Stage 29: Ornans to Pontarlier
Walk 32 km from Ornans to Pontarlier on the Via Francigena pilgrimage trail through Switzerland.
Distance
32 km
Elevation gain
749 m
Elevation loss
255 m
Time
~9.5 h
Difficulty
Hard
Terrain
Mountain
Highlights along the way
- Jura mountain scenery
- Limestone gorges
- Dense Jura forests
- Pontarlier - gateway to Switzerland
What to expect on this stage
Stage 29 of the Via Francigena takes you 32 km from Ornans to Pontarlier through Switzerland, climbing 749 metres and descending 255 metres over mountain. Most walkers complete this stage in around 9.5 hours at a steady pace. The terrain is rated hard, with moderate water sources along the way and good shade.
Getting there
Public transport access: train.
About the Via Francigena
The Via Francigena is the ancient 1,900 km pilgrimage route from Canterbury, England to Rome, Italy, recorded in 990 AD by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury. It crosses England, France, Switzerland and Italy across 84 daily stages, ending at St Peter's Square in the Vatican.