Knowledge & culture

Val-de-Travers

A journey between myth and reality – nature, culture and absinthe

On a journey through Val-de-Travers, you will discover the diversity of this region. During a day-long excursion, you can immerse yourself in cultural treasures, wonder at the unspoilt nature or enjoy countless kilometres of cross-country skiing pistes. Anyone who enjoys hiking can explore Val-de-Travers in winter with snowshoes. Not least, there are a host of regional specialities that guarantee a culinary finale. Probably the most famous is absinthe, also known as the green fairy.

BLS takes you to various excursion destinations.

Offer

Winter hiking and snowshoe tours

The Val-de-Travers is a paradise for winter activities. The area offers a unique panoramic view of the Alps and the Jura massif. In the valleys, you'll encounter typical villages, and the forests with their dense fir trees give the impression of the far north. On a winter hike or snowshoe tour in Val-de-Travers, you'll leave everyday life behind. You'll find various marked routes at different levels of difficulty.

Cross-country skiing paradise on 180 km

Whether you're an experienced cross-country skier or a beginner, in the mountains of the canton of Neuchâtel, everyone will find the right trail: 180 kilometers of cross-country skiing tracks await discovery between Lake Neuchâtel and the French border. Many of these trails can be combined freely, creating shorter or longer tours depending on your mood. A stunning view of the mountains, from Mont Blanc to the Bernese Alps, rewards the effort.

Learn more about the cross-country skiing routes

Asphalt mines

Explore the underground tunnels. On this journey into the heart of the mountain, you will learn how miners extracted asphalt for nearly three centuries, creating a labyrinth of tunnels totaling 100 kilometers. You will start by enjoying the house specialty, ham cooked in asphalt. Guided tours of the asphalt mines are available in German, French, English, and Italian.

Môtiers and House of Absinthe

Discover the charming village of Môtiers in the heart of Val-de-Travers. At the House of Absinthe, you will learn the secrets of the Green Fairy through an interactive exhibition and the tasting of local absinthe. Upon reservation, you can book a culinary workshop.

Opening times

The Absinthe House

Mon    Closed
Tue–Sat    10.00–18.00 hours
Sun           10.00–17.00 hours
Company holidays: from 1 January to 28 February 2024

Asphalt Mines – guided tours

1 April to 1 November
daily at 10.30 and 14.00 hours

2 November to 31 March
Thu–Sun at 14.00 hours

Café des Mines

1 April to 1 November
daily 09.30–17.00 hours

2 November to 31 March
Thu–Sun 11.00–16.30 hours

Subject to change without prior notice

Rates

Asphalt mines

CHF 21.00 Adults
CHF 17.50 Students, trainees
CHF 15.00 Children (aged 6-15.99)
CHF 60.00 Students, trainees (2 adults + 2-3 children)

Asphalt mines groups

CHF 17.50 Adults
CHF 14.50 Students, trainees
CHF 11.00 Children (aged 6-15.99)
CHF 150.00 Mini-group max. 8 people

House of Absinthe

CHF 15.00 Adults
CHF 10.00 AHV, students
free of charge Children (up to 15.99 years)

Tastings

adults
+ CHF 5.00 (1 tasting)
+ CHF 7.00 (3 tastings)

AHV, students
+ CHF 7.00 (1 tasting)
+ CHF 9.00 (3 tastings)

Groups

Group rate from 10 persons CHF 12.00 per person

+ CHF 5.00 (1 tasting)
+ CHF 7.00 (3 tastings)

Guided tours

flat rate CHF 100.00 + group rate

Additional fares and personalised offers are available at www.myvaldetravers.ch

Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration

Children

Interactive adventure trail in the asphalt mines and in Môtiers
Indoor swimming pool in Couvet
La Robella Ski Resort

Food and drink

As well as a variety of picnic areas around the Asphalt Mines, there are also plenty of places to get a bite to eat in Môtiers and the surrounding area: