Chasseral reveals the Bernese Jura in a sweeping panorama: at 1,606 metres, the summit offers 360-degree views. From the Chasseral ridge, the vista stretches across wooded Jura pastures and the Three-Lakes Region, with Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Murten, all the way to the Alps. The Chasseral Regional Nature Park has been recognised since 2012 by the Swiss Confederation and the cantons of Bern and Neuchâtel. It includes, among other areas, the Combe-Grède and Combe-Biosse nature reserves.
On foot: mountain views and themed trails
Chasseral is the starting point for the eighth stage of the Chemin des Crêtes du Jura, which leads to Val-de-Ruz. The climb to Chasseral through the Combe-Grède nature reserve follows a route with ladders. In winter, you can cross-country ski on the trails at the Prés-d’Orvin Nordic Centre; this activity depends on seasonal conditions.
The six-kilometre Sentier des Monts is an easy family hiking trail between Mont-Soleil and Mont-Crosin. Games and information cover renewable energy, wildlife and plant life, climate change, geology and weather. Libell’lay in Bellelay offers a different focus: this 4.8-kilometre nature trail runs alongside ponds, a river and peat bogs. Its twelve stations are devoted to dragonflies; most feature an activity and a puzzle. The trail starts at the Maison de la Tête de Moine, Le Domaine 1 in Bellelay. The two trails therefore differ both in length and in subject matter.
Energy and starry skies at Mont-Soleil
The Mont-Soleil Tour crosses pastures and forest, passing solar installations at Mont-Soleil and wind turbines at Mont-Soleil and Mont-Crosin. Guided tours of the solar power plant and the wind turbines are available at Mont-Soleil. The astronomical observatory at Mont-Soleil offers daytime and nighttime visits, with observations of the sun and stars. Check the dates for tours and visits in advance.
Bellelay: abbey history and Tête de Moine
Bellelay Abbey was founded by Premonstratensians in the 12th century. Guided tours of the abbey church explore its architecture and the origins of Tête de Moine. The cheese comes from Bellelay and has been made for more than 800 years. At the Maison de la Tête de Moine, an interactive museum tour guided by iPad introduces visitors to the traditions and inherited expertise surrounding the cheese. Tastings are available at the end of a visit; traditional demonstrations of cheesemaking over a wood fire are also held regularly. Check the dates before visiting.
The 10th Fête de la Tête de Moine will take place in Bellelay from 30 April to 2 May 2027. The festival celebrates regional cheese and traditions, with a variety of activities. Check the event dates and programme before travelling.
Watches, art and craftsmanship
The Musée Longines in Saint-Imier displays almost 400 watches, navigation instruments and timekeeping devices across four themed sections. Registration by phone or online form is required at least 24 hours in advance. Tours are offered exclusively in French, German or English. The museum is a five-minute walk from Saint-Imier railway station and can be reached by public transport. If you plan to take a tour, check the date and connection in advance.
The Musée jurassien des Arts in Moutier alternates between works by artists from the Jura region and those from other parts of Switzerland and abroad. Its collection comprises more than 8,000 works dating from the 1950s to the present day. In Grandval, the Maison du Banneret Wisard offers a different glimpse into the history of craftsmanship: built in 1535, the residence is protected as a site of national importance and is open to the public for independent or guided visits. Confirm the visiting arrangements in advance. Traditional artisanal meat smoking continues there; bread, pizzas and tarts are also baked in the wood-fired oven.
Discover more destinations: Moutier, Oberaargau, Schwarzenburg, Niedersimmental, Thun, Münster, Aarberg, Büren
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