Les Hauts-Geneveys: Hiking, Views and Heritage

Les Hauts-Geneveys is a locality and former municipality in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel, in the Val-de-Ruz region. The village lies at an altitude of 986 metres on the eastern slope of Tête de Ran in the Neuchâtel Jura. From here, the view stretches across the Val-de-Ruz; on clear days, the Swiss Plateau and the Alps are also visible. The landscape, hiking trails and local history shape the character of this destination. If you are looking for a hotel, these features can provide useful pointers when choosing where to stay.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

The “Les Hauts-Geneveys – Chambrelien” hike starts in Les Hauts-Geneveys. Its first section climbs steeply to Tête de Ran; after that, the route follows the Jura Crest Trail for most of the way. This makes the route easy to understand: a steep start is followed mainly by a stretch along the Jura Crest Trail. From the summit of Tête de Ran, at 1,422 metres, a walk also leads to Mont Dar.

The “Les boviducs” trail (Chemin chouette No. 3), which ends in Les Hauts-Geneveys, offers a different perspective on the landscape. It passes through hedgerows and wooded pastures, along paths created for driving livestock. Here, the focus is on the cultural landscape and the former purpose of the paths. By contrast, the “La lisière” trail (Chemin chouette No. 4) runs along the edge of the forest between villages, farmland and wooded areas. Its description thus links the forest edge with the neighbouring settlements and areas in use.

There is also a specific route connecting the village with mountain biking: the “La Vue des Alpes Bike” route starts and ends in Les Hauts-Geneveys and forms a circuit. Check current route information before setting off. The station esplanade offers views over the Val-de-Ruz, Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps.

Local History and Art

The former town hall of Les Hauts-Geneveys dates from 1780. In its earlier history, it served as an inn and hotel, a schoolhouse and a place of worship. The nearby fountain adds to this historical connection: its enclosed main basin is made of limestone, and it bears the initials of former local governors as well as the year 1825.

A commemorative plaque to the economist Silvio Gesell (1862–1930) stands on the road to La Vue-des-Alpes. Several works of art are listed at the Centre des Perce-Neige: a work by Alfred Manessier from 1977, as well as “Rencontre” by sculptor Berthoud and “La Ronde”, a bronze work by Jean-Claude Reussner; both also date from 1977. These names and dates offer different ways to explore the village’s history and art.

The Railway Station and Railway History

A plaque opposite the railway station provides information about the eventful history of the railway line described there. It was the first railway line to go into operation in the canton of Neuchâtel; at the time, it had the longest tunnel in Switzerland. The station is also a viewpoint: its esplanade offers views over the Val-de-Ruz, Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. Here, railway history and views of the landscape come together at a specific location.

Discover more destinations: Dombresson, Les Geneveys-sur-Coffrane, Savagnier, Montmollin, La Vue Des Alpes, Le Pâquier, Fontainemelon, Villiers Ne.

For the broader travel overview: Val-De-Ruz.