La Route verte
The full route consists of 7 stages between Schaffhausen and Geneva.
- Section 1:Schaffhouse – Herznach
- Section 2: Herznach – Balsthal
- Section 3: Balsthal – St-Ursanne
- Section 4: St-Ursanne – Mont-Soleil
- Section 5 : Mont-Soleil – Couvet
- Section 6 : Couvet - Le Sentier
- Section 7 : Le Sentier – Genève
Difficulty
- Technically: easy to moderate
- Physically: moderate to tough
All useful and necessary information (details of sections, precise maps and itineraries, etc.) are available on the La Route Verte website.
(NB: the map below displays a simplified itinerary)
La Route Verte (Anita Brechbühl @travelita)
Map of the Route Verte
Karte der Route Verte
La Route Verte (Switzerland Tourism)
La Route Verte (Switzerland Tourism/Andre Meier)
437.2268371582
St-Ursanne
"The tour begins on the old bridge, where we can see the beautiful big trout in the river below us. Some of the houses lie just outside the town wall, inviting us to pass through the old gate into the old town, towards the collegiate church. As we push open the two huge doors, we are struck by an extraordinary sound. Someone is rehearsing on the magnificent organ for a concert that very evening. Sitting on the pew and listening to the music, we feel as though we have been transported back through the centuries as we admire the architecture, the various chapels, the paintings and the chancel. Then we discover the cloister, whose archways invite us to walk through to reach the lapidarium with its ancient stone sarcophagi. Our guide explains that some of them date from the age of Charlemagne. The tour ends on an avenue under the lime trees, where we have the chance to rest on the benches and watch the goings-on in the medieval alleyways."
Margrit
St-Ursanne (MyCamper)
St-Ursanne (MyCamper)
St-Ursanne
St-Ursanne (Reto Duriet)
St-Ursanne (Christof Sonderegger)
Map of St-Ursanne
City Walks
St-Ursanne
St-Ursanne (Christof Sonderegger)
790.25219726562
Tourism Office St-Imier
Tourism Office St-Imier
Tourism office, St-Imier (Jura bernois Tourisme)
730.00952148438
Tourist office - Val-de-Travers
Val-de-Travers Tourist infomation desk
Noiraigue shop
1007.3620605469
Lac de Joux
Lake Joux is a very popular destination with nature lovers. The lakeshore villages offer a whole range of restaurants, hotels and activities in winter and summer.
The largest body of water in the Jura mountain range, Lake Joux is a paradise for open air activities. In the summer, given the altitude (1,004 m), visitors can enjoy the cool mountain air and the water is the ideal temperature for swimming (up to 24 degrees). For sports enthusiasts, the favourable currents make this a favourite spot for wind surfing and there’s also sailing, biking and hiking for families and groups of friends to enjoy together.
In winter, when the conditions are right, the lake freezes completely to form the biggest natural skating rink in Switzerland and Europe. Adults and children can then cross the lake on foot or don their skates and glide across. Equipment is available for hire in Le Sentier or Le Pont during the busy period. Check the tourist office website on the day to find out whether the lake is open for enjoyment.
Lac de Joux - Hiver (©Jonathan Viey Vaud Promotion)
Frozen Lake Joux (Fabrice Hiertzeler)
Le Pont (Stephan Engler)
Lac de Joux - Ponton (LoomiStudio)
Lac de Joux (Zellweger)
Pique-nique (Spurring)
Lac de Joux (Claude Jaccard)
953.90417480469
Route Verte stay
Explore six regional nature parks along the Route Verte! From Schaffhausen to Geneva, this cycling route takes you through the natural landscapes of the Jura Arc.
One of the most beautiful parts of the Route Verte is between Balsthal and Couvet: our "Crêtes & Horizons" itinerary. On the four stages of this route, you follow the gentle hills of the Jura chain comfortably of your e-bike. This 4-day / 3-night tour will allow you to recharge your batteries in the middle of nature. On the way, you will discover the typical landscapes of the Franches-Montagnes and the Doubs Natural Park, as well as the Franches-Montagnes horses living in semi-captivity. You will pass through picturesque villages and enjoy the many delicacies of the nature parks! The route ends in style in the Val-de-Travers with a glass of absinthe!
Stage 1: Balsthal - Delémont
The first stage of the "Crêtes & Horizons" route leads through a hilly landscape with numerous panoramic views. The first day ends in Delémont, whose historic centre is well worth a visit.
Stage 2: Delémont - Saint-Ursanne
This stage takes you over three passes: the Passwang, the Col des Rangiers and the Col de la Croix. Each way up is rewarded with breathtaking views! The stage ends in the charming medieval village of Saint-Ursanne, the gateway to the Parc du Doubs.
Stage 3: Saint-Ursanne - Mont-Soleil
On this stage, you will discover the typical landscapes of the Jura and the Doubs Nature Park. Watch the Franches-Montagnes horses graze freely in the middle of the wooded pastures!
Stage 4: Mont-Soleil - Couvet
The last stage of the route takes you to the Val-de-Travers. Admire the famous Creux du Van and visit one of the many absinthe distilleries in the valley to discover some of the secrets of the "green fairy"!
Route Verte (ST_André Meier)
Parc Regional Chasseral © Tim Bardsley-Smith
Parc Regional Chasseral © Tim Bardsley-Smith
La Route Verte (larouteverte.ch)
The Route Verte by bike
La Route Verte (larouteverte.ch)
Route Verte (Switzerland Tourism)
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