Fountains Trail of the Jorat Woods

The trail winds through the heavily forested Jorat woods, offering a varied experience. You'll encounter a mix of natural paths, unpaved sections, asphalt, paved areas, and gravel. The landscape is hilly, and some parts of the forest have a "fairy tale atmosphere," with wetlands and marshes adding to its natural beauty.

This trail is renowned for its historical fountains and natural beauty. Key highlights include the Saugeaille Forest Trail, the charming Côtes Fountain, and the historic Soldiers' Fountain. Many other smaller springs and fountains, each with its own story, are also found along the way, often accompanied by explanatory panels.

While generally classified as "moderate," the trail is suitable for various skill levels, including families with active children. A good level of fitness is recommended due to the distance and hilly sections. The educational panels at the fountains can be engaging for younger hikers.

Yes, the Fountain trail (also known as Le chemin des fontaines des Bois du Jorat) intersects with several other routes. You'll find sections that overlap with the MTB 20km and MTB 10km trails, as well as parts of the ViaJacobi, Le Jorat - Trois Lacs - Emme, and various local paths like Chemin des Grandes-Côtes and Chemin de Moille-Saugeon.

Specific parking information for the Fountain trail isn't detailed, but the Parc Naturel du Jorat generally offers various access points. It's advisable to check local signage or the komoot tour map for the most convenient starting points and associated parking areas near the trailheads, such as around Chalet-à-Gobet.

Yes, the Fountain trail is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome to join you on your hike, but please ensure they are kept on a leash, especially to protect the local wildlife and respect other hikers. Always remember to clean up after your pet.

The trail can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is also a good option, with the forest providing ample shade. While possible in winter, be prepared for potentially snowy or icy conditions, which can make some sections more challenging.

No, you do not need a permit, and there is no entrance fee to access the Parc Naturel du Jorat or hike the Fountain trail. It is a publicly accessible nature discovery park, welcoming visitors to explore its natural beauty freely.

While the trail itself winds through a natural forest, the Parc Naturel du Jorat is peri-urban, meaning it's close to communities. You can find cafes and restaurants in nearby villages or the outskirts of Lausanne, which are easily accessible by car or public transport from various points around the park.

For a comfortable hike, we recommend bringing sturdy hiking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and sufficient water. Given the trail's focus on fountains, you might want to bring a refillable bottle. Snacks, a map or GPS device (like the komoot app), and a small first-aid kit are also good ideas.

The Parc Naturel du Jorat is highly significant as the largest contiguous woodland in the Swiss midland region and the first peri-urban nature park in French-speaking Switzerland. It's recognized as a nature discovery park of national importance, playing a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and acting as a vital water haven for the region, including Lausanne.