Mystical gorge and Creux du Van at full moon

Through the wild Areuse Gorge and up to the sublime rock arena for sunrise.

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The rock arena of Creux du Van – world-famous and dramatic.
The ancient stone bridge in the heart of the Areuse Gorge.
Mystical misty moods over the Areuse Gorge.
A good path leads through the gorge.
In the upper part, the gorge opens up more and more.
Early on Sunday morning, up through the mystical forest.
The ‘Fontaine froide’ with water at 4 degrees Celsius.
Alone at the edge of the Creux du Van.
The open plateau in the morning light.

Mystical gorge and Creux du Van at full moon

Tour description

The Creux du Van attracts influencers from all over the world who take daring selfies at the edge of the precipice. So we head up there while everyone else is still dreaming and experience the dreamlike scenery at dawn, completely alone.

From Boudry, a good path leads through the Gorges de l'Areuse, one of the most beautiful gorge hikes in Switzerland. We stop for lunch and treat ourselves to the Hôtel la Truite's speciality: trout. Later, we climb up to the foot of the Creux du Van and spend the night at the ‘Ferme Robert’. Simple accommodation with an excellent à la carte restaurant next door. A culinary hike in the Jura.

On Sunday morning, we set off early to reach the ridge of the Creux du Van in just under two hours, in time for sunrise: 5:42 a.m. is the magic moment. Once at the top, we have plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular rock arena and barren landscape in peace. The path along the open plateau offers sweeping views of the Jura mountains and the Swiss Mittelland as it awakens to the morning.

Before the Sunday tourist rush begins, we are already in Noiraigue. Here, a small brunch or the famous absinthe from the Val de Travers awaits us to toast this mystical pleasure hike. An unforgettable Sunday.

 

30.05.2026 – 31.05.2026

Length & duration
Day 1: 10km | ↗︎ 490 ↘︎ 50 metres of elevation | 4 hours
Day 2: 11km | ↗︎ 450 ↘︎ 770 metres of elevation | 4.5 hours

Difficulty
Easy hiking on good paths

Price
CHF 295.- in a 4-bed room | Teens CHF 149.- | Family price on request

Not included
Food from your rucksack | Lunch/dinner & brunch in Noiraigue | Travel to/from the destination

Equipment
Good hiking boots and a light daypack. The packing list will be provided after registration.

Getting there
Better by public transport, as the start and end points are far apart.

Meeting point
Zurich main station at 07:55 at the meeting point, departure at 08:04 on platform 32 / or 10:05 at Yverdon-les-Bains station.

End
Noiraigue from 14:54, arrival Zurich main station at 16:56

Registration deadline & payment
By Sunday 24 May 2026, immediately after registration via QR code or Twint.

Hiking guide

Markus Unterfinger
Phone: 076 419 21 10
markus@wanderidee.ch

Register online

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