Saules combines seasonal berry-picking opportunities on Montagne de Saules with a section of the Chemin du Jura bernois and a long local history. When choosing when to travel, it is important to decide whether you are coming specifically for the harvest or want to combine Saules mainly with hiking and regional culture. This makes it possible to plan your stay around a particular seasonal window or around the landscape and history.
Jura slopes and trails around Saules
Saules is in the Bernese Jura, about 12 kilometres north of Biel/Bienne, in the valley depression of the Trame stream, a left-bank tributary of the Birs. Wooded Jura slopes, pastures and forest areas shape the surrounding landscape. On Montagne de Saules, Ferme de la famille Scheidegger lies at an altitude of 1,050 metres, at the foot of Tour Botta. There are hiking, horse-riding and cycling trails near the farm; trail conditions may change.
The Chemin du Jura bernois passes through the hamlet of Montagne de Saules and then descends into the valley towards Sornetan. The trail also leads to the 30-metre-high Tour de Moron. From there, views extend from the Pre-Alps to the High Alps. Access to Tour de Moron should preferably be on foot or by non-motorised transport.
One section of the Chemin du Jura bernois is 17 kilometres long, takes about 5 hours and 10 minutes, and involves an ascent of 880 metres. This is a longer block of hiking for a day’s itinerary, not just a short add-on. Bear the approximate duration and ascent in mind when planning other activities for the same day.
Berry seasons on Montagne de Saules
Since 2013, Ferme de la famille Scheidegger has offered various strawberry and raspberry varieties for self-picking or to order. Strawberry self-picking begins in the second half of June and lasts three to four weeks. Raspberry self-picking starts in August and continues for six to eight weeks. The two offers therefore fall in different seasonal windows, with the strawberry season being the shorter one.
The actual dates depend on annual growing conditions and updates from the farm. If you are planning your trip specifically around self-picking, check the farm’s latest information in advance. Local lore also tells that the wheat grown in the Saules area was especially popular with millers because of its quality. Seasonal harvest offerings and a traditional agricultural story are both part of the local character.
Local history and regional culture
A papal confirmation charter dated 17 May 1148 mentions Saules under the name “Sales”; the charter concerns the Moutier Grandval collegiate church. From 1797 to 1815, Saules belonged to France, first to the Mont-Terrible department and, from 1800, to the Haut-Rhin department. In 1815, the territory of the former Prince-Bishopric of Basel was assigned to the Canton of Bern by the Congress of Vienna. Since 1 January 2025, Saules has officially been a member of Parc régional Chasseral.
In nearby Bellelay, an interactive museum presents the over 800-year history of a unique Swiss cheese. There, you can experience its traditional production, discover the Girolle® and enjoy regional specialities. This is an option for travellers who want to learn about regional cheese culture as well as explore the Jura slopes.
Getting to Saules and excursions from there
A PostBus route connects Saules with Tavannes and Lajoux; both places have rail connections and other bus services. If you are combining bus and train, check the appropriate connection for your travel date. By car, the A16 (Transjurane) motorway can be reached via the junctions at Tavannes or Reconvilier. There are therefore different ways to plan your journey, while the hiking trails and seasonal self-picking shape your stay once you are there.
Discover more destinations: Sornetan, Rokwiler.
View the main travel overview: Bern.
