Orvin combines a historic village centre with climbing crags and winter trails in the southern Jura. The village lies at an altitude of 669 metres in the Orvine valley, about three kilometres as the crow flies northwest of Biel. Its location and range of activities make Orvin an appealing destination for a trip where village history and outdoor pursuits go hand in hand.

A village between Chasseral and Magglingen

Orvin lies in the protected landscape of the Chasseral Regional Park. The municipal area encompasses the east-facing valley basin of Orvin. To the south, it extends to the largely forested Magglingen ridge, with elevations of up to 1,092 metres; to the north, it reaches the easternmost ridge of the Chasseral range. Its southern slope above the village is steep and crossed by bands of rock—a distinctive landscape feature that also shapes the character of the climbing area.

Orvin’s village centre and building history

The historic village centre is an old farming village with a Y-shaped layout. Rows of connected houses, most of which date from the 19th century, define its built character. The historic site of Orvin is classified as a cultural heritage site of national importance.

Individual buildings also tell the story of different eras: Orvin’s parish church was built in 1722 on a prominent ridge and has a stone bell-tower porch. The so-called Maisons des Sarrasins survived fires and date from the 17th and early 18th centuries. Orvin retained its agricultural character until 1930; at that time, there were 95 farms, and the village was still predominantly agricultural.

Climbing on Orvin’s crags

The climbing area has 140 routes across eight sectors, with grades ranging from 3a to 9b. Route information and grades may change. The climbing sectors are accessible on foot from the edge of the village; access conditions may vary depending on local circumstances. The south-facing crags can also be climbed in winter in sunny weather. Check local conditions and route safety before climbing.

Winter activities at Les Prés-d’Orvin

The Centre Nordique Les Prés-d’Orvin lies above Orvin at an altitude of 1,129 metres and is accessible by car or public transport. Winter snow conditions may affect access. The ski area has around five kilometres of marked slopes. Beginners have three baby lifts and a Télébob at their disposal; winter operations and snow conditions are seasonal.

Those who prefer cross-country skiing will find classic and skating trails in the Les Prés-d’Orvin–Chasseral area. Depending on snow and weather conditions, up to 45 kilometres of trails are groomed. Another option is the Chemin de Prés-d’Orvin: this nine-kilometre winter hiking trail leads from Les Prés-d’Orvin to the Chasseral ridge at an altitude of 1,288 metres and takes three hours. Conditions on the winter trail may vary seasonally.

The Les jonquilles des Prés-d’Orvin hike offers a different time commitment: it takes two hours and leads visitors to discover the daffodils at Les Prés-d’Orvin. The daffodils bloom seasonally. When planning, you can choose between a three-hour winter hike to the Chasseral ridge and a two-hour hike with a seasonal floral theme.

A glimpse into distilling

The Distillerie de L’Echelette in Orvin makes eleven products awarded the “Swiss Parks” label, including apple cider brandy, gentian brandy and fruit spirits. The product range may change. Group visits are available on request. They explain the aims of the park and the environmental measures implemented in the workplace, as well as production and traditional distilling techniques.

Discover more destinations: Renan, Villeret Be, La Ferrière Be, Mont-Tramelan, Plagne, St-Imier, Cortébert, Péry.

Go to the broader travel overview: Courtelary.