De-Ruz: Trails, Panoramas and Cultural Heritage

Between the lake and the mountains, about halfway between Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds, lies Val-de-Ruz. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing take you through cultural landscapes, forests and pastures. There are also viewpoints, gardens and cultural sites to add different dimensions to your trip.

Hiking trails with their own character

The «Chemins chouettes» network offers signposted hiking trails linking cafés-restaurants, métairies, hotels and places where you can learn about natural and cultural heritage. The 15-kilometre circular route «Autour du Seyon» (Chemin chouette No. 1) passes through varied landscapes and can be divided into sections. Along the route, you can discover aspects of Val-de-Ruz’s history and cultural heritage.

«Les boviducs» offers a different route: it leads from Dombresson to La Vue des Alpes through hedgerows and wooded pastures. It follows paths once used to drive livestock and offers wide-ranging panoramas. The «Les Hauts-Geneveys–Chambrelien» hike begins with a steep climb to Tête de Ran. The route then follows the Jura ridge trail for the most part, before descending to Chambrelien station. The routes described are therefore quite distinct: a circular route that can be split into sections, a route between two places, and a hike with a steep start and a descent to the station.

Jura ridges, views and spring blossoms

In good weather, La Vue des Alpes is a starting point for hikes along the Jura ridges. There are also numerous mountain biking routes through forests and pastures and along ridge trails. From La Vue des Alpes and Tête de Ran, the view stretches from the Bernese Alps to the Valais Alps, with Lake Neuchâtel and the Swiss Plateau in the foreground.

Every spring, thousands of daffodils bloom in the meadows between La Vue des Alpes and Tête de Ran. The approximate flowering period runs from late March to late April. The tree-lined avenues along the paths between villages also shape the landscape; they were named «Landscape of the Year 2022». Val-de-Ruz is also one of three municipalities in the canton of Neuchâtel that belong to the Chasseral Regional Nature Park.

Gardens, bees and regional history

Evologia is an area of around 20 hectares showcasing aspects of the cultural, agricultural and landscape heritage of the canton of Neuchâtel. Walking paths lead visitors to local flora and fauna. In summer, Evologia offers four free orienteering games for all ages; check the current summer programme before your trip. The «Jardins Extraordinaires» are open free of charge all year round and bring together imaginative, artistic and educational garden areas. Individual installations may change.

At the «Espace Abeilles» educational apiary, you can learn about the world of bees, honey harvesting and wax processing. Viewing beehives and an observation centre offer insights into beekeeping; depending on the season, you may also be able to watch the beekeepers at work. Bus routes 421 and 422 go to the Crêt Debély stop. Check the connection before travelling. At Evologia, Tractorama displays Patrick Zbinden’s collection of old tractors. The display also reflects more than 30 years of passion, meticulous work and the search for spare parts of different types and origins.

The region’s built heritage and everyday history also contribute to its character. The historic centre of Valangin, at the entrance to Val-de-Ruz, is a site of national importance. The Temple d’Engollon, the church of Saint-Pierre d’Engollon, was first mentioned in 1228. Its surviving 14th-century murals depict episodes from the life of Christ; the stained-glass windows are by Jules Courvoisier. At the Musée agricole de Coffrane, you can explore various rooms in a former farmhouse that give an insight into the lives of the rural population of the past. The museum also includes the «Apodyterium» annex, which you can reach on foot across a lawn.

Culture and activities by season

For more than 20 years, the «Jardins Musicaux» have been a cultural meeting place for music lovers from Val-de-Ruz, the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland and abroad. The «Fête la Terre» focuses on meeting and exchanging ideas with regional producers; check the event dates before your visit.

In winter, the Bugnenets-Savagnières ski area offers 30 kilometres of blue to black runs and a snow park. Snow conditions and operations vary by season. At the La Vue-des-Alpes pass, the «Toboggan géant» takes you down a sloping course at speeds of up to 40 km/h; here too, operating conditions vary by season.

Discover more destinations: La Vue Des Alpes, Boudevilliers, Le Pâquier, Dombresson, Fontainemelon, Savagnier, Villiers Ne, Les Geneveys-sur-Coffrane, Fontaines, Les Hauts-Geneveys, Montmollin, Cernier.

For the main travel overview: Neuchâtel.