Freiberge / Saignelégier
Intro
A slightly undulating plateau at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, defined by large pastures, spruce and fir forests as well as characteristic whitewashed individual farms that have their barns and living quarters under the same roof: these are the Jurassic Freiberg Mountains.
Description
Covering an area of 200 square kilometers, the Freiberg Mountains, known for their harsh climate, were settled at a relatively late date, reluctantly. In order to attract more inhabitants, the prince-bishop who was in power in 1384 introduced a charter that freed all inhabitants from taxes and interest on their cleared land. This is the origin of the name Freiberge ("Free Mountains").
Even though these special rights ended in 1792, the Freiberg Mountains are still the ideal destination for excursions for those who love freedom. Bicycle tours, horseback rides, hikes, covered wagon rides, snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing or dogsled riding - the Freiberg mountains are just the right place for all these activities. The main town in the Freiberg mountains is Saignelégier. The moor lake "Étang de la Gruère", which is well worth visiting, is nearby.
Winter
The countryside of the Franches Montagnes is ideal for cross-country skiing and snow-shoe trekking. In addition to a great many cross-country skiing routes the number of marked routes for snow-shoe trekkers is increasing constantly. The unspoilt landscape of the Franches Montagnes is particularly suitable for these two sports.
Summer
Being the home of Franches Montagnes horses, the Jura is a true paradise for riders with over 200 kilometres of marked riding trails and the possibility to enjoy rides in covered wagons, carriages and wagons. And the horse foundation in Le Roselet is definitely worth visiting - a home for retired horses, ponies and donkeys. The annual horse market in Saignelegier is nowadays the biggest horse festival in Switzerland.
From Saignelégier a hiking trail leads to the Etang de la Gruère moorscape, a highlight of the Franches Montagnes countryside. Around the biggest moor pond in Switzerland boards provide information about the flora and fauna as well as moor and nature preservation.
National cycle route number 7 from Basel to Nyon is - particularly the stretch through the Franches Montagnes -is particularly popular with families. Bicycles are available for hire from the railway stations. Thanks to the well-developed rail and bus network it is easy to start or shorten tours at stops along the way.
From Saignelégier a hiking trail leads to the Etang de la Gruère moorscape, a highlight of the Franches Montagnes countryside. Around the biggest moor pond in Switzerland boards provide information about the flora and fauna as well as moor and nature preservation.
National cycle route number 7 from Basel to Nyon is - particularly the stretch through the Franches Montagnes -is particularly popular with families. Bicycles are available for hire from the railway stations. Thanks to the well-developed rail and bus network it is easy to start or shorten tours at stops along the way.
