Chasseral | |
1,607 m above sea level, one of the highest summits of the Jura Mountains. Overlooking Lake Biel (Bielerseee), it is a wonderful starting point for hikes in a preserved environment, with breathtaking views of the Jura mountain range, the lake and, way south, the snow-covered majestic Alps. |
Delémont | |
Capital of the Canton of Jura, Delémont is situated at the center of a square area between 4 other important towns: Basel is 25 km to the east, Biel/Bienne 30 km to the south, La Chaux-de-Fonds 60 km to the west and Belfort (in France) 40 km to the north. An ideal starting point to explore the eastern part of the Jura Mountains! |
Goumois (F/CH) | |
In the heart of the Jura mountain range, on the banks of the lazy Doubs river, Goumois is a nice little village split across the Franco-Swiss border. It's an ideal place for a quiet stay with beautiful hikes along the river and in the surrounding countryside. |
Gruère (Etang de la) | |
Back in the 17th century, a dam was built in this 12,000-year-old bog to power a grain mill. And now we have a big pond in a beautiful protected area, with easy treks and perfect picnic spots all around! |
Laufen | |
The entire old city of Laufen, formerly belonging to Jura, is part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites and it's worth the visit. And as this little town is ideally situated between the Jura and the Rhine River, it's a good starting point to explore the north of Switzerland. |
Mont-Soleil | |
Mont-Soleil (Sun Mountain), just north of the little town of Saint-Imier, could be nicknamed Windy Mountain too: on this nice Jura summit, you'll see many wind turbines and solar cells. It's the most important r&d power plant of Switzerland for photovoltaic and eolian energy production. |
Moutier | |
Moutier, a small town located between the bilingual Bernese city of Biel (Bienne), on the shore of the eponymous lake, and the city of Delémont, capital of the Jura Canton, is at the heart of a long Swiss saga, the "Jura Question". |
Porrentruy | |
A very ancient town, Porrentruy (economical center of Ajoie region) has belonged for centuries to the Bishopry of Basel, who moved its headquarters here in 1527, when the Reformation hit Basel. That's why the town's castle has been until 1792 the residency of 15 Princes-Bishops, ruling over the Ajoie territory. |
Saignelégier | |
Main city of the Franches-Montagnes, a district of the Swiss Jura, Saignelégier is the home of the famous Franches-Montagnes (or Freiberger) draft horse. Every year, during the 2nd week-end of August, the Marché-Concours (Market-Contest) of Saignelégier takes place, where this typical Swiss horse is the star in a variety of shows and competitions. |
Saint-Imier | |
A town in the Jura bernois (French-speaking part of Canton of Bern), in a valley between Chasseral and Mont-Soleil mountains. It's the hometown of the Longines watches, and the Breitling watchmaking company was founded there too. A very nice starting point for many hikes in the Jura mountains! |
Saint-Ursanne | |
Saint-Ursanne, situated where the Doubs River makes a loop before flowing into France, has preserved its medieval character and features many historical curios, like collegiate churches, cloister, castle ruins, and a hermitage. |