Chemin de Mont-Soleil
Overview
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Distance 13 km
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Duration 4 h
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Ascent 580 m
Intro
This hike combines nature and innovation. On the heights of Mont-Soleil, above the valley of Saint-Imier and at the gateway to the Franches Montagnes, it offers magnificent views of the typical wooded pastures. The trail follows a part of the Sentier des Monts dedicated to renewable energies.
Description
Sonvilier is situated above the river Schüss and extends into the upper Jura valley of Saint-Imier. Typical farms from the 17th and 18th centuries can be found in the village and on the nearby Jura hills. The hiking trail now climbs into these hills, first through some forest, then you reach the hotel and restaurant Chez l'Assesseur and the Buvette La Brigade. You then walk across fields with cattle and horses. The traditional form of mixed exploitation, where pastures and forest alternate like a mosaic, is typical of this region. The path also crosses an area where the milk for the famous semi-hard Tête de Moine AOP cheese is produced.
The Belvedere trail in the middle of the forest overlooks the valley of Saint-Imier and leads to the top station of the funicular connecting Saint-Imier with the Mont-Soleil. Here, the restaurant Le Manoir is a good place to stop for a break. The next section follows part of the Sentier des Monts theme trail which connects the Mont-Soleil solar power station with the Mont-Crosin wind power station. It offers games and information on the topics of renewable energy, the environment and climate. Here, a total of 16 wind turbines rise into the sky. When the wind sweeps over the heights, the turbines run at full speed. The observatory with its planetarium is also exciting. Guided tours can be booked in advance to visit the three facilities. Shortly afterwards, the highest point of the hike is reached at 1,290 metres altitude.
The descent to Saint-Imier via Le Sergent continues through the forest and passes near the mighty Champ-Meusel cirque. The almost circular depression is thought to be the result of a meteorite impact. With a diameter of 300 metres, it would be the largest remnant of a meteorite crater in Switzerland. It is also possible that the interaction of various forces led to this natural phenomenon, such as the tectonic position, glaciation, lime erosion and a spring with a stream. At various places you can enjoy the beautiful view over the valley of Saint-Imier, the Combe Grède nature reserve or the Chasseral with its famous 155-metre-high television antenna. On arrival, you can visit the watchmaking town of Saint-Imier, which has witnessed the birth of some great names in the watchmaking industry. Longines is still in town with its factory.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Sonvilier
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Saint-Imier
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| Ascent |
580 m
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| Descent |
620 m
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| Distance |
13 km
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| Duration |
4 h
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| Duration back |
4 h
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Theme |
With panoramic view
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
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Jura bernois Tourisme
Avenue de la Gare 9
2740
Moutier
Phone
+41 (0)32 494 53 43
info@jurabernois.ch
jurabernois.ch
Quick Facts
Route number
