Jura & Three-Lakes
The Jura & Three-Lakes region lies in western Switzerland, spanning the cantons of Jura, Neuchâtel, Bern and Vaud. It is a land of contrasts, where the rolling, forested ridges of the Jura mountains meet the flat, lake-dotted Seeland plain. The region is defined by its three great lakes – Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten – linked by rivers and canals, as well as by the high Jura plateaus such as the Franches-Montagnes and the Grand Chasseral. It is largely rural and natural, with medieval towns, vineyards and unspoilt landscapes, yet it also holds lively cities such as Biel/Bienne, Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Delémont. The area is culturally vibrant, famous for its watchmaking heritage, with UNESCO-listed sites, and for its regional gastronomy. Central hubs include the bilingual city of Biel/Bienne and the historic towns of Neuchâtel and Murten, while the region is a paradise for hikers, cyclists and water-sports enthusiasts.
Summer activities
Summer in the Jura & Three-Lakes region is defined by water and the great outdoors. The three lakes – Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten – offer sandy beaches, lidos and hidden bathing bays, from the Mediterranean-like shores of Yvonand to the family-friendly shallows of La Tène and the beaches of Biel and Neuchâtel. Water sports abound, including stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, sailing, pedal boats and canoeing on the Aare, while cruises link the lakes. On land, the region is a hiking and cycling paradise, with crest trails such as the Chasseral ridge, the Chemin des Trois-Lacs and the Franches-Montagnes plateau, plus mountain-bike routes and e-bike hire. Horse riding, downhill scooter runs and gourmet trails round out the summer offer.
Winter activities
Winter in the Jura & Three-Lakes region offers a quieter, snow-covered side of the Jura mountains. The high plateaus and ridges, such as the Franches-Montagnes and the Grand Chasseral, provide opportunities for winter walking and snowshoeing in unspoilt landscapes. The region is known for its cross-country skiing and winter hiking rather than large alpine ski resorts, and seasonal saunas by the lakes offer a cosy way to warm up. Skating is permitted on the frozen Étang de la Gruère at visitors' own risk, and winter cruises run on Lake Neuchâtel.
Culture and entertainment
The Jura & Three-Lakes region is culturally rich, above all as the cradle of Swiss watchmaking. The cities of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle, both UNESCO World Heritage sites for their watchmaking town planning, host the world's largest watchmaking museum and numerous manufactures, while Biel/Bienne is home to the OMEGA museum and the Cité du Temps. The region also boasts a lively festival scene, from the classical Murten Classics and the open-air Les Jardins Musicaux to the Chant du Gros music festival and the Art Môtiers open-air art exhibition. Medieval towns such as Neuchâtel, Murten, St-Ursanne and Porrentruy, along with Roman remains at Avenches and the absinthe heritage of the Val-de-Travers, add historical depth, while a lively bar and nightlife scene thrives in the larger cities.
