The Vallorbe Caves form an underground network carved by the Orbe river into the limestone at the foot of the Vaud Jura. You’ll walk through chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, then the Fairy Treasure, a collection of minerals from all over the world.
Caves & mines
Main highlights
- Underground trail through several illuminated chambers of limestone formations
- Fairy Treasure, a permanent collection of more than 250 minerals from around the world
- Source of the Orbe, a resurgence spring gushing out at the cave entrance, at the foot of a cliff
Overview
The Vallorbe Caves are among the most significant karst caves in Switzerland. They open near the French border, in the canton of Vaud, at the foot of a 200 m high cliff. The Orbe river carved this network into the limestone rock over a very long period of time.
The site has been open to the public since 1974. Underground, the temperature stays close to 10 °C all year round and humidity is around 100%. These conditions sustain the growth of formations : translucent draperies, columns, soda straws and pools follow one another along the visitor trail.
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What to see and do
The circuit passes through several chambers, each with its own character. The Great Hall features imposing columns and a ceiling covered in stalactites. The Fairy Lake is a pool of clear water with bluish reflections. The Cathedral rises more than 20 m high, and a formation called the Jellyfish resembles the shape of that sea creature. Lighting highlights the formations.
The Fairy Treasure is housed in a converted natural cave. This permanent exhibition brings together more than 250 pieces : quartz, amethysts, fluorites and other stones from many countries.
At the entrance gushes the source of the Orbe, where the underground waters emerge into the open air. After heavy rain or during snowmelt, its flow can reach several cubic metres per second.
Practical information
Getting there : parking right next to the entrance. Vallorbe station is about 2 km away, connected by a shuttle or by a footpath along the Orbe.
Visit duration : allow at least 1 hr 30 min for the full trail.
Visitors : the visit is suitable for children aged 4 or 5 and up, as some passages remain difficult for very young children. The trail is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Visiting tips
Wear non-slip shoes and bring a warm layer : the caves’ 10 °C feels cool in summer.
To avoid the crowds, opt for weekdays and mornings, which are generally quieter. Check ahead before your visit if you are coming with someone with reduced mobility.
Nearby attractions
- The Iron and Railway Museum in Vallorbe occupies the Grandes Forges and showcases hydraulic forges and railway history.
- Juraparc, located at an altitude of 1,100 m near Vallorbe, is home to bears, bison and wolves of the Jura range.
- The Dent de Vaulion, a 1,483 m summit, offers a panoramic view over the Vallée de Joux and the Vaud Jura.
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