Chasseral–Weissenstein Bike
Overview
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Distance 44 km
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Ascent 1450 m
Intro
From Lake Neuchâtel over the massive Chasseral and onwards to the first Jura chain with its sweeping views of the Mittelland region. In good weather the horizon is crowned by Alpine peaks. Winding descent to Sonceboz in the valley.
Description
Neuchâtel is nestled in the Jura hills on the north shore of the lake of the same name. In addition to its beautiful location, the city’s many cafes, restaurants and shops also lend it a particular charm. The first stage starts at the station, with a section to warm up along the highest residential areas. Those who live here have a stunning view of the lake and Alps.
The route up to the forest gets steeper, and is followed by a long, beautiful forest path with a more leisurely gradient. After around 400 metres of elevation gain, you cycle down a short section – don’t miss the turnoff! You continue downwards and soon reach Grand-Chaumont. The stretch becomes flatter, with views opening up to the north. You can see the second Jura chain and the valley with smaller settlements such as Chézard-St-Martin, Cernier and Fontainemelon. A typical Jura landscape follows a little later, with flower-filled pastures, individual trees and cows.
It’s then a leisurely ride to the Métairie de Chuffort. At the Métairie d’Aarberg, the stage then separates from the Neuchâtel Bike route. While the latter continues to La Chaux-de-Fonds, this stage goes on to Chasseral. On the pass road, you’re no longer alone. People travel up the pass by bike, motorbike and car. For some, it’s a sporting challenge, for others the destination of an excursion or simply a way to get to the next Jura chain. Either way, the Chasseral restaurant and hotel is a great place to take a break, with stunning views over the lake scenery to the Alpine chain.
Fortified and focused, you now descend, mainly on gravel roads. You have to cover around 1,000 metres of downward elevation, with the wind turbines of Mont Soleil on your left in front of the transmission mast. You’ll have to open and close a few cow gates. It never gets particularly steep. However, this changes from the stretch of woodland, which means either slowing down or bunny hopping over the water channels. Once you’re through the forest, you’re on the last fast-paced stretch to the station and the destination for this stage in the twin villages of Sonceboz-Sombeval.
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
| Type |
Trip
|
|---|---|
| Start location |
Neuchâtel
|
| Destination |
Sonceboz-Sombeval
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
1450 m
|
| Descent |
1250 m
|
| Distance |
44 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
17 km
|
| Distance on natural surface |
22 km
|
| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
5 km
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Theme |
To a mountain peak, With panoramic view, Through a nature conservation area, Over a pass
|
Quick Facts
Route number
