Jura Highlights Tour
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Jura Highlights Tour

7-day tour of Jura watchmaking heritage and lakes

7 days • Moderate difficulty • Est. €583

Day 1: Arrival in Bern: Medieval Charm and River Views

Begin your journey in Bern, the capital city. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit the iconic Bear Pit, and enjoy panoramic views from the Münsterplattform.

  • 10:00

    Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

    Walk through the medieval sandstone streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Zytglogge clock tower and enjoy the arcades.

  • 11:30

    Visit the Bear Pit

    See the historic bear enclosure along the Aare River, a symbol of Bern since the 16th century.

  • 12:30

    Aare River Promenade Walk

    Stroll along the scenic Aare river views, a perfect spot for relaxation and people-watching.

  • 14:00

    Rosengarten and Panoramic Views

    Visit the Rose Garden for one of the best panoramic views of Bern and the Alps on clear days.

  • 16:00

    Coffee at Münsterplattform Café

    Enjoy a historic terrace café with stunning views of the Münster Cathedral and the city.

Meals: Lunch at Old Town Restaurant , Dinner at Bern City Center

Where to stay: Stay in the Old Town or near the Federal Palace for easy access to sights.

Getting around: Walking is sufficient for the Old Town. Use trams for longer distances.

Day 2: Bern to Jura: Watchmaking Heritage in La Chaux-de-Fonds

Travel north to the Jura region. Visit La Chaux-de-Fonds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to watchmaking history.

  • 09:00

    Train to La Chaux-de-Fonds

    Take the scenic train from Bern to La Chaux-de-Fonds via Delémont.

  • 11:30

    Watchmaking Museum Tour

    Explore the history of Swiss watchmaking in this UNESCO-listed city, designed with a grid layout for watchmakers.

  • 13:30

    Lunch in La Chaux-de-Fonds

    Enjoy local Jura cuisine in the city center.

  • 15:00

    Le Locle Visit

    Short drive/train to neighboring Le Locle, another UNESCO site for watchmaking, to see the Clockmakers' Quarter.

Meals: Lunch at La Chaux-de-Fonds Center

Where to stay: Stay in La Chaux-de-Fonds or Le Locle.

Getting around: Public transport connects Bern, Delémont, La Chaux-de-Fonds, and Le Locle efficiently.

Day 3: Delémont and the Franches-Montagnes

Explore the cantonal capital Delémont and the rolling hills of the Franches-Montagnes region.

  • 09:00

    Delémont Old Town and Castle

    Visit the historic castle and the charming old town with its galleries and museums.

  • 11:30

    Franches-Montagnes Scenic Drive

    Drive through the Franches-Montagnes plateau, known for its black-and-white cows and pastoral landscapes.

  • 13:30

    Lunch in Delémont

    Traditional lunch featuring regional specialties.

  • 15:00

    Saint-Ursanne Visit

    Short trip to the medieval town of Saint-Ursanne, famous for its abbey and bridge.

Meals: Lunch at Delémont

Where to stay: Stay in Delémont or Saint-Ursanne.

Getting around: A car is recommended for exploring the Franches-Montagnes and Saint-Ursanne.

Day 4: The Three Lakes District: Lake Biel and Horology

Head to the Three Lakes District, focusing on Lake Biel's horological culture and scenic shores.

  • 09:00

    Travel to Lake Biel

    Train or drive from Delémont to Lake Biel.

  • 11:00

    Lake Biel Promenade and Old Town

    Walk along the lake promenade and explore the historic old town with its fountains and churches.

  • 13:00

    Lunch by the Lake

    Fresh fish or local dishes with lake views.

  • 15:00

    Watchmaking Museum in Biel

    Visit the Swiss Museum of Watchmaking to see the evolution of timekeeping.

Meals: Lunch at Lake Biel Waterfront

Where to stay: Stay in Biel/Bienne or Murten.

Getting around: Public transport is excellent in the Three Lakes District.

Day 5: Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel

Explore the medieval town of Murten on Lake Murten and the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.

  • 09:00

    Travel to Murten

    Short train ride from Biel to Murten.

  • 10:00

    Murten Old Town and Castle

    Walk the town walls, visit the castle, and explore the medieval streets.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Murten

    Try the local Murtenertorte (tart).

  • 14:00

    Lake Neuchâtel Shoreline

    Drive or take a boat to the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the largest lake entirely in Switzerland.

Meals: Lunch at Murten Old Town

Where to stay: Stay in Yverdon-les-Bains or along Lake Neuchâtel.

Getting around: A car is useful for moving between Murten and Lake Neuchâtel points.

Day 6: Jura Highlights: Palafitte Hotel and Nature

Experience unique accommodations and natural beauty in the Jura region, including the famous Palafitte Hotel.

  • 09:00

    Palafitte Hotel Visit

    Visit Europe’s only hotel built on stilts over the lake, a unique architectural and historical experience.

  • 11:30

    Jura Hiking or Biking

    Enjoy a scenic hike or bike ride in the Jura mountains, known for trails and mountain biking.

  • 13:30

    Lunch in Jura Region

    Farm-to-table lunch in a local restaurant.

  • 15:30

    Scenic Lake Cruise

    Take a short cruise on Lake Neuchâtel or Lake Biel for relaxing views.

Meals: Lunch at Jura Countryside

Where to stay: Stay near Lake Neuchâtel or Biel.

Getting around: Public transport and walking/biking paths are available.

Day 7: Return to Bern and Departure

Return to Bern for final shopping and departure, or extend to Zurich for international flights.

  • 09:00

    Train to Bern

    Scenic train ride back to Bern.

  • 11:00

    Final Shopping in Bern

    Note: The provided attractions list includes Lugano shopping, but for this itinerary, we focus on Bern's historic shopping streets like Zytgassestrasse.

  • 13:00

    Bundeshaus (Parliament Building)

    Visit the Swiss Federal Assembly seat, blending history and culture.

  • 14:30

    Freibad Marzili Relaxation

    Relax at the historic open-air pool with Aare river access.

Meals: Lunch at Bern City Center

Where to stay: No overnight stay if departing same day.

Getting around: Train from Bern to Zurich or Airport.

Practical Information

The Jura region, located in Switzerland’s northwest, offers a distinct cultural and geographical experience compared to the alpine south. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to October) for optimal hiking and cycling conditions in the Three Lakes District and Franches-Montagnes. During these months, temperatures are mild, though evenings can be cool. Winter visits are viable for those seeking quieter landscapes and potential snow activities in the higher elevations of the Jura mountains, but some rural trails may be inaccessible. The region is easily accessible via Switzerland’s efficient rail network. Travelers should fly into Zurich or Geneva and take a train to Delémont or La Chaux-de-Fonds. Within the region, the Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended, as it covers trains, buses, and boats on Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel, and Lake Murten, facilitating seamless travel between the watchmaking towns and lakeside areas. Accommodation varies significantly in style and location. For a unique experience, consider the Palafitte Hotel, Europe’s only hotel built on stilts, located in a prehistoric settlement area. Alternatively, staying in Delémont provides access to museums and galleries, while La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle offer immersive stays in UNESCO-listed watchmaking centers. Boutique hotels in Saint-Ursanne provide historic charm. Budget considerations should account for the "luxury" and "tailor-made" nature of many curated tours in this region. Costs typically include private transfers, guided tours of watch factories, and curated dining, but exclude personal expenses, optional excursions, and travel insurance. Travelers should verify if entrance fees to specific museums or castles are included in their package. Pack layers suitable for variable weather, including waterproof jackets and sturdy hiking boots for the rugged terrain of the Franches-Montagnes and Jura mountains. Bring comfortable cycling gear if planning to explore the extensive bike paths around the Three Lakes. Essential items include a Swiss Travel Pass, a power adapter (Type C/J), and a camera for capturing the medieval architecture of Saint-Ursanne and the industrial heritage of the watch towns. Important tips include booking accommodations well in advance, especially during peak summer months, and respecting the quiet, rural nature of the Jura villages. Engage with local artisans in La Chaux-de-Fonds to understand the horological heritage, and always check train schedules for rural bus connections, which may run less frequently than in major cities.

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