Jura Crest Trail

Jura Crest Trail

17 Views
7 Days From

$1373

$1329

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:

UTracks

Tour code:

JUT

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

From: $1373 $1329 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$43

NB: Prices correct on 10-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Discover the Jura highlands on foot with impressive alpine views

  • Walk above gorges and through forests on one of Europe's most iconic long distance trails

  • Soak up the charming Swiss flavours from pretty villages to delectable local produce

  • Explore Solothurn, a town with a unique preoccupation with the number 11

  • Experience the panoramic views from the Chasseral, one of the highest points in the Swiss Jura

  • Enjoy the natural rock amphitheatre of Creux du Van, the Swiss equivalent of the Grand Canyon

  • Take in the breathtaking view down to Lac de Neuchâtel from the high mountain chain

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Accommodation
    6 nights hotels / inns

  • 6 breakfasts - usually served buffet style with yoghurt, muesli, cheese, meats, breads, spreads, coffee, tea and juice

  • 6 nights in 3 star hotels and Inns on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

  • Luggage transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess

  • Digital documents: Navigation app (smartphone required), with optional printed maps (per room booked) available on request

  • Transfers: Chasseral to Les Bugnenets/Le Pâquier and between Vue-des-Alpes and La Chaux-de-Fonds

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Solothurn and from Couvet

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

  • Guide - this is a self guided walk

show more

What's Not Included

  • Lunches and dinners daily

  • Tour leader - this is a self guided walk

  • Cable cars and public transport - allow CHF35 per person

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Kerry Andersen (Google Reviewer)  

We used UTracks to organise...

13-Jul-2023

We used UTracks to organise our self guided Portugal Coastal Camino walk. We were very happy with information provided for our walk and accommodation picked.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
$1373 $1329

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$43

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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