Hint

Intro

From Bellelay, this stage leads along the peat bog of La Sagne. Through forests and across pastures, it climbs up to the gentle Jura height, where you remain for a few kilometres. The path descends across open pastures to the destination for the first stage, the village of Tramelan.

Description

In the small village of Bellelay on the edge of the Franches-Montagnes, the first thing that catches the eye is the massive building of the former monastery from the 11th century. Today, it is used as a psychiatric clinic. The former monks are also said to have been the inventors of the "Tête de Moine". Instead of being sliced, this spicy semi-hard cheese is still scraped off the round, handy loaves in the shape of rosettes. A historical cheese dairy and a museum at the end of the village are dedicated to this well-known cheese speciality.

The path now leads across pastures and meadows along the protected moorland of La Sagne. A dragonfly nature trail gives those interested the opportunity to linger here a little longer and advance into the interior via wooden footbridges. After La Rouge Eau with its old peat bogs, you reach the wooded slope of the first Jura hill to climb. The route first follows a road and then ascends steeply through dense forest to the open pastures. At the Montbautier vantage point, the view opens up over the Tavannes valley. The border between the cantons of Bern and Jura also runs over this hill. The remote Jura heights were once settled by Mennonites who had been driven out of the Emmental into the Franches-Montagnes.

The path is repeatedly bordered by the traditional dry stone walls that also separate the pastures. Sturdy maples line the access roads to the solid stone farmsteads of the Jura. You now follow a small road for about two kilometres. The farm of Rière Jorat is a good place to stop for refreshments. At Haut de Bémont, a typical Jura farm, you leave the road. The path now leads across the pastures of the lightly wooded ridge of Prés de la Montagne. To the north, the view sweeps over the flattening chains of the Jura towards France. Almost without a visible path, you finally descend via the Pâturage du Droit to the upper residential areas of Tramelan, the former watchmaking town. To the north, the first wind turbines tower over the steep flank of the Montagne de Droit. In addition to agriculture, electronics, precision mechanics and metal construction businesses are important in Tramelan today. The first stage ends at the Chemins de Fer du Jura train station.

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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Bellelay
Destination
Tramelan
Ascent
340 m
Descent
400 m
Distance
11 km
Duration
3 h
Duration back
3 h 10 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Medium
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

ViaBerna

Bellelay - Sustenpass
Learn more about # title #

All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 1/20

Distance

11 km

Duration

3 h

Ascent

340 m

Travel information: Bellelay

Current Offers

  • Bellelay Savory Adventure: E-Bike and Tête de Moine Fondue

    2 electric mountain bikes (family package: trailer for 1 to 2 children included) 1 fondue kit... from CHF 129
    Offer details


    valid: 05.08.2026 - 17.10.2026

    Learn more about Savory Adventure: E-Bike and Tête de Moine Fondue
  • Sonceboz-Sombeval Gourmet getaway around the Tête de Moine

    Appetizer platterApple juiceTête de Moine AOP fondueGlass of white wineHalf Gruyère double-cream...
    Offer details


    valid: 29.07.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Gourmet getaway around the Tête de Moine
  • Saint-Ursanne Circuit Secret Saint Ursanne

    The secret tour takes you through the city of St. Ursanne. You have a digital key with you and... from CHF 12
    Offer details


    valid: 26.07.2026 - 31.10.2026

    Learn more about Circuit Secret Saint Ursanne
  • Saint-Ursanne E-scooter rental

    E-scooter hire from CHF 20
    Offer details


    valid: 26.07.2026 - 16.08.2026

    Learn more about E-scooter rental
  • Saignelégier Detective-Trail

    Starting at the Marché-Concours hall, explore the landscapes of the Franches-Montagnes along with... from CHF 19
    Offer details


    valid: 26.07.2026 - 31.10.2026

    Learn more about Detective-Trail
  • Biel Biel city tour through the old town

    Discover the history of Biel with the old Roman spring, which gave the city its name. You stroll... from CHF 15
    Offer details


    valid: 15.08.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Biel city tour through the old town
  • Biel "Find-the-Code: Spooky Corners" Outdoor Escape Game Bern

    You solve tricky puzzles together as a team at various locations around Bern. Along the way, you'll... from CHF 40
    Offer details


    valid: 26.07.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about "Find-the-Code: Spooky Corners" Outdoor Escape Game Bern
  • Biel Fabrika Azteka

    At Fabrika Azteka, creativity comes to life with ease. Make yourself comfortable, choose your...
    Offer details


    valid: 26.07.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Fabrika Azteka
  • Biel Magglingenbahn ticket from Biel

    A ride on the Magglingenbahn offers a short and convenient link between Biel and Magglingen. The... from CHF 16
    Offer details


    valid: 26.07.2026 - 21.01.2027

    Learn more about Magglingenbahn ticket from Biel