Top 6 Natural Monuments around Le Locle
Best natural monuments around Le Locle are found in the Swiss Jura mountains, a region known for its diverse natural landscape. This area features serene lakes, dramatic gorges, and unique subterranean formations. These sites showcase the region's natural beauty and geological history, offering various outdoor experiences.
Best natural monuments around Le Locle
- The most popular natural monument is View of Creux du Van and Lake Neuchâtel, a viewpoint that offers expansive vistas of a steep natural amphitheater. This location…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Brenets Lake
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Via Ferrata du Tichodrome
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Bear Cave
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Tourbière des Ponts-de-Martel
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Dinosaur Sculpture (Land Art)
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View of Creux du Van and Lake Neuchâtel
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Siberia of Switzerland – the Vallée de la Brévine
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Popular around Le Locle
Arc jurassien in Switzerland – 4 stages through the wild Jura Mountains
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Tips from the Community
For hotel guests, a boat trip to the waterfalls and back is free ... otherwise the one-way trip costs 9 sfr
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oh yes, and again and again. But the tour offers much more.
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Lac des Brenets is nestled in the Jura massif, overlooked by wooded cliffs. The lake consists of three basins, ending with the impressive Saut de Doubs.
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If you are looking for an adventure in the Swiss Jura, you should try the Tichodrome Via Ferrata. This is a safe climbing route that follows natural ledges along a rocky cliff overlooking the Val de Travers. You'll need some agility and a good sense of altitude, as some parts of the course are very exposed and require you to hang from a loose cable. The difficulty level is K4-, which means it is suitable for experienced climbers and children over 14 years old. The route is 550 meters long and takes approximately one hour. You'll be rewarded with stunning views of the valley and the chance to spot the tichodrome, a rare and colorful bird that nests in the area. The via ferrata is closed from January 1 to June 30 to protect the bird's breeding season.
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If you're looking for a fun break from your run in the Swiss Jura, you can visit the Grotte de l'Ours, near Ponts-de-Martel. This is not a deep cave, but rather a large rock formation with several holes that you can explore. The cave is located in a beautiful little gorge, the Combe Poëta, and the path leading there is already an attraction in itself. You can admire the forest, streams and peat bogs all along the way.
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The Siberia of Switzerland, also known as the Brévine Valley. This region of Jura holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in Switzerland: -41.8°C1!
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In autumn and late summer the lake tends to dry out. The waterfall then also has no water.
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Les Ponts-de-Martel is 1009 m above sea level. M., 16 km west of the canton capital of Neuchâtel (as the crow flies). The village extends on the western edge of the Vallée des Ponts in the Neuchâtel Jura and on the adjacent slope of the anticline of the Grand Som Martel. The area of the 18.2 km² large municipal area includes the western part of the Vallée des Ponts, which is flat here. Large areas of raised bog are preserved on the plain, which are listed as "Tourbière des Ponts-de-Martel" in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance (BLN).[5] Peat was mined in the area from the 18th to the 20th century.[6] The eastern boundary of the municipality is formed by the Le Bied stream, which disappears into a seepage funnel on the southern edge of the village. To the west, the municipal floor extends to the anticline separating the Vallée des Ponts from the Vallée de la Brévine. In a narrow corner in the extreme west, the area extends over the Combes Dernier valley to the Haut des Joux (1275 m asl). In the north, Les Ponts-de-Martel includes the summit of the Grand Som Martel, on which at 1337 m above sea level. M. the highest point of the municipality is reached. Here there are extensive Jura high pastures with the typical mighty spruces, which stand either individually or in groups. In 1997, 6% of the municipal area was for settlements, 31% for forest and copses, 59% for agriculture and around 4% was unproductive land.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural monuments around Le Locle?
Visitors frequently enjoy the View of Creux du Van and Lake Neuchâtel, which offers expansive vistas of a dramatic natural amphitheater. Other popular spots include Bear Cave, a unique rock overhang within the scenic Combe Poëta gorge, and Brenets Lake, known for its boat tours and connection to the Saut du Doubs waterfall.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Le Locle region?
Yes, several natural monuments around Le Locle are suitable for families. Brenets Lake offers relaxing boat tours and easy walks. The Bear Cave in Combe Poëta gorge is also considered family-friendly, as is the Tourbière des Ponts-de-Martel, a fascinating raised bog area. For something unique, the Dinosaur Sculpture (Land Art) is also a fun stop for all ages.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Le Locle?
The Le Locle region, nestled in the Swiss Jura mountains, boasts diverse natural features. You'll find serene lakes like Lac des Taillères and Brenets Lake, dramatic gorges such as the Gorges de l'Areuse and Combe Poëta, and unique subterranean formations like the Moulins Souterrains du Col-des-Roches. The landscape also includes vast forests, meadows, and high pastures, offering stunning viewpoints like the View of Creux du Van and Lake Neuchâtel.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Le Locle is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking through the Jura Mountains. For specific routes, consider exploring the Road Cycling Routes around Le Locle, Waterfall hikes around Le Locle, or general Cycling around Le Locle guides. These guides offer routes that often pass by or lead to many of the region's natural attractions.
Are there any challenging natural monuments for experienced hikers or climbers?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Via Ferrata du Tichodrome offers a thrilling climbing route along a rocky cliff overlooking the Val de Travers. It's rated K4- and requires agility and a good sense of altitude. Additionally, some trails leading to viewpoints like the View of Creux du Van and Lake Neuchâtel are classified as intermediate difficulty.
What is the 'Siberia of Switzerland' and where can I find it?
The 'Siberia of Switzerland' refers to the Vallée de la Brévine, which includes Siberia of Switzerland – the Vallée de la Brévine and Lac des Taillères. This area, located near the French border in the Neuchâtel Jura, is known for its extremely cold winters and picturesque, tranquil beauty. You can enjoy scenic drives around Lac des Taillères and appreciate the surrounding forests and wildflowers.
Can I explore underground natural monuments near Le Locle?
Yes, the Moulins Souterrains du Col-des-Roches (Underground Mills of Col-des-Roches) offer a unique subterranean experience. While an industrial heritage site, these 17th-century hydraulic mills are remarkable for their integration with natural subterranean streams and karst caves, located 23 meters underground. It's the only subterranean factory of its kind in Europe, offering a fascinating walk through natural and artificial tunnels.
What is special about the Tourbière des Ponts-de-Martel?
The Tourbière des Ponts-de-Martel is a significant raised bog area located in the western part of the Vallée des Ponts. It is listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance (BLN). This area is characterized by its unique ecosystem, historical peat mining (from the 18th to 20th century), and surrounding Jura high pastures with mighty spruces.
What is the best way to experience the Saut du Doubs waterfall?
The magnificent Saut du Doubs, a 27-meter waterfall where the Doubs River plunges dramatically, is best experienced by combining a boat trip on Brenets Lake with a hike. Boat tours operate from April to autumn, and you can hike along the lakeshore to the waterfall and then take a boat back, or vice versa. Several waterfall hikes are also available in the area.
Are there any natural monuments that offer impressive views?
Absolutely. The View of Creux du Van and Lake Neuchâtel is renowned for its spectacular vistas of the natural rock amphitheater and the lake. Other viewpoints include those found along the Via Ferrata du Tichodrome, offering views of the Val de Travers, and various spots around Brenets Lake and the Gorges de l'Areuse.
What is the Combe Poëta gorge known for?
The Combe Poëta gorge is a picturesque area known for its natural beauty and the Bear Cave. The hiking trail through this gorge is considered a highlight in itself, offering views of forests, streams, and peat bogs. The Bear Cave, a large rock overhang with several holes, is a popular feature within the gorge.
What do visitors appreciate most about the natural monuments around Le Locle?
Visitors consistently appreciate the stunning natural beauty and diverse experiences offered by the region's natural monuments. They particularly enjoy the expansive views from places like the View of Creux du Van and Lake Neuchâtel, the unique geological formations of the Bear Cave, and the tranquil boat tours on Brenets Lake. The opportunity to combine hiking with other activities, such as exploring the Saut du Doubs waterfall, is also highly valued.
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