Chasseral Summit And Viewpoint

The Chasseral is the highest summit of the Bernese Jura, at about 1,606 metres, and it forms a long, whale-backed ridge above the Lake of Biel on one side and the Val de Saint-Imier on the other. The crest runs from south-west to north-east, and a conspicuous transmission tower stands at the top, making the mountain easy to recognise from far away. It is not the highest peak in the canton of Bern, since the Bernese Alps are much higher, but it is the highest point of the Jura range in the canton, and because it stands apart from the bigger mountains, it commands a magnificent view.

On a clear day, the panorama from the summit covers a huge area. To the south, the entire chain of the Alps lines the horizon, from the Säntis in the east to Mont Blanc in the west, and in between the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the Bernese Alps and the peaks of the Valais are all visible. Below lies the Swiss Plateau, with the lakes of Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten glittering in the light, and the Aare winding through the fields. To the north, the folds of the Jura continue into France and the Black Forest in Germany can be glimpsed in good conditions. A common phenomenon in autumn and winter is a sea of fog lying over the Plateau, with the Jura peaks and the Alps rising above it, which makes the mountain a favourite for those who want to be in the sun when the lowlands are grey.

Reaching the summit is easy. A road climbs to a high point near the top, and in season a bus service connects with nearby villages, so visitors can arrive without climbing. For walkers, several trails climb from the surrounding villages and from the lake shore through meadows and forests of beech and fir, with the last stretch steeper. The summit area has a hotel-restaurant that serves meals and drinks, and benches and an orientation table identify the peaks. The terrain around the summit is open pasture, grazed by cattle and horses in summer, and a short walk along the ridge gives wide views in both directions.

The Chasseral is the core of a regional nature park that protects the landscape of the Bernese and Neuchâtel Jura. The park is home to a range of wildlife, including chamois, deer and, in the forests, lynx, though they are rarely seen. The pastures are known for orchids and other flowers in early summer, and the limestone geology gives rise to caves, dry valleys and springs, typical of Jura karst. In winter, the ridge is a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing area, with prepared trails when snow conditions allow, and the road may be closed in severe weather.

Weather matters a great deal. The summit is exposed and can be cold and windy even in summer, and fog can hide the view completely, so check the forecast and webcams. The Chasseral suits walkers, cyclists, photographers and families. Allow two to three hours for a visit by road and half a day for a walk. Combine the trip with the villages on the slopes and a meal at the hotel.