The Creux du Van is a natural rocky cirque approximately 1,400 metres wide and 150 metres deep, on the north side of Le Soliat,[1] in the Val de Travers district in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. A very well known, amphitheatre-shaped natural attraction, it is at the heart of a nature reservation area of 15.5 km2.
The rocky arc of Creux du Van was created in three phases:
Phase 1: A glacier covered the area of today's Val de Travers around 140,000 years ago (Würm Ice Age). The stream of meltwater eroded material, making a V-shaped valley.
Phase 2: During subsequent ice ages, other glaciers were created and hollowed out the valley. In warmer periods, the material was eroded by meltwater.
Phase 3: After the removal of rocks from the fault, erosion of a stronger layer from a different age was much slower.[2]
See cirque for a description of the process forming features like this.
The ground beneath the Creux du Van remains permanently frozen to this day (permafrost).[3]
Ibex were introduced in the area in 1965., there are 17.
The summit area can be reached on foot or by car. A paved road from Saint-Aubin-Sauges (on Lake Neuchâtel) or Couvet (Val-de-Travers) climbs to French: la ferme du Soliat (1,382 m), a few minutes walk away from the summit of the rocky cirque. Some hiking paths are signposted, via French: les petites Fauconnières.
Notable trails in the areas include:
1467 Montagne de Bounty