Easy
Neuchâtel · Switzerland
- Distance
- 1.4 km / 0.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 57 m
- Typical duration
- 23 min
- Coastal
- Forest
- Waymarked route
Saint Olivier - La Côte-aux-Fées
ModerateNeuchâtel · Switzerland
- Distance
- 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 59 m (194 ft)
- Typical time
- 24 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- 1,081 m (3,547 ft)
About Saint Olivier - La Côte-aux-Fées
Saint Olivier - La Côte-aux-Fées is a 1.5 km hiking route in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It climbs roughly 59 m (194 ft) along the way, topping out at 1,081 m (3,547 ft). Most people take around 24 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.
Sea air, exposed headlands and constantly changing light make this feel different in every weather.
Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Yverdon-les-Bains, about 14.7 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, Saint Olivier - La Côte-aux-Fées suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate1.5 km59 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +59 m
- Descent
- −96 m
- High
- 1,081 m (3,547 ft)
- Low
- 991 m (3,251 ft)
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 29 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- High point of 1,081 m (3,547 ft)
- Coastal
- Waymarked route
- Waymarked and signposted
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 64/100
- Adventure
- 18/100
- Difficulty
- 5/100
- Accessibility
- 88/100
- Family
- 48/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Check the tide table if any part of the route runs along the beach.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Some sections are steep enough to be awkward in the wet, particularly on the way down.
- Cliff edges may be unfenced and undercut. Keep well back from the drop, especially in wind.
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in Switzerland are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Golden hour along the cliffs is the obvious call, and a slow shutter on the water at the base of the rocks adds movement. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
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