In Renan, you can combine walks in the forests with a glimpse into the railway history of the upper Vallon de Saint-Imier. There are also hikes described in the Renan (BE) hiking area or in the wider hiking area. If you are considering Renan as a destination, these different highlights can help you plan: local footpaths, a museum visit by appointment, or a hiking route with a particular landscape.

Forest Trails and Landscape

There are numerous footpaths in the forests of Renan, suitable for walks with family and pets. The Suze flows along Renan. The municipality’s territory reaches an elevation of 1,265 metres on the Echelette ridge. The river, forest trails and ridge thus offer different ways to enjoy a stay that includes time outdoors.

The hiking options in the Renan (BE) hiking area also include numerous routes for beginners, intermediate hikers and experts. Many pass by huts where you can stop for a break. The descriptions of the various routes make clear that the choice is not based on difficulty level alone: the destination, landscape and trail surface also vary.

Musée Kramer and the Church Tower

The Musée Kramer was founded by Jean-Pierre Kramer and traces the history of railway transport in the upper Vallon de Saint-Imier. The museum includes a model railway. Visits are by appointment only, so do not plan it as a stop that is always open for a spontaneous visit. If you would like to include it in your stay, arrange your visit in advance.

Another historical landmark is the church tower of Renan’s church, built in 1885. Along with the Musée Kramer’s railway theme, it offers a second specific point of interest for anyone who would like to explore the history of the village as well as its trails and landscape.

Choose Hikes by Landscape and Destination

One route listed in the Renan (BE) hiking area leads from the Suze valley to Vue des Alpes. According to the route description, the pass offers a sweeping view of the Alpine chain. The trail is mostly on natural surfaces; some sections in built-up areas and around farms are paved. When considering this route, you can take both the viewpoint and the described trail surface into account in your plans.

Another route listed in the Renan (BE) hiking area crosses the high plateau of the Franches-Montagnes with its broad pastures. It also passes through narrow, wooded combe valleys along the La Ronde stream and ends at the Doubs reservoir at Biaufond on the French border. This route highlights the high plateau, wooded valleys and a clearly specified endpoint, while the route to Vue des Alpes emphasizes the panoramic view from the pass.

A mountain hiking route listed in the wider hiking area starts in La Ferrière and has only a few paved sections. It is therefore described by a different starting point and its own information about the trail surface. The route information offers specific points of difference to help with your choice, without requiring you to treat all the hikes as one continuous tour.

Plan Your Journey

Renan is served by the Swiss Federal Railways (CFF). If the CFF connection is important for your journey, check the appropriate connection for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Plagne, La Ferrière Be, Courtelary, Cormoret, Cortébert, Villeret Be, Sonvilier, St-Imier

Go to the overview of nearby destinations: Courtelary.