In Saint-Imier, watchmaking themes meet a long town history and routes that explore renewable energy, nature and climate. If you’re looking for accommodation in St-Imier, you can discover the town from a variety of perspectives, from collections and historic sites to the landscape of Mont-Soleil.

Watchmaking Culture and Town History

The Musée Longines is located in the buildings of Compagnie des Montres Longines Francillon S.A., below the town centre. Highlights include important watch models, navigation instruments and timekeeping devices. The collection also includes archival materials such as photographs, posters, films, medals and archive registers. It thus brings together technical objects and materials from the company’s history.

The Musée de Saint-Imier is in the town’s historic centre. Its thematic tour focuses on the history of the Vallon de Saint-Imier. A permanent regional exhibition explores the traces of Saint Imier through five themes; another area covers the Jura troops and the history of the defence of the Jura region. Regional history and a range of historical topics are presented side by side.

Saint-Imier’s history dates back to the early 7th century, and historic buildings are part of the townscape. A collegiate church was built in the 11th century to house the remains of Saint Imier. An event from more recent history also shapes how the town is viewed historically: a congress held in Saint-Imier on 15 and 16 September 1872 is considered the birthplace of the first anti-authoritarian International, also known as the anarchist International.

Walking Tours from Different Perspectives

The interactive tour “Saint-Imier vue par ses habitants” starts at the railway station and stops at around ten sights spread across the town. With approximately ten stops across the town, it offers a way to discover different places in the urban area. As route information may be updated, check the latest details before setting off.

“Julie et Lucien à la découverte de Saint-Imier entre passé et présent” explores some of the stops on this tour in a playful, child-friendly way. The Sentier du Vallon takes a different approach: it leads from Saint-Imier to Courtelary and offers insights into nature, the use of water in the region and local industry. The tours mainly differ in perspective—from stops around the town to themes relating to the landscape, water and industry.

The Circuit Secret St-Imier offers privileged access to five well-known places in Saint-Imier, along with artistic performances connected to their history. As the offer may change operationally, it’s worth checking the latest visitor information before your visit.

Mont-Soleil: Landscape and Renewable Energy

Mont-Soleil lies above Saint-Imier and offers views of the Chasseral. The area includes wooded pastures and an educational trail about renewable energy. The Sentier des Monts also connects Mont-Soleil with Mont-Crosin and features displays on renewable energy, nature and climate along the way. The themed trails have different focuses: one combines landscape and climate issues, while the other also leads towards Mont-Crosin.

A funicular has connected Saint-Imier with Mont-Soleil since 1903; the journey takes just a few minutes. Check the timetable before planning your trip. Electric bicycles and scooters are also available to rent at the funicular; check in advance whether rentals are currently available.

Guided tours of the solar power plant and a wind turbine are also available at Mont-Soleil. They provide information about renewable energy and how the facilities work; check whether tours are available before your trip. The Observatoire Mont-Soleil offers the chance to observe the sun and stars using a specially designed telescope. In bad weather, a planetarium is available. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest visitor and booking arrangements.

Discover How Tête de Moine Is Made

At Fromagerie Spielhofer, tours focus on the production of Tête de Moine. Individual visits include a film, insights into production, an exhibition and a shop, and are available during the cheesemaking facility’s opening hours. Group visits are available by reservation only. They include a film, a guided tour of the production area and cellar, an exhibition and a tasting of local specialities. If you’re planning a visit, note the opening hours or reservation requirement and check the latest visitor arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Cormoret, Courtelary, Orvin, Cortébert, Plagne, La Ferrière Be, Péry, Villeret Be.

Back to the main travel overview: Courtelary.