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Intro

Towering 1,679 metres above sea level, Mont Tendre is the highest peak in the Swiss Jura and offers superlative 360-degree panoramic views.

Description

Starting from Col du Mollendruz, the five-hour Mont Tendre Trail climbs 500 metres up Mont Tendre before following a gentle descent to Col du Marchairuz. The route passes through the heart of the Jura Vaudois Nature Park, a firm favourite among leisurely hikers with its 523 kilometres of marked paths. Shortly before the summit, the path up Mont Tendre from Col du Mollendruz offers a treat for weary legs: the Buvette du Mont Tendre offers a diverse menu of hearty homemade fare in portions designed to satisfy hungry hikers! The restaurant also boasts a huge terrace affording glorious views over Lake Geneva and to the Alps beyond.

This picture-postcard panorama is only surpassed by the 360-degree views from the summit of Mont Tendre, which extend from the Savoy Alps to the Bernese Alps and from the Vosges to La Dôle.

The descent follows a gentle route through park-like surroundings to Col du Marchairuz. Dry-stone walls are a familiar sight in the upland pastures of the Jura. Built to mark out land boundaries and contain grazing animals, these walls also provide an ideal habitat for lizards and insects. The giant colony of carpenter ants on Col du Marchairuz is the only one of its kind in Europe. 

The Col du Mollendruz and Col du Marchairuz passes are both served by the postal bus.

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
Col du Mollendruz
Destination
Marchairuz
Direction
One way
Altitude (meter above sea level)
1669 m
Ascent
681 m
Descent
411 m
Distance
16 km
Duration
4 h 30 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
June - October
Theme
With panoramic view, Through a nature conservation area, To a mountain peak, Over a pass

Map

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

Contact

Morges Région Tourisme
Rue du Château 2
Case postale 55
1110  Morges
Switzerland

Phone  +41(0)21 801 32 33
info@morges-tourisme.ch
morges-tourisme.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

Distance

16 km

Duration

4 h 30 min

Ascent

681 m

Travel information: Col du Mollendruz

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