Buttes: Chairlift, Trails and Historic Traces

Buttes is a village in the municipality of Val-de-Travers in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the village of Buttes and the La Robella plateau. In the village, the Temple and the former salt road are reminders of its history; La Robella offers activities in summer and winter, which may be available seasonally. If you are looking for hotels for a trip to Buttes, you can first decide which activities and places you want to focus on during your stay.

Chairlift between the village and the plateau

Since 1970, the chairlift has connected the village of Buttes at an altitude of 770 metres with the plateau of the same name at 1,220 metres. The fixed two-seater lift climbs 450 metres; the ride takes approximately eleven minutes, although the journey time may vary with the operating speed. For planning your time, there is a practical difference between the lift ride and the trail: the 4.3-kilometre Ballspielweg from La Robella to Buttes is downhill and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. It follows a marked footpath; suitable conditions and appropriate footwear are required. Operating hours may vary seasonally; check the timetable for your travel dates.

Winter trails and snow sports

The La Robella ski area has nine marked ski and snowboard runs, covering a total of 20 kilometres. The runs are open depending on snow conditions and are seasonal. There are five snowshoe trails, including one towards Chasseron; check snow cover and seasonal access in advance. A winter hiking route leads from La Robella to the summit of Chasseron and offers views of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps; weather and visibility determine whether the long-distance views are clear. For this hike, visibility is an additional factor to consider when planning.

Hiking and other activities

Four hiking trails pass through the varied landscapes of the Neuchâtel Jura; their availability may depend on seasonal conditions. The all-terrain scooter activity uses three marked runs connecting the summit with the village of Buttes. Black, red and blue runs indicate different difficulty levels. Before travelling, check seasonal operation, access and applicable safety requirements. The family trail from La Robella to Buttes passes through a forest and includes five stations with wooden ball games. It is seasonal and depends on the chairlift being in operation.

Local history and landscape

The Temple in Buttes was built in 1705 and has a square bell tower dating from 1854. Vy Saulnier is a former French-Swiss salt road in Buttes. A trail near La Robella was once used by watchmakers from the upper valley and has historical and local significance.

Buttes extends along the valley of the Buttes stream, which forms part of the Val de Travers basin in the southwestern Neuchâtel Jura. In its lower section, the Vallon du Buttes is around 700 metres wide and flat; in its upper section, it cuts deep into the Jura heights. La Robella is in Val-de-Travers on the northern slope of Chasseron. The destination thus brings together the valley landscape around Buttes, the heights near La Robella and various traces of history.

Discover more destinations: Couvet, Fleurier, Boveresse, Môtiers, La Côte-Aux-Fées, Saint-Sulpice Ne, Les Verrières, Travers Ne.

View the main travel overview: Val-De-Travers.