Val-de-Ruz Bike
Overview
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Distance 32 km
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Ascent 720 m
Intro
This loop trail is technically easy and often follows the edge of the forest. The broad Val-de-Ruz nestled between the first two crests of the Jura Mountains forms the backdrop of the entire ride. The small town of Valangin with its medieval castle is another high spot.
Description
A good starting point of the tour is the train station of Hauts-Geneveys in the Neuchâtel Jura. The highest village in Val de Ruz (986 m) is situated on the eastern slope of the Tête-de-Ran range with expansive upland pastures and massive firs. In addition to the valley basin, the views encompass the Swiss Mittelland and in good weather even the Alps. The highest point of the entire tour is almost reached at the start. The route now descends in several stages past the villages of Cernier and Chézard to Dombresson, mostly on forest trails. It then briefly follows the Seyon river and subsequently crosses the valley floor.
After reaching the edge of the northern foot of Mt. Chaumont near Neuchâtel, the trail continues for about 7 km. This part in the valley and along the edge of the forest is relatively flat before it briefly dips downhill. The steep descent leads across the Seyon river and to the small town of Valangin with its well-preserved late medieval look. The town gate was built in the 15th century and the circular walls of Valangin castle date back to the 13th century. Today’s structure is from the 15th century, perched on top of a hill south of the town. The inside houses the regional museum with exhibits relating to the canton’s history.
This is the lowest point of the tour, which now climbs up the forested hill. The well maintained trails are protected by the foliage of the trees, but they are often wet. Past the village of Coffrane the trail continues slightly uphill across the fields. The views of Creux-du-Van on the left and in the direction of Mt. Chasseral on the right are lovely. The agricultural fields in the valley basin are another attractive sight as they change colour with the season. The return to the starting point also consists of several stages, alternating between roads and dirt paths in the forest, but posing no technical difficulties.
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 |
Les Hauts-Geneveys
|
| Destination |
Les Hauts-Geneveys
|
| Direction |
Round trip
|
| Ascent |
720 m
|
| Descent |
720 m
|
| Distance |
32 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
8 km
|
| Distance on natural surface |
22 km
|
| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
2 km
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Easy
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in one direction
|
Tourisme neuchâtelois
Hôtel des Postes, Place du Port 2
Hôtel des Postes
2000
Neuchâtel
Quick Facts
Route number
