Chemin La Vue des Alpes–Tête de Ran
Overview
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Distance 7 km
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Duration 2 h 25 min
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Ascent 220 m
Intro
This winter hike takes you into the heart of the Neuchâtel Jura between snow-covered valleys and mountain ranges. From the Col de la Vue des Alpes, the route leads to the sun-drenched Tête de Ran peak. Once at the top, the view stretches from the Säntis to the Mont Blanc, while the French Jura and the Vosges mountains rise up towards the north.
Description
The highest peaks of the alpine chain loom up from the Col de la Vue des Alpes pass. The panorama ranges from the Bernese to the Vaudois alps, while lake Neuchâtel gleams in the depths far below. An impression of infinite height and vastness is created right at the start of the winter hike. Looking across to the wooded ridge leading towards the Tête de Ran, you can spot the winter hiking trail just a few metres below, which follows the cross-country ski track for the first few kilometres.
Soon after, you will notice the small ski lift, where families are out and about and children are making their first attempts on skis. The path leads around the Métairie de Derrière - Tête de Ran inn. Here, the children can watch the farm's goats. If the weather is nice, there’s a small snack bar with drinks and homemade products inviting you to enjoy a refreshing break before tackling the last 100 metres of altitude up to the summit of the Tête de Ran.
Once at the top, the 360° panorama is overwhelming. To the south, the view sweeps over lake Neuchâtel and the alpine chain from the Säntis to the Mont Blanc. To the north, the French Jura and the Vosges mountains rise up, while at the bottom of the valley you can see the town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. It is known as the cradle of watchmaking and, with its chessboard-like townscape unique to Switzerland, is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The way back to the Col de la Vue des Alpes follows the same route. Alternatively, it can be shortened by taking the free Nordic’BUS departing from Tête de Ran.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
La Vue des Alpes
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Tête de Ran
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| Ascent |
220 m
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| Descent |
220 m
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| Distance |
7 km
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| Duration |
2 h 25 min
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
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Tourisme neuchâtelois Vue des Alpes
Route de la Vue des Alpes 4
2052
La Vue-des-Alpes
Quick Facts
Route number
