Discover Montricher

Montricher brings together medieval architectural history and literature with cheese-making and hiking trails in the Jura. Its historic buildings, the Fondation Jan Michalski and the specific routes offer different ways to explore the area.

Church and castle

A surviving tower of Montricher’s outer wall serves as the bell tower of the medieval church. Its round bell tower is considered unique in the canton; the church itself dates from the early 15th century. Montricher Castle dates back much further: Rodolphe, son of Adalbert II of Grandson, had it built in 1049. Only a few remains of the medieval castle survive today.

Literature and exhibitions

The Fondation Jan Michalski in Montricher is devoted entirely to literature. Its cultural space hosts changing exhibitions. The library is open to everyone free of charge as a place to read and work, and offers a broad overview of modern and contemporary literature. If you would like to include this venue in your stay, you can consider its exhibitions and library as different ways to engage with its literary focus. Check the current visitor information before your visit.

MBC route 742 runs from Bière to Montricher Monday to Friday and serves the Fondation Jan Michalski directly. If you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable before travelling.

Hiking trails and the Jura heights

The surrounding area has hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, some of which lead to elevated viewpoints. Easy and intermediate routes pass through pastures and forests. The Parc naturel régional du Jura vaudois includes the Montricher area. The surroundings lie on the wooded foothills of the Jura Mountains and are characterised by extensive pastures and dense forests.

Two named hikes differ in their routes. «Au sommet du Jura suisse» passes through forests and wooded pastures before descending to the railway station in the village of Montricher, at an altitude of 750 metres. The «Col du Mollendruz – Montricher» hike leads to the Croix de Châtel viewpoint, passes the Buvette de Châtel and then descends through the forest to Montricher. This gives you two specific options: a route ending at the railway station and one passing a viewpoint and a refreshment stop.

Mont Tendre is considered the highest peak in the Swiss Jura and is connected to Montricher by hiking trails. The Buvette du Mont Tendre is on SwitzerlandMobility national route No. 5, the «Chemin des Crêtes du Jura». A road leads from the village of Montricher at the foot of the Jura to the buvette. From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to the highest point in the Swiss Jura. Trail conditions can vary seasonally; check them before setting out.

Cheese and local cuisine

At La Fromagerie Gourmande, a guided tour explains every step in making Gruyère AOP and includes a tasting of a piece of Gruyère. Cheese-making is demonstrated in a glass-enclosed area. As booking arrangements can change, it is advisable to check in advance.

The Buvette du Mont Tendre serves alpine dishes made with local products, cooked exclusively over a wood fire. Its seasonal opening schedule may vary, so check whether it will be open during your stay before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Lavigny, Préverenges, Aclens, Féchy, Echichens, Allaman, L'isle Vd, Chigny Vd

For the overview of the wider area: Morges.