Creux du Van
Val-de-Travers, Switzerland
A rock amphitheatre 160 m deep and over 1 km wide in the Jura, home to ibex. A narrow road leads to a mountain farm near the rim; the classic hike climbs from Noiraigue.
Creux du Van is a limestone rock cirque in the Neuchâtel Jura in Switzerland, in the Val-de-Travers. The natural amphitheatre is about 1.4 kilometres wide and roughly 150 metres deep, and lies at the heart of a nature reserve of just over 15 square kilometres. Ibex live on the cliffs and near the edge; they were reintroduced to the area in 1965, and hikers often meet them at close range.
The classic loop starts at Noiraigue station, crosses the Areuse bridge and climbs a road to the reserve sign. According to Alpenwild the loop is about 13.6 kilometres, takes 4 to 5 hours and has around 750 metres of climbing. The Ferme Robert, about 35 minutes from Noiraigue, is a good place to stop for refreshments.
For road trippers: the path runs outside the stone wall that keeps sheep away from the edge. Stay on the path and keep your distance from the rim.
- Nearest town
- Val-de-Travers, Switzerland
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 46.9336, 6.7247
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Paradis-PlageCampsite12 km from Creux du VanTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Ferme de la CorbièreCampsite13 km from Creux du VanTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Camping VD 8 Pointe d'YvonandCampsite14 km from Creux du VanTentsCaravansWaste disposalNo dogsWi-Fi
- Camping Yverdon PlageCampsite17 km from Creux du Van · 130 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping communal de CudrefinCampsite23 km from Creux du Van · 31 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping Port Plage AvenchesCampsite25 km from Creux du Van · 700 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Creux du Van?
Creux du Van is in Val-de-Travers, Switzerland, at GPS 46.9336, 6.7247. It is about 15 km from Villers-le-Lac.
Can you camp near Creux du Van?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aire d'accueil - Noiraigue Le Devins, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 60 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Creux du Van?
Creux du Van is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Swiss Jura: Doubs gorges and the Creux du Van.
What is there to see near Creux du Van?
Places worth a stop nearby: Saut du Doubs (17 km), Étang de la Gruère (42 km), Gruyères Village and Castle (47 km) and Lavaux vineyard terraces (50 km).
When is the best time to visit Creux du Van?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)