Discover Chaumont: trails, nature and panoramic views

Chaumont combines a protected natural landscape with viewpoints, hiking trails and a range of outdoor activities. From the summit, the view stretches across Neuchâtel, the Three-Lakes Region, the Swiss Plateau and the Alps. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between routes and experiences by their duration, course and character.

Getting there and finding your way

Chaumont can be reached by access roads from Neuchâtel, Enges and Savagnier. Another connection to the summit is the La Coudre-Chaumont funicular: the ride takes 13 minutes and covers an elevation gain of 570 metres. The transN line 111 connects Neuchâtel La Coudre with Chaumont; the stated journey time is 10 minutes. As transport details may change, check the transN timetable before setting off.

The Tour panoramique de Chaumont is located at the funicular’s upper station and dates from 1912. Its viewing platform is 60 metres high. In clear weather, the panorama from here stretches as far as the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Mont Blanc. The tower therefore provides a distinct landmark for your visit; the stated weather condition is essential for long-distance views. An orange beacon on the tower flashes during storms.

Trails with different time requirements

The Sentier du Temps is an approximately 4.5-kilometre educational walk between Chaumont and Rocher de l’Ermitage. This two-hour downhill route traces the history of the Earth from the last Ice Age to the formation of the solar system. The scale is brought to life along the way: each metre travelled represents one million years. Interactive stations and modern information panels accompany the route, while picnic spots offer a chance to take a break.

For a longer hike, the Chaumont–Cressier route covers nine kilometres and takes approximately two hours and 26 minutes to reach the wine-growing village of Cressier. Pastures and flowering forests characterise the route as described. The Défi de Chaumont follows a different course: its continuous ascent covers 4.3 kilometres, from the Pierre-à-Bot picnic area at 651 metres to Chaumont’s panoramic viewpoint at 1,087 metres. Check the current route conditions before setting off. This will help you take each route’s time requirement and elevation profile into account when planning your day.

The Sentier des Poules crosses the route of the La Coudre-Chaumont funicular. Those interested in mountain biking will also find a bike park in Chaumont, with a freeride trail for experts between Chaumont and Neuchâtel. This distinction in difficulty is important: the trails and activities mentioned are not all designed in the same way.

Outdoor experiences and breaks

According to the operator’s listing, Parc Aventure Chaumont offers 13 high-ropes courses, more than 20 zip lines and 150 activity stations; the facilities and activities may change. Check the latest information if you are planning a visit. The site also has a 2,000-square-metre outdoor laser game. The listed scenarios include collecting points, capturing flags and protecting a VIP; these activity formats may also change.

The outdoor escape game combines puzzles in nature with encounters with emblematic animals and the discovery of important species in the ecosystem. It may be available seasonally. Topeka Ranch offers horseback rides and pony rides, as well as private riding lessons or lessons in small groups. Visitor services may change, so check them before booking.

A large playground is located beside the funicular’s upper station. The ProFuni recreation area has tables, barbecues and a pétanque court. These spots complement the trails and activities with places to take a break. The 34-square-metre Monster Trampoline is a net trampoline in the middle of the forest, three metres above the ground; its dimensions may be updated by the operator. Chaumont’s options thus range from longer routes and viewpoints to individual outdoor activities and places to relax.

For the broader travel overview: Neuchâtel.