Onnens between the Jura and Lake Neuchâtel

The municipal area of Onnens stretches from the ridge of Mont-Aubert at 1,300 metres to Lake Neuchâtel at 430 metres. Around Onnens, the landscape encompasses the slopes of the Jura, Mont-Aubert, the Colline de la Chassagne and the flat lakeshore strip.

Landscape and village character

The protected Chassagne dry meadow lies on the southern slope of the Jura; a few shrubs and oak trees characterise the area. It is listed in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance. The planting of tall-stem fruit trees is also part of the village’s history: between spring 2005 and spring 2006, more than two hundred trees were planted in Onnens. The planting included around 80 varieties from eight different species.

Seven fountain basins adorn the main streets of Onnens. The village setting thus combines distinctive landscape features with specific details in the village itself.

Dolmen and church frescoes

The Praz Berthoud dolmen was used as a collective tomb at the end of the Neolithic period, around 2300 BC. It is the first monument of this type documented in the canton of Vaud. The dolmen can be reached on foot or by bicycle via a farm track; several information panels provide additional information during your visit.

Onnens church also preserves links to different periods of history. The oldest fresco dates from the 14th century and depicts the Entombment of Christ. High-quality frescoes adorn the church’s choir; they were rediscovered beneath a thick layer of whitewash at the beginning of the 20th century. While the dolmen points to the Neolithic period, the fresco takes you to a much later era.

Different conditions apply to visits to the two cultural sites: the church is closed outside of services. As access and visiting conditions may change, check them before you travel.

Wine in Onnens

Camilien Gaille welcomes visitors to his wine cellar by appointment. For groups, a tasting can be accompanied by saucisson, cheese and other specialities; arrange such a visit in advance. Camilien Gaille’s vineyards are located in the municipalities of Onnens, Bonvillars and Concise. The wine connection therefore extends beyond Onnens to include two other municipalities.

Hiking and cycling in the surrounding area

The Via Cluny hiking stage between Baulmes and Bevaix can be divided into the Baulmes–Onnens and Onnens–Bevaix sections. From Onnens, the Via Cluny continues along marked hiking trails on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel to St-Aubin. Check the route details before setting off.

In the wider area around Onnens, a hike along Lake Neuchâtel between Yverdon-les-Bains and Concise is considered family-friendly; it passes Grandson Castle. A 99.2-kilometre route around Lake Neuchâtel is also described for road cyclists as part of the Three Lakes region. These options differ both in their geographical scope and in how you get around: from a Via Cluny stage to a circuit around the lake.

Discover more destinations: Yvonand, L'abbaye, Baulmes, Mathod, La Praz, Vaulion, Grandevent, Le Chenit

For the main travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.