Bernese Jura

The Bernese Jura (Jura Bernois) is the French‑speaking, hilly region in the northern part of the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, forming the canton’s stretch of the Jura mountains and foothills. It features wooded ridges, pastures and small towns and is distinct in language and cultural ties from the Bernese Plateau to the south.

A primary attraction is Chasseral, the region’s highest summit at about 1,607 metres, which provides marked trails, an observation tower and sweeping views across the Swiss Plateau to the Alps. The area includes towns such as Moutier and other valley settlements historically associated with watchmaking and mountain agriculture, and it is popular for outdoor recreation year‑round.

The Bernese Jura lies northwest within the canton, bordering the canton of Jura and Neuchâtel, and is accessible by regional rail and road connections from Bern and other Swiss cities.

• Language and landscape: The Bernese Jura is the French‑speaking portion of the Canton of Bern, characterised by rolling Jura hills, forested plateaus and small towns linked by hiking and cycling routes.

What to See #

• Chasseral: Chasseral - the highest and most prominent peak in the Bernese Jura at about 1,607 metres, with an observation tower and trails offering wide views across the Swiss Plateau and the Alps.
• Moutier and valleys: The town of Moutier and surrounding valleys - regional centres of Francophone culture and traditional watchmaking and timber craft in the Jura foothills.