Sornetan combines hiking, a mountain bike loop and Reformed heritage with a landscape of forests, pastures and valleys. A farming village, it lies on a spur on the northern slope of the Mont Moron Jura range, around 100 m above the Sorne valley floor. Sornetan belongs to the municipality of Petit-Val in the Bernese Jura administrative district of the canton of Bern. The Petit-Val is a basin in the Bernese Jura, about 12 km as the crow flies west of Moutier.
A short sensory trail or a longer hike
The Sentier du bonheur starts at the church in Sornetan and offers a short hiking option: it is 4 km long, easy and family-friendly; the stated walking time is one hour. Playful and meditative elements shape the trail. There are interactive activities at eight stations, focusing on the five senses and the four elements. A 1,300 m section between the church and the forest hut is accessible to people with disabilities. Maintenance and weather may affect accessibility.
The ViaJura from Sornetan to Sonceboz calls for a different time and elevation commitment: the 15 km route takes about four hours and includes 400 metres of ascent. It first leads into the forest, then climbs along the densely wooded northern slope of Moron to about 1,000 m, reaching extensive Jura meadows. The route is considered technically easy but requires a moderate level of fitness. Conditions may vary depending on the season and weather. Compared with the Sentier du bonheur, it is the longer hike, with considerably more elevation gain.
Mountain biking through the Petit-Val
Mountain Bike Route No. 861 Petit-Val starts and ends in Sornetan. The 19 km route is estimated to take about three hours and ten minutes; both the ascent and descent are 688 metres. It passes through forests, pastures and valleys. The connection to Route 867 provides an option for reaching the Tour de Moron. Compared with the hiking trails, this loop differs in both the mode of travel and the elevation profile. Seasonal closures and maintenance conditions should be taken into account; check the latest route information before setting off.
Church and local tradition
The Temple of Sornetan was built between 1708 and 1709; the church and its surroundings were classified as historic monuments in 1963. The single-nave Reformed church preserves the original arrangement of the pulpit and pews. It is also used for concerts and exhibitions, though individual events may vary. If you are interested in a concert or exhibition, check the dates in advance.
Another local feature is the Caillou de Sornetan, a rare erratic quartzite boulder more than two metres long. There are two hollows on its south side. The people of the surrounding rural communities venerate the stone; the area was therefore named Pré du Caillou. The Sorne also shapes the surrounding landscape: below Sornetan, it passes through the Gorges de Pichoux at Le Pichoux, a typical Jura gorge with striking rock walls and ridges. The southern part of the gorge belongs to Sornetan.
More trails and winter options
The Chemin du Pasteur Frêne connects Sornetan with Châtelat and is part of the Franches-Montagnes bridleway network. An information board and a picnic area mark its starting point. In winter, the road east of the village is reserved for sledders during the winter season and closed to all road traffic; the Les Najoux toboggan run is located there. Use depends on winter conditions. If you plan to take advantage of this seasonal option, check conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Saules, Rokwiler.
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