Jura Crest Trail

Around 12 million years ago, the characteristic limestone rock began to fold up into the crescent-shaped Jura Mountains, which today cover around 10 percent of Switzerland's surface area, but an even larger part lies in France. On our tour along the Jura High Trail, we whisk you away to a very special region of Switzerland, where rivers and springs gurgle contemplatively, hills alternate with rock faces and the French influence is noticeable in the culinary arts and traditions.

Details of the Jura Crest Trail

Over a distance of around 320 kilometres, the Jura High Trail leads in a slightly crooked curve from Zurich to Geneva. We join the route at Weissenstein, where you can learn a lot of interesting facts about our solar system on the Planetary Trail, while still enjoying magnificent views. Arriving at Lake Biel, you have already passed the German-French language border.

Around the Chasseral, the highest peak in the Bernese Jura, you will explore Nods, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Pâquier and the Val de Ruz. At the Vue de Alpes pass, the name says it all: "View of the Alps". With magnificent panoramas of Lake Neuchâtel, you descend into the Areuse Gorge. At the end of the tour, the attraction par excellence rises: the Creux du Van.

Highlights of the 7-day hiking tour

• The wild and romantic sides of the Jura take you into a pristine world dominated by rivers, gorges, caves, lakes and extraordinary rock formations. Remember our words when standing on the striking stone bridge at the "Saut de Brot" in the Areuse Gorge.
• French influences and culinary delights: It is not only the language that characterises the French part of Switzerland that you walk through on this trip. In addition to fondue and raclette, the trout and whitefish from Lake Biel and Lake Neuchâtel are also delicious. Apropos! Viticulture also flourishes on Lake Biel, as fine wines thrive on the chalky slopes of the Jura hills.
• The spectacular Creux du Van: You don't even have to go as far as the Grand Canyon for an extraordinary gorge experience. The rock faces of the Creux du Van rise vertically up to 160 metres and form a natural arena.
• Fantastic views: To the east and west, of the Alps, the Vosges and the Black Forest - the panoramas from here are as varied as the landscape itself. Plus closer vantage points, such as the region's numerous lakes.

Useful information about the tour on the Jura High Trail

The hiking trails on this tour are very well laid out and excellently described. The tour itself is not difficult, but the stages are steep in places. You should therefore be sure-footed and free from vertigo. All in all, this is a wonderful tour for hikers.

• From Mont Blanc to Ticino - Switzerland offers hiking highlights galore. Information on the various regions and tours can be found here. 
• Read more about the hiking destinations in central Switzerland.