When the trade of salt with Switzerland starts in the 18th century, the necessary road infrastructure was created to link the major production sites in the Franche-Comté region to the Republic of Bern. The main route ran through Levier and Pontarlier to Yverdon and Bern, but many related itineraries were also used on a regular basis. The salt was transported on wagons drawn by oxen or horses. In order to facilitate the transportation, numerous small bridges and jetties were built to enable the wagons to cross the water. In Switzerland, because this was easier and cheaper, the lake was used to transport the salt.

For the French part of the itinerary, the Historical Via Salina circuit can only be done with a motorised vehicle (length and availability of accommodation).

For more information you can download this text written by Éric Chambettaz (in French).