The Mines d’Asphalte in western Switzerland were active from 1721 to 1986, exporting asphalt all over the world for road construction. Now you can do a guided tour inside the mines and learn how the tunnels were created, about the lives of the workers, how asphalt was transported, what tools were used, etc.
We loved exploring the dark tunnels with our flashlights and learning about this interesting period in history. After the tour, you can do a short interactive nature theme trail in the adjacent miner’s garden, a refreshing contrast to the dark tunnels. You can also have lunch at the mine café and sample local specialities.
If you are staying overnight in the area, you get a free Neuchâtel Tourist Card, which includes the mine tour, public transportation around the area, and many other attractions.
Thanks to Val de Travers tourism for hosting our visit. All opinions expressed here are our own.
| Location: | Val-de-Travers, western Switzerland |
| Address: | Site de la Presta, 2105 Travers |
| Car: | free parking behind the mines |
| Train: | Train stop: La Presta Mines d’asphalte |
| Open: | April to October guided tours at 10:30 and 14:00 (no self-guided tours) |
| Price: | Adult CHF 16, Child to age 16 CHF 10 Family CHF 42.50 – 2 adults, 2 children |
| Services: | cafe, gift shop, WC |
| More info: | mines-asphalte.ch |
Getting there
The asphalt mine is located in Val-de-Travers in western Switzerland.
By public transport: Take a train to La Presta Mines d’asphalte, a short walk from the mine entrance.
By car: The mines are between the villages Travers and Couvet. From the main road, turn south on La Presta and follow signs to the mine and parking, which is on the road behind the mine buildings at 46°55’52.6″N 6°39’28.2″E, as shown below.
Ticket prices
In 2021, the mine tour costs CHF 16/adult, CHF 10/child, CHF 42.50/family (2 adults, up to 3 children).
The tour is free with the Neuchâtel Tourist Card, which you receive free if you stay overnight in the reigon. The card also includes free public transport in the whole Neuchâtel canton (train, funicular and bus), return chairlift ride at La Robella, cruise on Lake Neuchâtel and Saut-du-Doub, entry to 28 museums (including the Asphalt Mine), and 1 day bicycle rental. This tourist card makes a trip to Val de Travers very affordable!
Opening hours
From April to October, they offer mine tours daily at 10:30 & 14:00. In July/August, there are tours also at 12:00, 16:00 and 17:30. From Nov to March, daily tour at 14:00 but must reserve in advance for weekdays. Tours last about 1.5hrs and are conducted in French or German.
No strollers in the mine. Best for children who are old enough to walk on their own and navigate the uneven terrain and stairs. In 2021, you need to wear masks on the tour.
Tour of the Asphalt Mine
You start the tour in the small museum, where you learn a bit about the history of the mine. Then you get a safety helmet and walk to the mine entrance, just behind the museum.
There are 100km of tunnels deep into the earth but most are underwater now. As part of the tour, you explore about 1 km of tunnels near the surface. It’s chilly inside, about 8C, so best to bring a jacket. The cool temps make it a good choice for both rainy days and hot days when you need a break from the sun.
It’s not lit inside, so you carry flashlights, provided by the tour, which my son thought was really fun. The ground can be wet and uneven and some stairs, so make sure to watch your step and use your flashlight to light your way.
It’s a little hard to take pictures inside the mine because it’s so dark. But there are a couple places where they turn on the lights, so you can see better and take photos. Our guide took pictures of every group that wanted to.
Lunch at the mine café
At the mine café, you can try some regional specialties including ham baked in asphalt, absinthe flavor ice cream, and cream tart, all very tasty!
Miners Garden Theme Trail
Next to the asphalt mine, there is a lovely nature habitat with a short walking path and shady picnic areas. There is a theme trail for children, with puzzles to solve and lots to learn about the animals and plants that live in this area.
To do the activities, you need to rent a tablet that has the instructions and an explorers satchel, with tools that help you solve the puzzles (CHF 10, free with the Neuchâtel Tourist Card). If you solve the secret code, you get a small prize back at the mine.
I liked how the activities made us more observant and gave us time to appreciate the smaller details.
For more activities in this area, see our Weekend in Val-de-Travers.
