Jura Crest Trail

Hiking the stunning Jura mountains in Switzerland

Cowbells in the Swiss Alps | Go hiking in the Alps

Hiking the stunning Jura mountains in Switzerland

Cowbells in the Swiss Alps | Go hiking in the Alps

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

7 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

6 nights hotels / inns

Meals

6 Breakfasts

Price

$1490USD

Overview

Trip Code: JUT

Trip highlights

Discover the Jura highlands on foot with impressive alpine views
Walk above gorges and through forests on one of Europe's most iconic long distance trails
Soak up the charming Swiss flavours from pretty villages to delectable local produce
Stay in handpicked hotels and inns with all the comforts following a day on the trail

Since 1905 the Jura Crest Trail has linked the two cities of Geneva and Zurich passing over the Jura highlands with panoramic views of the nearby snowy peaks of the Alps. One of the iconic long distance trails in Europe, the route offers moderately graded walking without compromising on scenery. Over the course of a week, the trail takes you westward in a sweeping arc across the Jura with a grandstand view of the mountains of the Alps and the Bernese Oberland. Starting in the German speaking Canton of Solothurn the route takes you along high ridge lines, passing by dramatic gorges, sparkling lakes and through tranquil forests. At night, you drop down to market towns, staying in charming accommodation with an authentic Swiss flavour. As you walk, the culinary specialties of the regions are showcased including Toétché, a savoury cream cake and Bellelay cheese, the only AOP cheese in the Jura. The final stage takes you to the French speaking canton, Neuchâtel and the town of Couvet, said to be the birthplace of absinthe.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Join Solothurn

On arrival in Solothurn, make your way to the joining hotel. Check in is from mid afternoon. Founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago, Solothurn is located on the banks of the Aare and at the foot of the Weissenstein Jura mountains. It is know for its 'pre-occupation' with the number 11 - there are 11 each of churches, chapels, fountains, medieval societies, towers and museums. Don't miss the 11-hour astronomical clock.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Train to Oberdorf, cable car to Weissenstein to the Jura Crest trail, walk towards Biel (7hrs)

This morning you take the short train ride to Oberdorf then the cable car up to Weissenstein (not included), where you reach the Jura Crest Trail. From the roof of canton Solothurn, with views across the Jura arc to the Mittelland and snow-capped Alps, the trail today leads you through forests and typical Jura meadows. The first third of the walk is along a Planetenweg (planet path) whereby each kilometre covered is equivalent to one billion kilometres in the solar system, providing a perspective on the scale of the universe. Signs provide information along the route. At Montagne de Romont, French becomes the dominant language. Overnight Biel / surrounds. Approx. 24km/15mi, +700m/2292ft / -1415m/4624ft

Meals: B

Day 3
Walk from the Schüss Valley to the crest of the Bernese Jura (6hrs)

The trail today takes you from the low-lying Schüss Valley to the crest of the Bernese Jura. A sustained yet comfortable ascent takes you to the Chasseral (1606m), one of the highest points in the Swiss Jura, which you will have seen from afar with its distinctive 120m high antenna. From the summit absorb the sensational panoramic view to the Mittelland lakes. From Chasseral transfer down to Les Bugnenets/Le Pâquier where you stay tonight. Approx. 17km/10.5mi, +1340m/4396ft / -270m/885ft

Meals: B

Day 4
Walk through the Val de Ruz to Vue des Alpes (6hrs), transfer to La Chaux-de-Fonds

Today is a varied trail between the upper St Imier Valley and the Val de Ruz Valley, with its winter sports resort, Le Pâquier (hometown of the former ski champion Didier Cuche). From the top of the pass Vue-des-Alpes (1282m) by taxi (included) to La Chaux-de-Fonds. Approx. 20km/12.4mi, +760m/2493ft / -1000m/3280ft

Meals: B

Day 5
Enjoy panoramic views of Lac de Neuchâtel en route to Travers/Noiraigue, train to Couvet (6hrs)

After breakfast, transfer by taxi (included) back to the Vue-des-Alpes pass to continue your walk. Enjoy the impressive panoramic view from the high mountain chain with the Tête de Ran and Mont Racine peaks. The slabs of the rocky spur provide a breathtaking view down to Lac de Neuchâtel. The trail then makes a steep descent to Noiraigue, from where you take the train to Couvet and your hotel. Approx. 20 km/12.4mi, +790m/2592ft / -1275m/4183ft

Meals: B

Day 6
Loop hike via Creux du Van (5hrs)

A steep ascent takes you to a highlight of the tour, the natural rock amphitheatre of Creux du Van, the Swiss equivalent of the Grand Canyon. From here you can enjoy wonderful views of the the sparkling waters of Lake Neuenburg. Return to Couvet on foot, or you can shorten the walk by taking the train from Travers. Travers is known for its asphalt mines, which in the past paved streets in Paris, London and New York. Today a disused mine is open to visitors, and you can enjoy the local specialty, ham cooked in asphalt. The valley is also the birthplace of the "green fairy", absinthe, and there are several distilleries open to the public. Overnight Couvet. Approx 16km/10mi, +915m/3002ft / -420m/1378ft

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes

The trip concludes in Couvet after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts - usually served buffet style with yoghurt, muesli, cheese, meats, breads, spreads, coffee, tea and juice
6 nights in 3 star hotels and Inns on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Luggage transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Digital documents: Navigation app (smartphone required), with optional printed maps (per room booked) available on request
Transfers: Chasseral to Les Bugnenets/Le Pâquier and between Vue-des-Alpes and La Chaux-de-Fonds
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Solothurn and from Couvet
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide - this is a self guided walk
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not specified as included
Transfers not listed as included (for cable cars and public transport - allow CHF35 - CHF70 per person )
Tourist tax (allow CHF2-4 per person per night)
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature including phone calls, laundry, drinks etc.

Grading

moderate

The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily walks between 5 and 7 hours and distances of 16 to 24km. Daily ascents range from 700m to 1340m and descents from 270m to 1415m. Most of the terrain is dirt trails although some small sections will be on asphalt. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. We recommend that you have some previous experience of trekking.

Departure dates

Daily from 4 May to 13 Oct

Notes

DN1

Cable cars and public transport not included - allow CHF35-70 pp (dependent on whether you have a Swiss Travel Pass).

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1490USD

Options & Supplements*

single supplementUSD$340

*Prices listed are per person

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