The Môtiers Waterfall is a cascade of about 20 m that drops to the bottom of a narrow gorge in the Val-de-Travers. A waymarked trail leads there in 10 to 15 minutes from the village centre, following the stream.
Waterfalls & cascades
Môtiers Waterfall
Main highlights
- A 20 m waterfall plunging into a natural pool lined with mossy rock walls
- A short trail along the stream, with wooden footbridges over the water
- The village of Môtiers, with its old houses, castle and Reformed church
Overview
The Môtiers Waterfall is located in the canton of Neuchâtel, in the heart of the Val-de-Travers. About 20 m high, it falls to the bottom of a narrow gorge carved out by the stream. The site can be reached on foot from the village of Môtiers, a small town of old houses and cobbled lanes.
The facilities are simple : a waymarked trail follows the stream up to the falls. The walk is short and suitable for people who are not used to hiking. The cool air in the gorge makes it a pleasant spot in hot weather.
"*" indicates required fields
What to see and do
The waterfall is the main attraction. Its flow varies with the seasons and peaks in spring, when the snow melts. The water plunges into a natural pool surrounded by mossy rock walls.
The access trail runs alongside the stream through dense vegetation, where ferns and moss cover the rocks. Several wooden footbridges cross the stream and offer different viewpoints over the gorge.
After the waterfall, you can explore the village of Môtiers. It has several historic buildings, including the castle, now home to the court, and the Reformed church. The village is also home to the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Museum, housed in the building where the philosopher lived from 1762 to 1765.
Practical information
Getting there : Môtiers is served by the Neuchâtel–Pontarlier railway line and by the cantonal road. There is a car park in the village centre, and the start of the trail is signposted from the main square.
Visit duration : 30 minutes to 1 hour round trip, longer if you also visit the village.
Equipment : comfortable shoes are enough, with non-slip soles in wet weather.
Accessibility : steps and narrow sections; the trail is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Visiting tips
The flow is strongest from April to June. In autumn, the changing colours of the vegetation transform the scenery. The gorge faces north and gets little direct sunlight, so for photos, the morning is best.
The short walk is well suited to children, but keep an eye on them near the footbridges and the pool.
Nearby attractions
- The Maison de l’Absinthe in Môtiers showcases the world of the spirit that made the region famous.
- The Asphalt Mines at the La Presta site can be explored wearing a helmet, following in the footsteps of the miners.
- The Creux-du-Van is a rocky cirque at the heart of a vast nature reserve, with arctic-alpine flora.
Report an error or complete the informations
Reviews about this place