Gorges de la Poeta Raisse: Quiet Hollow in Val de Travers

Location: Jura Mountains, Val de Travers (west of Neuchâtel)

Distance: 10.4 miles/16.8 km

Duration: 4-5 hours (Starting at Môtiers train station, concluding at Fleurier train station)

Overall elevation gain/descent: 2133 ft/650 m

Hiking in the Jura's Forests

For Alpine hikers familiar with the character of expansive glacially-carved valleys, the intimate scale of the river-cut valleys and gorges of the Jura is a refreshing change of pace, and there's no better place to experience the difference than in the Gorges de la Poëta Raisse in the Jura's Val de Travers.

Starting in Môtiers

The route starts in the town of Môtiers in the Val de Travers. Departing the train station, continue up the main street in the direction of the hills to the south. Passing the town of Vieux Château on the left, continue to a parking area for the trail and follow the signs in the directions of Poëta Raisse.

Into the Forest

Ascending an old logging road, you'll come to the La Vaux farm, which is set in a dense forest. The undercover consists of brambles, raspberries, and hazelnuts. The gorge narrows and exudes a wild, yet tranquil character. The small water flow in the stream slides down smooth rock faces and occasionally forms small tranquilly flowing waterfalls.

Descent to Fleurier

A single switchback leads to the top of the gorge and soon emerges in an open dell near the rounded ridge of the long hilltop. Views open up to reveal the hillside farms and valley floor below. Continue your descent through the woods when possible, but primarily by paved road as it leads into the village of Fleurier, a town near the head of the Val de Travers and a principle town in the valley, with a population of about 3500. Fleurier would be a good choice for an overnight stay, or you could easily catch the train down the valley and stay in one of the other small towns or continue back to Neuchâtel.

This hike is featured on Alpenwild's custom and private trips in the Jura.