Best attractions and places to see around Pompaples, a rural village in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, offer a mix of historical sites and unique natural features. The village is nestled against the slopes formed by the Nozon river, which winds through its gorges, and is surrounded by agricultural landscapes and forests. This area provides opportunities to explore significant landmarks and experience natural phenomena. Pompaples also serves as a gateway to notable regional attractions in the wider Vaud region.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Waterfall
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Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
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Highlight • Castle
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Highlight • Religious Site
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An impressive structure with an integrated pedestrian walkway under the tracks. Wonderful view of the reservoir.
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A great view and good path to cross the river especially if you arrive from le Day train station and want to go towards Suchet or Ste-Croix
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The horse museum in the outbuildings shows horse-drawn vehicles and highlights the role of the horse and harness in warfare, in the circus, in hunting with greyhounds, etc.
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This castle is located in a park above the village and dates back to the 11th century. It was renovated in the 15th and 16th centuries. In front of the living area with two round corner turrets there are two heavy square towers with aisles.
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The old-fashioned but charming town of Orbe is located on a hill in a meander of the Orbe. From the Place du Marché, decorated by a fountain with a standard bearer (1753), a small street leads to the reformed church from the 15th-16th century (naves with interesting keystones) and further to the terrace of the former castle, which offers a beautiful view of the lower city and the Orbe valley.
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The old town, which consists of a lower and an upper part, is really kitschy and beautiful. Small shops, many restaurants, colorful facades and the castle characterize Orbe.
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A historical building that has been repeatedly adapted to meet increased requirements.
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If you want to hike through the "Nozon Gorge", you "must" definitely pay a visit to the medieval town of Romainmôtier and the former Benedictine abbey. It would be even better to include this place of power, full of romantic history and spirituality, in your hike. The somewhat sleepy village of Romainmôtier, nestled in the seemingly evergreen nature of the Vaud region, is just 1.5 km from the Croy-Romainmôtier train station and can be easily reached on foot or by postbus. Danger! Unfortunately, the PostBus doesn't drive so diligently. Therefore, first check the travel times for who is arriving by public transport. If you want to come here by car or camper, you will find a spacious nature park area just a few minutes' walk from the center. (Paying) The abbey and its surrounding buildings, squares and alleys form the heart of this pretty little town. Everything, absolutely everything, transports the visitor to a bygone era. The collegiate church, which is open to the public, is a real feast for the eyes. In general, the monastery complex is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in Switzerland. So if you don't pay attention to this historic place on your trip to the Vaudois nature, you've really missed something. ABSOLUTE VISIT RECOMMENDATION!!!
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Near Pompaples, you can visit the Milieu du Monde (Middle of the World) at Moulin Bornu. This unique hydrological divide sees the Augine stream separate, with waters flowing towards both the Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea. Additionally, the Dard Waterfall offers a magnificent cascade experience within the Nozon Gorge.
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can explore La Sarraz Castle, an impressive 11th-century fortress with a horse museum. Another must-visit is the medieval Romainmôtier Abbey, one of Switzerland's oldest monastery complexes, featuring a notable collegiate church.
Pompaples is surrounded by agricultural landscapes and forests, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find various running trails, road cycling routes, and mountain biking trails. For specific routes, explore the Running Trails around Pompaples, Road Cycling Routes around Pompaples, or MTB Trails around Pompaples guides.
Several attractions in the area are considered family-friendly. La Sarraz Castle, with its historical exhibits and horse museum, is a great option. The charming town of Orbe offers a picturesque setting to explore, and the Romainmôtier Abbey provides an engaging historical experience for all ages.
For stunning views, visit the Railroad viaduct from Day, which offers a wonderful perspective of the reservoir. The terrace of the former castle in Orbe also provides picturesque views of the lower city and the Orbe valley. Additionally, the cliffs surrounding the Nozon Gorge offer dramatic natural scenery.
The Dard Waterfall is best seen when snow is gently melting or after a period of rain, as this ensures a strong flow. During midsummer, it might be almost dry, and after heavy rain, the water might appear brown.
The Communal Bread Oven (Four à pain communal) in Pompaples is a cherished vestige of rural heritage and a symbol of village conviviality. It is still actively used for festive occasions and village events, where bread and other delicacies are baked and made available to the public on baking days.
Yes, the Nozon Gorge is an excellent area for hiking and experiencing nature. The Nozon river winds through its gorges, which are surmounted by cliffs, offering a scenic and immersive natural environment. The medieval town of Romainmôtier and its abbey are located within the gorge, making it a great destination for both nature and history lovers.
Orbe is known for its charming, old-fashioned character and picturesque medieval townscape. Situated on a hill within a meander of the Orbe river, it features a 15th-16th century reformed church and a castle terrace with beautiful views. The old town, with its small shops, restaurants, and colorful facades, is a delight to explore.
La Sarraz Castle, dating back to the 11th century, features two round corner turrets and two heavy square towers. It also houses a horse museum in its outbuildings, which showcases horse-drawn vehicles and highlights the role of horses in history. The castle has also been a venue for conferences, hosting famous guests like Le Corbusier and Albert Einstein.
Visitors particularly enjoy the unique natural features like the 'Colorado Canyon feeling' at the Dard Waterfall and the impressive structure of the Railroad viaduct from Day. The charming, old-fashioned atmosphere of Orbe and the historical significance of sites like Romainmôtier Abbey are also highly appreciated by the komoot community.
The historical origins of Pompaples date back to 1049 with the mention of 'Pons Papuli.' This name, meaning 'Papulus's Bridge,' might be linked to a 6th-century bishop named Papulus or to the nearby poplar trees (papuli in Latin).


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