Newspapers - St. Blaise

Reto with kesh (from 29.08.20):

The train takes us to Cornaux. As soon as we get off the train we notice the very spacious station with several tank cars and the refinery behind it. This is the last active refinery in Switzerland, which converts crude oil into petrol and diesel.

The village itself is tranquil and we find beautiful old houses in Jura limestone. In the background, the red and white chimneys are still enthroned, but soon we climb through the vineyards towards the forest.

We take a last look at the flat Entre-les-deux-lacs area and then the path climbs steeply up the forest. When we reach the highest point of our hike, the dark forest gives way to a lighter tree population and we can catch a glimpse of Lake Neuchâtel in between.

Above St-Blaise we enjoy the beautiful panoramic view over the lower lake basin. We follow the Chemin des 12 Fontaines for the next few kilometres and discover a small arched bridge made by students at the water intake.

The last section takes us through the upper Qurartiere of St-Blaise and along the railway line to the St-Blaise SBB station. From here the regional train will take us back to Cornaux.

The round trip can easily be extended on both sides. This way, the hike can start very well in Le Landeron with its medieval town and lead to St-Blaise along the lake to Neuchâtel.

If you arrive by car, it is advisable to look for a parking space in the streets around the station in Cornaux or then park your car in the somewhat more expensive P&R area of St-Blaise SBB.