The best walks and hikes around Novel

Hiking around Novel offers a landscape defined by alpine passes, prominent mountain peaks, and high-altitude refuges. You'll find trails with challenging ascents leading to viewpoints, including some overlooking Lake Geneva, and paths that traverse varied terrain from dense forests to open mountain slopes.

There are over 15 hiking routes available around Novel, catering to various skill levels. This includes 1 easy route, 10 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes, ensuring options for most hikers.

While the provided routes are primarily day hikes, the challenging nature of trails like the Rebollion Pass – Dent d'Oche Refuge loop from Novel, which takes nearly 7 hours, suggests the potential for combining routes for longer excursions. The presence of mountain refuges also supports extended stays in the alpine environment.

The region boasts several natural highlights. You can visit stunning lakes like Lac de Taney and Lac d'Arvouin. For panoramic views, consider reaching summits such as The Vuargne Cross (Pic des Mémises Summit Cross) or the Dent d'Oche summit.

Yes, many of the trails around Novel are circular. For example, the Chalets de Neuteu – Col de Bise loop from Novel and the Neuva Pass – Pic Boré loop from Novel are popular circular options that allow you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps.

The routes in Novel are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 1,300 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning alpine scenery, the challenging yet rewarding ascents, and the well-maintained paths leading to mountain passes and viewpoints.

Yes, the Col de la Croix – View of Lake Geneva loop from Novel is a moderate 7 km trail that specifically highlights views of Lake Geneva, making it an excellent choice for those seeking scenic vistas without extreme difficulty.

The Novel area is rich in mountain passes, which are often key features of the hiking trails. Notable passes include Rebollion Pass, Col de Bise, and Bosse Pass, all offering unique perspectives of the alpine landscape.

For a moderate half-day hike, consider the Col de la Croix loop from Novel. This route is about 5 km long and involves a moderate ascent, making it a good option for a shorter, yet rewarding, outdoor experience.

The terrain around Novel is diverse, ranging from well-trodden paths through forested sections to rocky, exposed trails at higher altitudes. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, characteristic of alpine environments, with some routes leading over mountain passes and towards peaks.

Yes, the challenging Rebollion Pass – Dent d'Oche Refuge loop from Novel is designed to lead hikers to a mountain refuge, offering a destination for rest or an overnight stay amidst the high mountains.