Jura Crest Trail
Overview
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Distance 18 km
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Duration 5 h 45 min
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Ascent 840 m
Intro
Not far from the Swiss-French border, the trail crosses the Aiguilles de Baulmes ridge with a view of the alps and continues through the magnificent Vaud Jura with its enchanting pastures. The trees and rocks here could tell many a tale of smuggling.
Description
Sainte-Croix is famed worldwide for its music boxes and music automatons. From the train station, the path leads out of the village and climbs up to the Aiguilles de Baulmes ridge. Once at the top, a panoramic section continues all the way to the summit. The view extends over the alpine chain with the Mont Blanc, the lakes of Neuchâtel and Geneva, the Dôle region and the Chasseral. Rugged rock belts, up to 80 metres high and facing south, characterise the mountain ridge.
At Col de l’Aiguillon, you are just a few hundred meters away from the French border. Tank traps remind you that the frontier is close, and you will come across military bunkers throughout this stage. After leaving the forest behind you, it is worth looking back at the rock wall of Aiguilles de Baulmes. The climb to Le Suchet starts after Grange Neuve. You really should not miss the five-minute detour to the summit, to take another look back at the peaks along the Jura Crest Trail.
As you descend to Le Suchet chalet, you can enjoy the sweeping views of Lake Neuchâtel, the plain and even the Alps in the distance. The downhill walk takes about two hours, through enchanting Jura meadows until you reach Ballaigues. You come closer and closer to the steep rock walls (falaises) of the Mont d’Or, towering about 200 meters high. A little way outside of Ballaigues, you can discover a historic cart track (Roman road). It resembles a tramway track but instead of iron rails, the carts were guided along grooves that were driven into the rock base. In the mid-19th century, sought-after salt was transported via this route from the French saltworks to Bern and western Switzerland. The village of Ballaigues, the finish of the stage, is located on the southern slope of the Suchet range, high above the course of the Orbe river.
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 |
Ste-Croix
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Ballaigues
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
840 m
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| Descent |
1050 m
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| Distance |
18 km
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| Duration |
5 h 45 min
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| Duration back |
5 h 50 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Season |
April - October
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| Theme |
To a mountain peak, With panoramic view, Over a pass
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Quick Facts
Route number
