Difficulty
K4
Very difficult via ferrata
K4
Car-free possible
La Clusette, NE
Via ferrata du Tichodrome
The Tichodrome via ferrata rises above Noiraigue in the Val de Travers, named for the wallcreeper birds nesting on these cliffs.
Image: Matthias Hänni
Current status
Seasonally open
Today falls within the published opening season
Checked 2 h ago
Total time
2 h 45 min
Approach + via ferrata + descent
Route description Read more Show less The Tichodrome via ferrata rises above Noiraigue in the Val de Travers, named for the wallcreeper birds nesting on these cliffs. Built by mountain guide Michel Gentil as the first via ferrata in the Swiss Jura, it offers a well-secured but airy climb of around 550 meters along natural rock bands, with sweeping views over the valley. To protect nesting wallcreepers, the route is closed annually from January 1 to June 30, with cables removed each New Year's Eve.
The Tichodrome via ferrata rises above Noiraigue in the Val de Travers, named for the wallcreeper birds nesting on these cliffs. Built by mountain guide Michel Gentil as the first via ferrata in the Swiss Jura, it offers a well-secured but airy climb of around 550 meters along natural rock bands, with sweeping views over the valley. To protect nesting wallcreepers, the route is closed annually from January 1 to June 30, with cables removed each New Year's Eve.
Route map
Download GPXZoomable topographic map showing available approach, via ferrata, descent, start, finish, and parking geometry. The Download GPX link near the route map heading provides the same route geometry as a file.
Annotated route info/map available from sac-cas.ch.
Approach / VF / Descent
Segment timings and vertical stats from the current VFOS dataset.
Total: 2 h 45 min
Approach
Access- Duration
- 45 min
- Distance
- 2.3 km
- Ascent
- 275 m
- Descent
- 25 m
- Elevation
- -
From Noiraigue station (729 m), walk north through the village then west, crossing the freeway with care. Climb into the forest via a large zig-zag heading east, then branch right off the main trail and traverse up to the via ferrata start (~980 m), marked by a large information board. Alternatively, reach the start in 10 minutes from parking at Restaurant Haut de la Côte (1035 m) to the north.
Via ferrata
K4- Duration
- 1 h
- Distance
- 370 m
- Ascent
- 100 m
- Descent
- -
- Elevation
- 1,126 m
The route follows natural rock ledges and bands climbing through the cliff, alternating easy sections with exposed, breathtaking passages, especially at the crux. Short intermediate descents and one bridge crossing punctuate the ascent. The ferrata ends near the La Clusette viewpoint (1119 m); continuing on the trail toward the antenna (but no further) offers excellent views.
Descent
Exit- Duration
- 1 h
- Distance
- 3 km
- Ascent
- 45 m
- Descent
- 400 m
- Elevation
- -
From the top of the ferrata, follow the forest path back down to join the original approach trail, then retrace it to Noiraigue.
- Total duration
- 2 h 45 min
- Total distance
- 2.6 km
- Total ascent
- 375 m
- Total descent
- 25 m
Escape points
No escape point details are recorded yet.
Opening season
Typical published season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Local source reporting the route association's notice; not a cantonal tourism authority.
Transport
Plan around the trailhead, parking, and public transport links.
Last lift down
Check operator
Route feel
VFOS editorial ratings on a 1-5 scale.
Variety
How much the route changes in movement and terrain.
- -
Complexity
Route-finding and technical problem-solving beyond pure grade.
- -
Beauty
Scenery, setting, and overall aesthetic quality.
- -
Exposure
Airiness and exposure independent of technical difficulty.
- -
Sustained effort
How continuous or relentless the physical effort feels.
- -
Crux tags
No crux tags are recorded yet.
SAC-CAS route profile
Source ratings on the SAC-CAS 1-4 scale.
- Mountain experience
- 1/4
- Power
- 2/4
- Endurance
- 1/4
- Psyche
- 2/4
Photos
5 source photos
Safety notes
Check current local information before setting off.
Emergency
In Switzerland, call Rega on 1414 for mountain rescue. European emergency number: 112.
Mobile signal
Cell coverage can be patchy in gorges, valleys, and behind ridges. Download route notes and tell someone your plan.
Storms
This route is flagged as exposed or high-grade; avoid thunderstorms, wet cables, and fast-changing alpine weather.
Sources & data Attribution, source priority, and field-review status for this route.
Referenced sources
- SAC-CAS approachOfficial
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/la-clusette-7441/berg-und-alpinwandern/zustieg-via-ferrata-du-tichodrome-980/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
- SAC-CAS returnOfficial
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/la-clusette-7441/berg-und-alpinwandern/abstieg-via-ferrata-du-tichodrome-981/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
- SAC-CAS via ferrataOfficial
https://www.sac-cas.ch/de/huetten-und-touren/sac-tourenportal/la-clusette-7441/klettersteig/via-ferrata-du-tichodrome-979/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Official SAC-CAS Route Portal source; English API data and attribution retained.
- Opening season · Vallon.InfoReference
https://vallon.info/via-ferrata-tichodrome-ouverture-2026/
Last scraped: 2 Aug 2026 · Opening-season source retained for status provenance.
Field review
No contested fields are currently flagged.
At a glance
- Location
- La Clusette, NE
- Elevation range
- 1,126 m
- Car-free possible
- Yes
Weather