ViaJura
Overview
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Distance 26 km
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Duration 7 h 45 min
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Ascent 1100 m
Intro
Rather demanding hike from Vicques, passing Raimontpierre Castle, over the Mont Raimeux, affording a fantastic panorama. The descent to Grandval leads along a historic trail to Moutier.
Description
Delémont, the capital of the canton of Jura, lies between the cities of Basel and Biel. Situated smack in the middle of a densely wooded, hilly landscape, the historic town, with its well-preserved former wall, invites visitors to explore. The Renaissance-style sculpted fountains, the castle, and the bell tower of the St-Marcel church are particularly striking.
The path leads from the railway station through the old town and along the Sorne. At the Pont de la Birse, the river flows into the Birs and the settlement area is left behind. Now you cross La Réserve du Cerneux, an attractive wildlife area. Over its more than two hectares, the vegetation is vibrant, including a dry meadow, a stream, ponds with wet banks and fruit trees. You reach Courroux and then Vicques across various pastures and gentle hills. With a bit of luck, you can spot deer in the sweeping pastureland.
The route now leaves the scenic valley, and a longer ascent begins. First, the trail climbs up the Sur Rosé hill and then steepens in the forest. Through the rocky, forested, and cool gorge, the hamlet of Rebeuvelier is reached. The farming village lies at an altitude of 664 metres. Past the campsite, it's a steep 600-metre climb on the northern slope of Mont Raimeux.
The trail heads uphill between moss-covered boulders and trees clinging to the slope. Leaving the forest, you reach vast Jura meadows with many small valleys. At an altitude of over 1,200 metres, the route's highest point is reached, affording beautiful panoramic views of the northern part of Canton Jura and the Weissenstein chain in the south. Now the mainly descending last third of the route begins.
Continue over rock slabs and past vertical rock faces on the southern slope of Mont Raimeux. Trails cut deep into the terrain, and gravel paths on the steeply sloping hillside make the route through a magnificent forest an adventure. After a detour down to the settlement area of Grandval, where you can visit a well-preserved and partially furnished farmhouse from the 16th century, the hike leads westwards below the wooded, rocky slope.
Moutier is reached, with spectacular views over the valley. The little town lies between two impressive gorges of the Faltenjura (Jura folds) in the valley basin of the Grand Val at an altitude of 535 metres. The Birs flows between the cobblestone alleys of the old town. Glassmaking works adorn the church of Notre-Dame de la Prévôté; the collegiate church of Saint-Germain and the local precision engineering firms also have national appeal.
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 |
Delémont
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Moutier
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
1100 m
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| Descent |
950 m
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| Distance |
26 km
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| Duration |
7 h 45 min
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| Duration back |
7 h 40 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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Quick Facts
Route number
