Hint

Intro

The hike from Vallorbe to Mont d'Or offers an exceptional panorama: Chasseron, Suchet, Lake Neuchâtel, Joux Valley and Lake St Point.

Description

Iron ore deposits and large supplies of firewood made Vallorbe an industrial site from very early on. The location on the French border also awarded the town in the Vaud Jura strategic importance and made it a traffic hub. The hike starts at the train station which is surprisingly large for a village with less than 4000 inhabitants. This is due to its historical importance: Vallorbe is a railway junction and an important border station.

The path leads towards the Swiss bridge above Vallorbe before penetrating into the Jurassic forest, where sports enthusiasts can do the parcours VITA. In the Pralioux clearing, hikers may be able to observe chamois and deer before crossing the pastures in the direction of the Swiss Alpine Club hut located closer to the summit. However, the hut is unmanned, so you'll need to bring the Mont d’Or or Vacherin Mont-d’Or – two kinds of cheese named after the region – in your backpack.

The summit, with its wide variety of plants, lies already in France. Mont d’Or is bordered by the Jougnena valley to the east and by the Vallorbe basin to the south. It is the starting point of many other hikes. Besides the sweeping views over more than 300 Alpine peaks, the east-facing, up to 200-metre-high cliffs are a sight to behold. Meanwhile, gentle slopes dominate on the westside. The Mont-d'Or mountain ridge forms the watershed between the catchment areas of the Rhine and Rhone. The same way leads downhill to Vallorbe, which keeps appearing in a different light.

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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Vallorbe
Destination
Vallorbe
Direction
One way
Ascent
860 m
Descent
860 m
Distance
13 km
Duration
4 h 40 min
Duration back
4 h 40 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Medium
Theme
With panoramic view
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 123

Distance

13 km

Duration

4 h 40 min

Ascent

860 m

Travel information: Vallorbe

Current Offers

  • Vallorbe Ticket for Vallorbe Caves

    You're visiting the Vallorbe walk-through caves, among the most beautiful in Europe. As you go, you... from CHF 18
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2026 - 30.11.2026

    Learn more about Ticket for Vallorbe Caves
  • L'Isle The Frog Soup

    1 Investigator BackpackMaterials for decoding hidden messages1 Story notebook with audio tracks (in... from CHF 9
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2026 - 22.05.2027

    Learn more about The Frog Soup
  • Eclépens Château d'Eclepens - Tasting bundle

    Wine tasting of 4 vintagesHomemade appetizersCastle historyEstimated duration : 1h from CHF 30
    Offer details


    valid: 25.05.2026 - 21.05.2027

    Learn more about Château d'Eclepens - Tasting bundle
  • Le Solliat Team Building Kayak Tour at Lac de Joux

    You paddle together across Lac de Joux in a kayak. The lake is explored under the guidance of a... from CHF 90
    Offer details


    valid: 23.05.2026 - 30.10.2026

    Learn more about Team Building Kayak Tour at Lac de Joux
  • Le Solliat Team Building SUP Tour on Lake Joux

    hr paddles together on Lake Joux on a large SUP board. This fun experience is led by a professional... from CHF 40
    Offer details


    valid: 23.05.2026 - 30.10.2026

    Learn more about Team Building SUP Tour on Lake Joux
  • Le Solliat Team-building Rafting Adventure on Lake Joux

    You will travel together on a raft across Lake Joux. The lake is explored under the guidance of an... from CHF 50
    Offer details


    valid: 23.05.2026 - 30.10.2026

    Learn more about Team-building Rafting Adventure on Lake Joux
  • Cossonay-Ville Visit the Temple of Cossonay

    A guided tour and access to the bell tower from CHF 10
    Offer details


    valid: 10.10.2026

    Learn more about Visit the Temple of Cossonay