Jura Crest Trail
7 Days Starting in Solothurn, Switzerland and ending in Couvet, Switzerland
Visiting: Solothurn, Biel, Bernese Jura, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Couvet
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JUT
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Jura Crest Trail in Switzerland, where you'll traverse the stunning Jura highlands, taking in breathtaking alpine views and walking above gorges and through lush forests. This self-guided adventure offers a perfect blend of nature and culture, with charming Swiss villages and delectable local produce to savor along the way. Stay in handpicked 3-star hotels and inns, ensuring comfort after a day of exploration. With luggage transfers and digital navigation tools provided, you can focus on the beauty around you. From the historic town of Solothurn to the natural rock amphitheatre of Creux du Van, this trail promises an enriching and scenic experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Solothurn
Location: Solothurn
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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.
Day 2 : Train To Oberdorf, Cable Car To Weissenstein To The Jura Crest Trail, Walk Towards Biel (7Hrs)
Location: Biel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Day 3 : Walk From The Schüss Valley To The Crest Of The Bernese Jura (6Hrs)
Location: Bernese Jura
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Day 4 : Walk Through The Val De Ruz To Vue Des Alpes (6Hrs), Transfer To La Chaux-De-Fonds
Location: La Chaux-de-Fonds
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Day 5 : Enjoy Panoramic Views Of Lac De Neuchâtel En Route To Travers/Noiraigue, Train To Couvet (6Hrs)
Location: Neuchâtel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Day 6 : Loop Hike Via Creux Du Van (5Hrs)
Location: Couvet
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Day 7 : Trip Concludes
Location: Couvet
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes in Couvet after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights hotels / inns -
6 breakfasts - usually served buffet style with yoghurt, muesli, cheese, meats, breads, spreads, coffee, tea and juice
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6 nights in 3 star hotels and Inns on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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Luggage transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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Digital documents: Navigation app (smartphone required), with optional printed maps (per room booked) available on request
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Transfers: Chasseral to Les Bugnenets/Le Pâquier and between Vue-des-Alpes and La Chaux-de-Fonds
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to Solothurn and from Couvet
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Guide - this is a self guided walk
What's Not Included
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Lunches and dinners daily
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Tour leader - this is a self guided walk
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Cable cars and public transport - allow CHF35 per person
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Transfers between Vue-des-Alpes and La Chaux-de-Fonds - allow CHF39 per taxi trip, payable on site. There are also bus connections on individual days
Accommodation
6 nights hotels / inns. During the trip you will be accommodated in 3 star hotels and inns which are usually family run. Breakfasts are provided and generally hearty with a selection of cereals, breads, cheeses and yoghurts along with tea, coffee and juice. Rooms are provided on a twinshare basis with private facilities. Many of the inns have gardens to relax in after a day on the trail.
Grading
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.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc
Mode of Transport
Transfers include Chasseral to Les Bugnenets/Le Pâquier and between Vue-des-Alpes and La Chaux-de-Fonds. Travel to Solothurn and from Couvet is also included. Cable cars and public transport are not included and require additional payment.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Jura Crest Trail tour?
During the trip, you will be accommodated in 3-star hotels and inns, which are usually family-run. Rooms are provided on a twin-share basis with private facilities. Many of the inns have gardens to relax in after a day on the trail.
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What meals are included in the Jura Crest Trail tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts, which are usually served buffet style with yoghurt, muesli, cheese, meats, breads, spreads, coffee, tea, and juice. Lunches and dinners are not included.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What kind of support is available during the self-guided walk?
The tour provides digital documents, including a navigation app (smartphone required), with optional printed maps available on request. There is also an emergency hotline available.
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What is the difficulty level of the Jura Crest Trail tour?
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. A good level of fitness is required to participate fully in this adventure.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, etc.
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What are some of the highlights of the Jura Crest Trail tour?
Highlights include discovering the Jura highlands on foot with impressive alpine views, walking above gorges and through forests on one of Europe's most iconic long-distance trails, soaking up the charming Swiss flavors from pretty villages to delectable local produce, and staying in handpicked hotels and inns with all the comforts following a day on the trail.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.