4.6
(34)
251
hikers
The Gorge of Orbe
04:21
15.9km
140m
Hiking
You can explore the unbridled power of water in all its facets on this hike. Dams, waterfalls, and hydroelectric power plants line this route. Added to this is an impressive natural experience thanks to the diverse habitats that support a great diversity of species. In the nature reserve, pine forests, wild herb meadows, and of course the Orbe River itself provide a home for trout, kingfishers, great egrets, and even chamois and beavers.
There's so much to experience. Reason enough to take your time with this hike and absorb the impressions. If you want to see the glacial potholes, you can even take a detour, not included in this route, south of Le Clées, and come across the prehistoric rock formations in the riverbed about half a kilometer away. In the town of Orbe, the B 681 takes you back to Vallorbe in just under an hour.
Last updated: April 15, 2025
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
2.37 km
Railroad viaduct from Day
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.14 km
Barrage du Day
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
12.7 km
Hope Cave
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
15.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.26 km
5.07 km
2.43 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
11.0 km
2.05 km
836 m
771 m
630 m
551 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (770 m)
Lowest point (450 m)
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Weather
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Sunday 24 May
27°C
14°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
A fantastic hike that starts in Vallorbe, near the French border. The path leads through the mystical Orbe Gorges, the most spectacular of which is the Saut du Day, where the Orbe falls in several waterfalls. The path then passes the Barrage du Day, a dam built in 1955 following the river.
Surefootedness and good footwear are a matter of course, especially the section from the railway viaduct to Saut du Day. As it is today, it can be slippery even when the weather is nice and therefore dangerous in steep places. The hike is not recommended when it rains. The hike along the dammed river L'Orbe, which sometimes rushes between steep cliffs and rushes into the valley, is varied and suitable for everyone. Below Vallorbe, the river L'Orbe is still calm, backed up by the barrage at Le Day. After the imposing Railway Viaduct Day, that will change quickly when the river picks up speed and foams and plunges down in several steps over the famous Saut du Day (waterfall). The water, the moss-covered stones, the sometimes dramatic landscape, which suddenly appears lovely again around the next corner, make the tour something very special. On the way you can marvel at many witnesses from the industrial pioneering days - weirs, dams, tunnels, canals and turbine houses at the Saut du Day and in Montcherand.
Comments
March 14, 2025
You can explore the unbridled power of water in all its facets on this hike. Dams, waterfalls, and hydroelectric power plants line this route. Added to this is an impressive natural experience thanks to the diverse habitats that support a great diversity of species. In the nature reserve, pine forests
Translated by Google •
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