Panoramic View of Four Lakes, Accompanied by Cowbells: Switzerland’s Most Hidden Viewing Platform
If you’re looking for a hiking route that’s not tiring but breathtaking, Dent de Vaulion will be your most delightful discovery in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland.
Climb this 1,483-meter ridge, and without having to summit a glacier, you can take in four lakes all at once.
👀 Four Lakes in One Glance, Unique and Unmatched
Standing on the mountaintop viewing platform, from near to far you see:
· Lac de Joux and Lac Brenet — two lakes closely connected, like mirrors cradled in the forest’s palm. Lac Brenet is smaller but has a deeper color.
· Lac de Neuchâtel — the largest lake entirely within Switzerland, with a wide surface and the outline of the Lavaux vineyard terraces on the opposite shore.
· Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) — on clear days, you can see the bright water at the lake’s eastern end and even faintly spot the French Alps across the shore.
On sunny days, Mont Blanc and the Eiger appear faintly in the distance — one hike, the ultimate combination of lakes and peaks.
🐄 Cows, Cowbells, Classic Swiss Countryside
On the way up, you’ll pass summer pastures. Herds of black-nosed and brown cows graze leisurely, with large copper bells hanging from their necks.
From afar, the tinkling bells echo through the valley — Switzerland’s most soothing white noise. Snap photos with your phone, and you’ll get countryside masterpieces that need no filter.
🥾 Hiking Route: Easy, Suitable for Everyone
· Start: Vaulion village parking lot (about 850 meters elevation)
· Route: Follow the “Crêt du Puy” signs uphill, first through forest, then open meadows, with the last section slightly steeper
· Duration: About 1.5 hours one way, around 3 hours round trip
· Trail conditions: Mostly dirt and gravel paths, suitable for sneakers; may be muddy after rain
· Difficulty: Moderate to easy, suitable for seniors and older children
Don’t want to hike the full route? You can drive up to the higher Col du Mont d'Orzeires and shorten the hike to 40 minutes.
🌅 Best Times and Photo Tips
· Early morning: Lakes often shrouded in mist, sunrise light gradually illuminates the four lakes
· Dusk: The slanting sun bathes cows and meadows in golden light, with the lakes reflecting the sunset glow
· Summer: Wildflowers bloom, and cows are most active on the slopes
· Autumn: Forests turn vibrant colors, and the lakes show their deepest hues
There are benches and picnic tables at the summit, but no shops—remember to bring your own water and food.
📍 How to Get There
· By car: About 1 hour from Geneva or Lausanne, navigate to “Vaulion, Parking du Crêt du Puy”
· By public transport: Take the train to Croy-Romainmôtier station, then transfer to a bus to Vaulion, village; walk up the mountain (bus service is limited, so check schedules in advance)
💡 Tips
· It’s windy at the top, so even in summer, bring a windbreaker
· The cows are gentle, but don’t bring dogs near or disturb them loudly
· Bring binoculars to get a clearer view of boats on Lake Geneva
In short:
Spend half a day on the gentlest hike to exchange for a panoramic postcard of four lakes in one frame, with cowbells ringing in your ears.