Bernese Jura Mountains
Forest and limestone highlands region in canton Bern
French-speaking Jura region of Canton Bern with limestone plateaus, wooded valleys and small watchmaking towns. Cyclists and walkers use marked trails; the area offers quiet villages and river gorges.
Bernese Jura at a Glance#
Address: Bernese Jura (Jura Bernois), Canton of Bern, Switzerland
Website: https://www.be.ch/culture/en/ (cantonal tourism pages)
About 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.
How to Get to Bernese Jura#
Regional trains from Biel/Bienne, Neuchâtel and Bern connect to towns in the Bernese Jura. Driving along canton roads provides access to trailheads and village centres.
Tips for Visiting Bernese Jura#
- Explore small towns like St-Imier and Tramelan for regional food and clockmaking history
- Bring layers - Jura weather can shift from sun to mist quickly
- If cycling, use quiet secondary roads for the best views and little traffic
Best Time to Visit Bernese Jura#
Summer and early autumn are best for outdoor activities; winter offers snow sports but colder, shorter days.
Weather & Climate near Bernese Jura#
Bernese Jura's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1222 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 2° | -5° | 88 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 3° | -4° | 89 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 7° | 0° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.3 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 1° - 10° | 3° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 15° | 10° | 120 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 127 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 6° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 6° | 3° | 103 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 3° | -4° | 104 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |