8 Things to do in Vallorbe That You Shouldn't Miss

The Caves at Vallorbe (Canton de Vaud) in the Swiss Jura were opened to the public a quarter of a century ago. They afford a spectacular display of the beauty of natural rock, enhanced entirely by natural illumination. For millions of years the limestone layers were eroded by the Orbe, a river which runs underground before bursting from the rocks – seemingly as a natural spring of which the Vallorbe Caves are the faithful guardians. Inside these caves, which are among the most beautiful in Europe, there is a display – the “Fairies’ Treasure” in which more than 250 mineral samples from all over the World are exhibited in four domed rooms hewn from the natural rock.

Since 1495 the 'Grandes Forges' has been the fire burning at the heart of Vallorbe, contributing greatly to the wealth of the town. Classed a historic monument, this exceptional location has housed a museum dedicated to the ironwork industry and railways, since 1980 (both of which have played a crucial role in the development of the town). To visit the museum, a mobile app' is available in English, German and French. On first visiting the ironworks the picturesque charm of the medieval quarter of Vallorbe is immediately captivating. Drawing closer...attention is quickly diverted by the six magnificent water wheels supplying energy to the workshop machinery. The ancient working forge is the central attraction...mysterious, atmospheric, a scene from times gone by. The dexterity and imagination of the blacksmiths both delight and fascinate. An audio-visual presentation of the history of iron... videos and the superb museum collections, reveal the beauty of the ancient professional crafts of Vallorbe. On the second floor the entire saga of the Simplon Railway Line is told by multi-image presentation on a large cinema screen (in French, German and English). On the second and third floors models scale HO and rail memorabilia are on display. You can also play stationmaster with the collection of working, remote controlled, historical models, scale 'O' on an impressive 277m of track.

Juraparc est un Restaurant et un Parc Animalier, mettant en cohabitation des ours et des loups. Les bisons d'Amérique sont historiquement présent dans les pâturages à proximité. Des chèvres, des alpagas, des cerfs ainsi qu'un âne et un poney raviront les plus jeunes! Le restaurant vous propose des menus du jours, et une carte raffinée ou du terroir. Nos spécialités sont les plats à bases de viande de bison.

Covered ice rink in Vallorbe. Open to the public from October to March from 13h30 to 17h, on weekends and during holidays from 9h to 17h, depending on the ice schedule.