Trans Swiss Trail, Stage 6/32

Val de Ruz is proving ideal hiking country. Striking, the numerous village fountains and massive church towers. Engollon has the only murals in Canton Neuchâtel which date back to before the Reformation. Descent to Neuchâtel, with superb views.

From the Chézard-St-Martin, Grand-Chézar bus stop, the hiking trail initially leads through the village and out into the open countryside of the Val de Ruz. With only a few short counter-ascents, the route runs between meadows and fields via Engollon to Fenin-Vilars-Saules. Along the way, the Terre Ô Fées refreshment stop is located directly beside the trail.

The forest then draws closer. The trail climbs once more and, after just over two hours, reaches its highest point at around 830 m, below the Tête Plumée. The long descent now begins: through the forest, then past the Chapelle de l’Ermitage and down between the first houses of Neuchâtel.

At the edge of the city, dense residential development replaces the wooded slopes. The route leads to Place Alexis-Marie Piaget and finally to the shore of Lac de Neuchâtel, the largest lake located entirely within Switzerland. After around twelve kilometres and just over three hours, the hike ends in Neuchâtel, only a few steps from the Neuchâtel boat landing.