Watching the sunrise at the legendary Creux du Van
Tour description
The Creux du Van attracts influencers from all over the world, who snap daring selfies at the cliff edge. So we head up there whilst the others are still asleep and experience the magical scenery at dawn – completely alone, apart from perhaps a herd of ibex.
Trout à la bleue, with butter or almonds?
From Boudry, a good path leads through the Gorges de l’Areuse, one of the most beautiful gorge walks in Switzerland. We stop for lunch at the Hôtel la Truite, where we treat ourselves to the house speciality. Later, we climb up into the basin below the Creux du Van: at the ‘Ferme Robert’, situated in a clearing in the forest, the most stylish couple of hosts in a Swiss mountain hut await us. The accommodation is simple, the à la carte restaurant excellent and the service incredible.
Switzerland in its morning slumber
On Sunday morning we set off early and reach the ridge of the Creux du Van in an hour and a half to catch the sunrise: 05:32 is the magic moment this Sunday. Up there, we have plenty of time to enjoy the karst landscape in peace – and if we’re lucky, the ibex colony will be grazing in the morning light. We hike along the plateau with sweeping views over the Jura ranges.
An unforgettable Sunday
Before the Sunday tourist rush begins, we are back down in Noiraigue. Here, a light brunch or the infamous absinthe from the Val de Travers awaits us, to toast this mystical, enjoyable hike.
19.06.2027 – 20.06.2027
Distance and duration
Day 1: 11km | ↗︎ 600 ↘︎ 280m | 4:30 h
Day 2: 10km | ↗︎ 500 ↘︎ 770m | 4.00 h
Difficulty
Easy walking on good paths
Costs
In a 4-bed room CHF 259 for early bookers until 31 May, thereafter CHF 289 / Teens CHF 119 / Family price on request
Not included
Food from your rucksack | Lunch at ‘La Truite’, dinner at ‘Ferme Robert’, possibly brunch in Noiraigue | Journey to and from the destination
Equipment
Good walking boots and a light day rucksack. A packing list will be provided after registration.
Getting there
Best to use public transport, as the start and end points are some distance apart.
Meeting point
Zurich main station at 08:20 at the meeting point, departure at 08:29 from platform 32 or 09:51 from Biel station to Boudry.
End
Noiraigue from 10:54, arrival at Zurich main station at 12:56
Registration deadline & payment
By Thursday 13 June 2027, immediately after registration via QR code or Twint.
Hiking guide
Markus Unterfinger
Phone: 076 419 21 10
markus@wanderidee.ch