Chaumont offers several ways to plan your trip: the Sentier du Temps combines exercise with a glimpse into the history of the Earth, while other routes vary in distance and elevation. There are also summit panoramas, the funicular and a range of outdoor activities. You can plan your time here around whether hiking, views or leisure activities are your priority.
Hiking trails with different profiles
The Sentier du Temps is an approximately 4.5-kilometre educational walking trail between Chaumont and Rocher de l’Ermitage. The two-hour route leads downhill and explores the history of the Earth, from the last ice age to the formation of the solar system. Each metre covered represents one million years. Interactive stations, modern information panels and picnic areas complement the trail.
The Défi de Chaumont offers a different kind of trail: its continuous climb runs for 4.3 kilometres from the Pierre-à-Bot picnic area to the Chaumont panoramic viewpoint. The route starts at 651 metres and ends at 1,087 metres. For a longer hike, the Chaumont–Cressier route covers 9 kilometres and is listed as taking approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes. It passes through pastures and flowering forests to the wine-growing village of Cressier. The stated times and elevations can help you compare routes; check the conditions of your chosen route before setting out.
The Sentier des Poules can also be included in your route planning: it crosses the Funiculaire La Coudre-Chaumont line. The trail is classified as sporty and moderately difficult; difficulty ratings may change.
Summit views and the Chaumont Tower
Chaumont is a protected natural landscape with views of Lake Neuchâtel. From the summit, the panorama stretches across Neuchâtel, the Three Lakes Region, the Swiss Plateau and the Alps. On a clear day, the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Mont Blanc can also be seen from the Tour panoramique de Chaumont. The tower dates from 1912, and its viewing platform is 60 metres high. An orange beacon on the tower flashes during storms.
Another named viewpoint is Le Pré-Louiset, with views of Lake Neuchâtel, the Alps, Val-de-Travers and Val-de-Ruz. These different vantage points give you several specific landmarks for taking in the landscape around Chaumont, without requiring every hike to end at the same viewpoint.
Getting there and finding your way
The Funiculaire La Coudre-Chaumont takes you to the summit in 13 minutes, climbing 570 metres. TransN bus route 111 connects Neuchâtel La Coudre with Chaumont. The bus journey is listed as taking 10 minutes. As transport details may change, check the transN timetable before travelling. The Tour panoramique is located at the funicular’s arrival station. The entrance to Parc Aventure Chaumont is also just a few metres from this station.
The funicular has played an important part in the area’s visitor history: it began operating in 1910 and helped develop tourism in the hills above Neuchâtel. Today, it is one of the landmarks you can factor into planning a stay in Chaumont, along with the tower and the trails.
More activities in the area
Parc Aventure Chaumont offers 13 high-ropes courses, more than 20 zip lines and 150 activity stations. These activity figures may change; check the details before visiting. The park also offers an outdoor laser game on a 2,000-square-metre site. Scenarios include collecting points, capturing the flag and protecting a VIP. Activity formats may also change, so it is advisable to check before booking.
Topeka Ranch offers horseback riding and pony rides for children. Riding lessons are available privately or in small groups. As visitor activities may change, confirm the details before booking. For a quieter break, there is a large playground beside the upper funicular station. The ProFuni recreation area has tables, grills and a pétanque court. These different options complement the hiking trails, so you don’t have to choose a single type of activity for your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Neuchâtel.
