Chemin des Trois-Lacs
Overview
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Distance 26 km
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Duration 6 h 45 min
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Ascent 440 m
Intro
A feast of facts on flora and fauna along the fragile shores of the «La Sauge» nature reserve. By boat through the Broyekanal or climb Mont Vully with superb views of «Three Lakes Country». Murten, a medieval old town with city walls and towers.
Detour / Closure
There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe71.03
Description
The “Three Lakes Region” has plenty to offer in a small area: natural shore regions, reed belts, protected areas with educational trails, fine sandy beaches and pretty medieval towns. Portalban, with its sandy beach, is popular with families and surfers. The first part of the stage takes you towards Cudrefin via gravel and country roads. You hike through forests, past farmland and cross the village of Chabrey.
After the first two hours, the scenery changes: near the shore of Lake Neuchâtel, this stage plunges into the reed landscape of the Grande Cariçaie. This is one of the most attractive lakeside wetlands in Europe. It is home to a third of the flora and a quarter of the fauna of our country. Rare and sometimes endangered species breed and take a break here during the migration period. Thanks to the Ramsar Convention of 1971, birds can regain their energy here for their onward journey southwards: the aim of the agreement is to ensure the conservation of international wetlands and the protection of migratory birds.
After another hour of hiking, we come to the La Sauge nature conservation centre on the banks of the Broye Canal. It offers nature trails, observation huts and exhibitions. The hiking trail now branches off to the right and leaves the Grande Cariçaie. After the canal, you climb up gently through the forest to Mont Vully. The picturesque area between Lake Murten, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel offers superb views. The area on the mountain ridge, deployed intensively for agricultural purposes, is replaced by wine growing on the southern slope, a little above Lake Murten. The main grape variety here is Chasselas.
After around five hours, you reach Sugiez. The path continues for a good two kilometres through the Chablais Forest towards Murten. Just like the Grande Cariçaie, this was only formed around 100 years ago by the lowering of the lake level. You can also marvel at the birdlife here or explore the reed belt on the lakeshore.
Leaving the forest behind you, you then arrive in Murten, where the most varied stage of the Chemin des Trois Lacs comes to an end. Murten is located on the German-French language border. Its picturesque old town, pleasant arcades and the attractive lakeside promenade make it an impressive location.
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 |
Portalban
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Murten
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
600 m
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| Ascent |
440 m
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| Descent |
440 m
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| Distance |
26 km
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| Duration |
6 h 45 min
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| Duration back |
6 h 45 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Season |
All year
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| Theme |
Along Water, With panoramic view
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| More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe71... |
Quick Facts
Route number
