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About this place
Dent de Vaulion is a summit in the Swiss Jura, in the canton of Vaud, rising above the village of Vaulion. At roughly 1,482 m (some maps give 1,483 m), it overlooks the northern shore of Lac de Joux and ranks among the finest viewpoints of the Vaud Jura.
What can you see from the top?
The summit offers a full 360-degree panorama. On a clear day you can pick out as many as eight lakes, including Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, with the Alps and the Mont Blanc massif on the skyline. Directly below lie Lac de Joux and the valley road towards Le Pont.
How do you get up Dent de Vaulion?
The classic route starts in Le Pont, on Lac de Joux. Drive in from Vallorbe and leave the car at the car park beside the Hôtel de la Truite. Allow about 3 hours on foot for around 10 km and 440 m of climbing. A longer loop of nearly 20 km, about 8 hours, passes the Grotte aux Fées near Vallorbe. Use the IGN Top 25 map no. 3426.
A dead-end road also leads up towards the summit, and in winter a ski tow runs for skiers.
Where can you eat and rest?
About 15 minutes from the top stands an alpine-chalet style restaurant with views in every direction. Listings indicate a season from May to October, so check opening times before you go. A hut belonging to the Ski-Club de Vallorbe sits 100 m from it and can be reached by road in summer.
When should you go?
Choose a day of clear, stable air, when the Alps stand out. Hiking season runs from late spring to autumn, while winter belongs to skiers. From Le Pont, plan roughly 2.5 to 3 hours up and a similar time down.
Not to be confused with
Dent de Vaulion is not Dent de Vully (by Lake Murten) or the Dents du Midi in the Alps. It belongs to the Jura range beside Lac de Joux.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Dent de Vaulion?
About 1,482 m above sea level; some sources say 1,483 m.
How long is the climb from Le Pont?
Around 3 hours one way, over 10 km with about 440 m of ascent.
What can you see from the summit?
Lac de Joux, Lake Geneva, Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps with Mont Blanc. In good weather up to eight lakes are visible.
Can you ski here in winter?
Yes, a ski tow operates near the summit in winter.
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