Touring the Jura by bike
Overview
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Intro
Gentle hills, remote valleys, lush green pastures, rushing rivers and small lakes are what cyclists encounter on the Jura bike tour from Basel to Nyon. Stages two to six in the Jura & Three-Lakes region feature particularly captivating diverse landscapes and pristine natural beauty.
The Jura is known for its hilly landscape, but anyone believing these might be easy to negotiate will quickly discover otherwise on the steep ascents. These challenging climbs are richly rewarded with breathtaking views, speedy descents and a series of charming towns.
After the climb on the second stage, cyclists reach the Welschgätterli saddle. This marks the entry to the Jura & Three-Lakes region. From there, the route runs at high altitude to the stage destination in Delémont.
From the vibrant capital of the Jura, the third stage passes through an expansive hilly region. After Col de la Croix, there is a rapid downhill run into the narrow valley of the Doubs river, where the route follows the winding banks to the historic town of St-Ursanne.
At the beginning of the fourth stage, the Doubs once again dominates the route. From the riverbank, a long ascent takes you to the Franches-Montagnes plateau. The area features characteristic dry stone walls, isolated farmsteads and big pastures with Freiberger horses. Today’s destination is Saignelégier, where Maurice Lacroix watches are still made to this day.
A pure Jura idyll awaits cyclists on the fifth stage. Crossing lush green meadows, the route leads to Mont-Soleil, known for the largest wind power plant in Switzerland and its internationally famous solar power plant. The day’s destination is La Chaux-de-Fonds, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From La Chaux-de-Fonds, the sixth stage passes the roaring waterfall of Saut du Doubs, up to the Grand Sommartel and via a long downhill section to Couvet in Val-de-Travers. This is regarded as the birthplace of absinthe, also known as “the green fairy”. A glass of this spirit provides the perfect end to the day’s stage.
Cycling holidays on the Jura Bike Route can be conveniently booked with Eurotrek. Take nine days to travel from Basel to Nyon or four days from Basel to Saignelégier – hotel accommodation including breakfast, daily luggage transfer and other discounts on local services are included.
Address
Jura & Drei-Seen-Land
Werkhoftrasse 11
Postfach 653
2503
Biel / Bienne
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)32 328 40 10
info@j3l.ch
juradreiseenland.ch
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