Creux du Van, Natural rocky cirque in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Creux du Van is a natural rocky amphitheater in the Jura Mountains formed by towering limestone cliffs that rise steeply on all sides. The formation encloses a broad valley floor with open grassland and low vegetation throughout.
The cirque formed through erosion over thousands of years as water and frost worked on the limestone rock. Ice Age glaciers also played a role in shaping the steep rock walls that frame the valley today.
This site draws climbers and nature watchers from across the region who come to experience the dramatic rock faces and open meadows. The place holds special meaning for those who explore the Jura's wild terrain on foot.
The site is best reached on foot by following marked hiking trails that begin from several nearby starting points in the area. The paths are well-maintained but require decent fitness and sturdy boots for the steep climbs.
Hidden beneath the valley floor are frozen zones that remain icy even during the warmest months, creating an unusual environment. This subsurface ice helps support a distinct local climate that favors specialized plant and animal life.
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