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Jura Crest Trail: West
Arrival day: Arrive in Neuchâtel
Arrive in Neuchâtel on the edge of Lac de Neuchâtel. This is the largest town in the region. It’s built up on the hillside, giving excellent views over the lake and onto the Alpine peaks beyond. Take a stroll down to the lake front and go for a quick dip to refresh after the journey, or grab a drink and relax before the trek begins tomorrow.
Hotel in Neuchâtel (breakfast)
Arrive in Neuchâtel on the edge of Lac de Neuchâtel. This is the largest town in the region. It’s built up on the hillside, giving excellent views over the lake and onto the Alpine peaks beyond. Take a stroll down to the lake front and go for a quick dip to refresh after the journey, or grab a drink and relax before the trek begins tomorrow.
Hotel in Neuchâtel (breakfast)
Stage 1: Vue des Alpes to Noiraigue
Blue 4 (grade) 22.1km with 620m ascent, 1170m descent
We begin this West half of the Jura Crest Trail by traveling by train and then bus to Vue des Alpes, where our route begins. As the name suggests, the views over the Alps in the distance are already superb, and this continues throughout the day. The route follows the crest of the ridge initially, and reaches several high points, walking in and out of trees. In the second half of the day the route is more wooded and we follow the edge of rocky cliffs through trees before steeply descending to Noiraigue, a small village in the valley. Take the train back to Neuchâtel for another hotel night.
Hotel in Neuchâtel (breakfast)
Blue 4 (grade) 22.1km with 620m ascent, 1170m descent
We begin this West half of the Jura Crest Trail by traveling by train and then bus to Vue des Alpes, where our route begins. As the name suggests, the views over the Alps in the distance are already superb, and this continues throughout the day. The route follows the crest of the ridge initially, and reaches several high points, walking in and out of trees. In the second half of the day the route is more wooded and we follow the edge of rocky cliffs through trees before steeply descending to Noiraigue, a small village in the valley. Take the train back to Neuchâtel for another hotel night.
Hotel in Neuchâtel (breakfast)
Stage 2: Noiraigue to La Combaz
Blue 3 (grade) 18.5km with 895m ascent, 400m descent
Climb steeply through trees to exit the valley and reach the Creux du Van cliffs. This impressive rocky arena is made up of cliffs up to 160m high. The views are well worth the effort, and the walk along the top of these cliffs is one of the highlights on the entire Jura Crest Trail. In clear weather enjoy views to the South-East, including over Mont Blanc. Later pass in and out of meadows and trees as we pass through the countryside. Our end point for the day is the café at La Combaz. From here we take a taxi to the hotel in Couvet.
Hotel in Couvet (breakfast - taxi included)
Blue 3 (grade) 18.5km with 895m ascent, 400m descent
Climb steeply through trees to exit the valley and reach the Creux du Van cliffs. This impressive rocky arena is made up of cliffs up to 160m high. The views are well worth the effort, and the walk along the top of these cliffs is one of the highlights on the entire Jura Crest Trail. In clear weather enjoy views to the South-East, including over Mont Blanc. Later pass in and out of meadows and trees as we pass through the countryside. Our end point for the day is the café at La Combaz. From here we take a taxi to the hotel in Couvet.
Hotel in Couvet (breakfast - taxi included)
Stage 3: La Combaz to Sainte-Croix
Blue 2 (grade) 14.5km with 565m ascent, 720m descent
The highlight of today is reaching the rocky summit of Le Chasseron (1,607m) with commanding views over Lac de Neuchâtel and Lac Léman. To get there, walk through woodland pastures and peaceful forests, with the ever present sound of cow bells serenading you along the way. The ascent is fairly gradual and from the summit we traverse along the ridge line to Petites Roches, before descending into the mountain resort of Sainte-Croix, famed for its music boxes.
Hotel in Sainte-Croix (breakfast)
Blue 2 (grade) 14.5km with 565m ascent, 720m descent
The highlight of today is reaching the rocky summit of Le Chasseron (1,607m) with commanding views over Lac de Neuchâtel and Lac Léman. To get there, walk through woodland pastures and peaceful forests, with the ever present sound of cow bells serenading you along the way. The ascent is fairly gradual and from the summit we traverse along the ridge line to Petites Roches, before descending into the mountain resort of Sainte-Croix, famed for its music boxes.
Hotel in Sainte-Croix (breakfast)
Stage 4: Sainte-Croix to Ballaigues
Blue 3 (grade) 18.4km with 815m ascent, 1020m descent
Today's stage stays close to the French border and our route passes many remnants of WW2 fortifications, used to secure the Swiss border in case of an invasion. We begin climbing through woods before traversing the top of cliffs, still in trees. At one point there's the option to detour to a small cave. After descending past farm buildings we climb again to reach the high point of our day and the optional summit of Le Suchet at 1,588m. End by descending through meadows and trees to reach your hotel in either Ballaigues or Vallorbe.
Hotel in Ballaigues (breakfast)
Blue 3 (grade) 18.4km with 815m ascent, 1020m descent
Today's stage stays close to the French border and our route passes many remnants of WW2 fortifications, used to secure the Swiss border in case of an invasion. We begin climbing through woods before traversing the top of cliffs, still in trees. At one point there's the option to detour to a small cave. After descending past farm buildings we climb again to reach the high point of our day and the optional summit of Le Suchet at 1,588m. End by descending through meadows and trees to reach your hotel in either Ballaigues or Vallorbe.
Hotel in Ballaigues (breakfast)
Stage 5: Ballaigues to Le Pont
Blue 3 (grade) 18.6km with 865m ascent, 725m descent
We reach Vallorbe, and then ascend through mixed woodlands, climbing past cliffs to reach a narrow tree-covered ridge. The route takes to rockier ground as we follow the ridge and then ascend to the grassy summit of Dent de Vaulion. With a selection of benches, it's an excellent spot for lunch and to soak up the views of Lac du Joux (the largest lake in the Jura mountains), the forested French border and the Savoie Alpine peaks. Descend through steep woodland pastures, following grassy paths and tracks before arriving at Le Pont on the shores of Lac du Joux.
Hotel in Le Pont (breakfast)
Blue 3 (grade) 18.6km with 865m ascent, 725m descent
We reach Vallorbe, and then ascend through mixed woodlands, climbing past cliffs to reach a narrow tree-covered ridge. The route takes to rockier ground as we follow the ridge and then ascend to the grassy summit of Dent de Vaulion. With a selection of benches, it's an excellent spot for lunch and to soak up the views of Lac du Joux (the largest lake in the Jura mountains), the forested French border and the Savoie Alpine peaks. Descend through steep woodland pastures, following grassy paths and tracks before arriving at Le Pont on the shores of Lac du Joux.
Hotel in Le Pont (breakfast)
Stage 6: Le Pont to Col du Marchairuz
Blue 4 (grade) 24.1km with 1000m ascent, 560m descent
Today we summit the highest peak in the Swiss Jura range: Mont Tendre (1,679m). Follow lanes and tracks through peaceful pastures and meadows, before following rooty paths through trees. Arrive out of the trees and cover open ground over low rocky ribs to reach the summit. From the top, look back and take in the progress already made; ahead is La Dôle, the final summit. We're now a significant way along Lake Geneva and it's satisfying to see how far you've come. Finish the day descending through meadows and woods to reach our roadside hotel at Col du Marchairuz.
Hotel in Col du Marchairuz (breakfast)
Blue 4 (grade) 24.1km with 1000m ascent, 560m descent
Today we summit the highest peak in the Swiss Jura range: Mont Tendre (1,679m). Follow lanes and tracks through peaceful pastures and meadows, before following rooty paths through trees. Arrive out of the trees and cover open ground over low rocky ribs to reach the summit. From the top, look back and take in the progress already made; ahead is La Dôle, the final summit. We're now a significant way along Lake Geneva and it's satisfying to see how far you've come. Finish the day descending through meadows and woods to reach our roadside hotel at Col du Marchairuz.
Hotel in Col du Marchairuz (breakfast)
Stage 7: Col du Marchairuz to Saint-Cergue
Blue 2 (grade) 16.8km with 380m ascent, 780m descent
Our route begins in typical forested Jura terrain, but soon opens up into meadows with wildflowers, and with pastures with grazing cattle. An easier day today, we gain our summit, Crêt de la Neuve (1,494m) early on in the stage, and without too much ascent given that we already start quite high. On a clear day enjoy sweeping views over Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps, and Mont Blanc. Later pass by the ruins of the Chartreuse of Oujon (ancient monastery ruins) on the way into St Cergue, a picturesque village.
Hotel in Saint-Cergue (breakfast)
Blue 2 (grade) 16.8km with 380m ascent, 780m descent
Our route begins in typical forested Jura terrain, but soon opens up into meadows with wildflowers, and with pastures with grazing cattle. An easier day today, we gain our summit, Crêt de la Neuve (1,494m) early on in the stage, and without too much ascent given that we already start quite high. On a clear day enjoy sweeping views over Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps, and Mont Blanc. Later pass by the ruins of the Chartreuse of Oujon (ancient monastery ruins) on the way into St Cergue, a picturesque village.
Hotel in Saint-Cergue (breakfast)
Stage 8: Saint-Cergue to Nyon
Blue 4 (grade) 26km with 725m ascent, 1395m descent
The goal for this morning is the summit of La Dôle (1,677m) with sweeping views over Lake Geneva. Below you can see Nyon on the lake shore - our destination for the day. After climbing uphill, a short traverse along the ridge leads to the summit. The ascent is now done for the day and a long descent awaits, all the way to the valley below. The final section walks along the valley floor to reach Nyon and can be skipped by bus if desired. Arrive at the lake side and find your final hotel - congratulations!
Hotel in Nyon (breakfast)
Blue 4 (grade) 26km with 725m ascent, 1395m descent
The goal for this morning is the summit of La Dôle (1,677m) with sweeping views over Lake Geneva. Below you can see Nyon on the lake shore - our destination for the day. After climbing uphill, a short traverse along the ridge leads to the summit. The ascent is now done for the day and a long descent awaits, all the way to the valley below. The final section walks along the valley floor to reach Nyon and can be skipped by bus if desired. Arrive at the lake side and find your final hotel - congratulations!
Hotel in Nyon (breakfast)
Departure day: Depart from Nyon
Relax over breakfast, explore Nyon's old town, or take a boat ride on Lac Léman. We recommend departing from Geneva Airport, just half an hour away by train. If embarking on further travels please ask us to advise, whether in Switzerland or elsewhere in the Alps.
Relax over breakfast, explore Nyon's old town, or take a boat ride on Lac Léman. We recommend departing from Geneva Airport, just half an hour away by train. If embarking on further travels please ask us to advise, whether in Switzerland or elsewhere in the Alps.
Options
Our standard 8 stage trip splits the stages fairly evenly, making use of accommodation on or close to the route on most nights. Our trips are customisable and you're welcome to hike the trip in more or fewer stages, or walk only part of the route. Here we give details of some common variations. If you have ideas of your own, we welcome you to get in touch. Make the trip shorter
For a shorter trip we recommend skipping the first stage (Vue des Alpes to Noiraigue). You'd have a first night in Neuchâtel and then take the train to Noiraigue and begin walking from there. This works well logistically and avoids long days.
Alternatively, if you want to walk the entire trip in 7 stages, we recommend combining Stages 2 and 3. This gives a very long day (33km with 1,460m ascent and 1,120m descent) which will take around 11 hours.
Make the trip longer
For a longer trip we suggest adding some stages from our the eastern section of our full Jura Crest Trail. For example for a 10 stage trip it works well to start in Frinviller.
It's sadly difficult to shorten the walking stages on the Jura Crest Trail: West as accommodation on or close to the route is limited.
Add rest days
As standard, our Jura Crest Trail: West doesn't include any rest days. Stage 5 to Le Pont is quite short, giving you an afternoon to relax in this lakeside town. If you want to add a rest day along the way, then an extra night in Le Pont works well and you'd then have a full day here.
We'd also recommend spending more time in Neuchâtel at the start, or at Nyon at the end of your trip. Please ask us if you'd like to add any extra nights at either end.
There is also, of course, the whole of Switzerland to explore and we would be glad to advise on places to stay before or after your hike.
Hike with a guide
Hike with confidence in the company of one of our fully qualified International Mountain Leaders (IMLs). They’ll take charge of the navigation and logistics, leaving you to enjoy the days without worrying about the details.
Please see our In the Pipeline page for more details on trips coming soon.
2027 Prices
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Jura Crest Trail: West 1 June to 16 September 2027 |
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| Classic | |||
| Self-guided | |||
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7 stages (8 nights) |
GBP 1,390 Singles 400 |
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8 stages (9 nights) |
GBP 1,480 Singles 450 Main Trip |
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8 stages 1 rest day (10 nights) |
GBP 1,570 Singles 500 | ||
| Options | |||
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Baggage transfer |
Please ask us | ||
Accommodation
Where we stay
Our Jura Crest Trail includes hotel stays every night in private ensuite rooms. Generally the nights are spent in quiet, rural villages, with simple, independently run hotels.
Five of the hotels are directly on the route and the other four hotels involve travelling off route to reach the hotels. We make use of the excellent Swiss bus and train system and we explain these transfers in your info pack. In the case of your night at Couvet (where the stage finishes in La Combaz) we book and pay for a taxi.
We book breakfasts as standard apart from in Saint-Cergue, where the hotel doesn't include breakfast. In Saint-Cergue there are bakeries to choose from.
Staying in Noiraigue
At the end of Stage 1 we plan for taking the train back to Neuchâtel for another hotel night. This is our normal plan. Alternatively, in Noiraigue there is one auberge offering non-ensuite accommodation in a mix of private rooms and dormitory places. If you prefer this, we can book this for you; please note that you'll need to pay for this night directly (including dinner and breakfast). We would reduce your price and agree this with you, if you prefer this Noiraigue option.
Single Room Supplement
If you would like to book a room for single occupancy, we would ask to add our single supplement fee. This covers the additional cost of booking a single occupancy room, compared to a double occupancy room.
We regret that we do not take bookings for solo walkers on self-guided trips. Of course, single rooms are possible (with the supplement, as above) for people who are walking within a group and who prefer single rooms at night.
Route
From Vue des Alpes we follow the crest of the hills over a gentle ridgeline with panoramic views on both sides. After a descent into Noiraigue the route ascends again to the Creux du Van, a rocky amphitheatre known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Reach Mont Tendre, the highest point in the Swiss Jura. From the summit of Crêt de la Neuve, a final long descent awaits, heading through vineyards to Nyon.
Jura Crest Trail Walking Guide - more about the trail
Underfoot, the Jura Crest Trail follows well-maintained paths, forest tracks, and trails on grassy ridges, with some stretches on quiet farm roads or gravel lanes. In wooded sections, the ground is often grassy and muddy (hardpack if dry) , while on the open crests it is in places rocky. The route ventures into the hills, with some sustained climbs and occasional rocky steps.
Is it for me?
The Jura Crest Trail will suit trekkers who want to walk for 6 to 8 hours a day, on mountain and forested terrain. The route is challenging with steady climbs and descents rather than technical terrain. You'll experience rural Switzerland, passing through farming villages and steering clear of international tourist hotspots.
Difficulty
We grade the Jura Crest Trail as a Blue. The route is a walk and there is no glacier crossing, no via ferrata and no rock climbing. The route includes steady ascents and descents and follows rolling ridgelines, rather than steep Alpine terrain.
The easier terrain is a contrast to the stage lengths, which are generally quite long, averaging around 20km per day. The going can certainly be arduous, in the heat of an Alpine summer and often in hot woodland.
How to get there
Your first night is in Neuchâtel, a picturesque lakeside town, with a lively old town and views over the Alps. We stay here before your first walk, which sets off from Vue des Alpes above on the hillside. Neuchâtel is around an hour and a half from Geneva airport by train (typically with a change at Renens).
The trip finishes in Nyon on Lake Geneva, and again Geneva is the most convenient airport. Geneva Airport is about 25 minutes by direct train.
Travel to and from the trip is not included in the holiday price, and we leave you to arrange your transfers individually. We do however take care to give the most useful notes possible about all travel options. We supply these both in your Trip Notes on booking, and in your info pack which we send out prior to your trip. We also offer personalised tips based on our extensive travels across Switzerland and Europe.
Please ask us for advice and we'll be happy to help.
Included
- Accommodation and Itinerary, tailored to your preferences
- Breakfast every morning except in Saint-Cergue
- Taxi transfers between La Combaz and Couvet (after Stage 2)
- Routecards JCT9-16 on waterproof paper (the Exploratory system)
- The topographical maps needed (1:50,000)
- Downloadable GPX Tracks covering the route
- Expert advice and local information
- Our Season Update following our pre-season recce
- Full support during your trip (9am until 9pm Alpine time)
Not included
- Travel to and from your trip
- Transport to off-route accommodation (by bus and train)
- Any other local transport taken whilst on the trip
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and evening meals
- Baggage transfer (available as an extra; please see below)
Baggage transfer
Let us move your bags along the route for you. We offer a baggage transfer service along the Jura Crest Trail, as an extra, to all stops.Alternatively, if your trip is part of a longer holiday and you won't need your luggage every night, we can send your bags directly from Neuchâtel (where you'll spend your first night before your first stage from Vue des Alpes) to Nyon. This is a lower price.
Please ask us for details.
Questions about the Jura Crest Trail: West?
Feel free to ask any questions about your planning. Ben, Eve, Ione, Katy, Lucy, Rob, Simon, Skylar or Steph will reply with expert advice. We spend a lot of time hiking our routes (and trails around the world) so please ask us anything.
 
Enquiry Form
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If you prefer, please feel welcome to email or call us. Thanks!
| Contact Alpine Exploratory | |
| info@alpineexploratory.com | |
| Phone | +44 (0)131 214 1144 |
| Our times |
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| Our national-rate numbers. Please use for a cheaper call to our Edinburgh office |
From the USA: 646-757-1102 From Canada: 416-628-3473 From Australia: 02 8319 2266 From New Zealand: 04 889 4515 |
Open to the world
Since Alpine Exploratory started in 2005 we have loved getting to know our clients from around the world. Our best-represented countries are the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
At the top of Mont Tendre (1,679m) - the highest point on the Swiss Jura Crest Trail
Alpine Exploratory
