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Before you go
Your trip to Val-de-Travers.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Val-de-Travers – Neuchâtel Destination Lausanne and Montreux
How to get there
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Genève Aéroport (GVA) Geneva · 125 km
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Gare de Môtiers 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Regional trains run from Neuchâtel, stopping at Noiraigue, Travers, Couvet, Môtiers and Fleurier. From Lausanne, the train journey requires a change in Neuchâtel. By car, Môtiers is about 30 km from Neuchâtel and 75 km from Lausanne. The nearest airport with international flights is Geneva.
How many days
One day covers the Maison de l'Absinthe in Môtiers and the Presta asphalt mines. With two days, you can add the hike to the Creux du Van and stroll through the valley villages.
When to go
From May to October the Creux du Van trails are in good condition, and the Presta mines offer guided visits during that period. In winter the valley can have snow and some outdoor activities are limited. Confirm opening and availability before you go.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Not essential: regional trains connect the valley villages to Neuchâtel, and the Presta mines have their own stop. A car helps to reach the trailheads for the Creux du Van and to combine several villages in one day.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Val-de-Travers
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Morning
Maison de l'Absinthe
Start in Môtiers at the Maison de l'Absinthe, and walk along the Grande Rue and past the village's old houses.
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Afternoon
Presta asphalt mines
Continue to La Presta, between Couvet and Travers, for the guided tour of the tunnels and the mines’ museum.
2 days in Val-de-Travers
Day 1
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All day
Môtiers and the mines
Devote the day to the Maison de l'Absinthe in Môtiers and the Presta asphalt mines, leaving time to visit the villages of Fleurier and Couvet.
Day 2
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All day
Creux du Van
Leave Noiraigue on the trail to the rim of the Creux du Van and return along the same valley.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Where is Val-de-Travers?
In the Jura mountains, in the canton of Neuchâtel, near the border with France. Môtiers is about 30 km from Neuchâtel.
Why is Val-de-Travers associated with absinthe?
The valley is considered the birthplace of the drink, which began to be distilled there at the end of the 18th century. During the prohibition in Switzerland, distillation continued clandestinely. The drink is described in detail in the specialties section.
How to get from Lausanne to Val-de-Travers?
By train to Neuchâtel and from there on the regional train that climbs the valley. By car, Môtiers is about 75 km away.
What to see in Val-de-Travers?
The Maison de l'Absinthe in Môtiers, the Presta asphalt mines near Travers, and the Creux du Van, reachable on foot from Noiraigue.
Do you need a car in Val-de-Travers?
Not necessarily. Regional trains stop at the main villages and at the Presta mines; a car makes trail access easier.