Buttes is a locality in the municipality of Val-de-Travers in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. A defining theme for visitors is the connection between village and heights: the two-seater chairlift, in operation since 1970, runs from Buttes to the plateau of La Robella, which shares its name. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between activities in the valley and options on the plateau.
From the Village to the Plateau
Buttes lies at an altitude of 770 metres, while La Robella is at 1,220 metres. The chairlift covers the 450-metre difference in elevation; the ride takes about eleven minutes. Journey time may vary depending on operating speed, and operating periods may change seasonally. For travel planning, this provides a direct connection, but you should check whether it is operating at the time of your planned visit.
La Robella offers activities for visitors in both summer and winter. This does not mean that every individual activity is available in every season. If you are planning your stay around a particular offering, check its season and the relevant conditions.
Winter Trails and Snowsports
The La Robella ski area has nine marked ski and snowboard runs, covering a total of 20 kilometres. Snow conditions and whether the runs are open depend on the season. If you are planning a walking trip instead of downhill runs, there is a winter hiking route from La Robella to the summit of Chasseron. From there, you can enjoy views of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps; visibility depends on the weather.
There are also five snowshoe trails at La Robella, including one in the direction of Chasseron. Winter hiking to the summit and snowshoeing on the available trails are distinct ways to explore the highland landscape. Check snow conditions and seasonal access before setting out. The listed options do not automatically form a single route or share the same conditions.
Hiking and Activities in the Warmer Months
La Robella offers four hiking trails through the varied landscape of the Neuchâtel Jura. One specific trail is the Sentier des horlogers, which leads through Jura meadows and woodland to Buttes. It is not specifically signposted, an important point to bear in mind when choosing this route.
For a shorter description with a precise route length, the Ballspielweg from La Robella to Buttes offers another basis for planning: it is 4.3 kilometres long and takes about one and a half to two hours downhill. Suitable conditions and footwear are required. A family trail from La Robella to Buttes leads through the forest and includes five stations with wooden ball games; access depends on the seasonal operation of the chairlift.
All-terrain scooters are another option. The activity uses three marked runs connecting the summit with the village of Buttes. They are classified as black, red and blue, indicating different levels of difficulty. Check seasonal operation, trail conditions and safety requirements before setting out.
The Valley Landscape and Local History
Buttes stretches along the Buttes stream valley, which forms part of the Val de Travers depression in the southwestern Neuchâtel Jura. The Vallon du Buttes is around 700 metres wide in its lower section, where it has a flat valley floor; farther up, it cuts deep into the Jura heights. La Robella lies in Val-de-Travers on the northern slope of Chasseron. These details describe two distinct landscapes: the valley around Buttes and the higher elevation of the resort.
The local history includes buildings and former routes. The Temple in Buttes was built in 1705; its square bell tower dates from 1854. The Vy Saulnier is a former Franco-Swiss salt route in Buttes. A path near La Robella has historical significance locally: it was once used by watchmakers from the upper valley.
When choosing where to stay, you can first consider whether your trip will focus mainly on hiking, activities at higher elevations or winter pursuits. The chairlift connects the village with the plateau, while seasonal conditions affect individual activities. This can help you tailor your search for hotels in Buttes to the activities you actually plan to do.
Discover more destinations: Les Verrières, La Côte-Aux-Fées, Boveresse, Fleurier, Travers Ne, Couvet, Môtiers, Saint-Sulpice Ne
For the broader travel overview: Val-De-Travers.
