Hiking holidays Jura Crest Trail Regensberg - Nyon

Gently uphill through vineyards to the small town of Regensberg and Lägern with wonderful views. After a demanding descent towards Baden you can relax in the town. The initial ascent to Regensberg can optionally be made by bus.

From Baden further to the Gebenstorfer Horn with views of Switzerland’s natural water resources, Brugg on the River Aare and nearby Windisch.

After crossing Brugg's old town, the first uphill stretch to the Vier Linden country guesthouse embedded in the Jurapark, and via the forest to the ancient as well as legendary Linner Linde (linden tree). On uphill through shady forests to the Schenkenberg ruins, seen from afar, and on to Staffelegg/Herzberg.

Get to know five passes: Staffelegg, Bänkerjoch, Salhöhe, Schafmatt and lastly the Untere Hauenstein. In between, lots of woodland, many pastures and the rugged Geissfluh vantage point on the border of Baselland.

En route to Belchenfluh, the many buildings and coats of arms are reminders of Swiss defences in two World Wars. Soon follows tiny Bärenwil, on via Tiefmatt to Roggen. Far below, Balsthal greets you with its Neu-Falkenstein castle and paper mill.

The reward for the steep climb to Höllchöpfli is the views along the high-level hike through forests and meadows. Passing unusual geological features and many mountain restaurants to the Weissenstein – «Solothurn’s balcony».

From the roof of Canton Solothurn, with views across the Jura arc to the Mittelland and snow-capped Alps and on through forests and typical Jura meadows. The first third is also a Planetenweg (planet path). Language border at Montagne de Romont. Once you have reached the village of Frinvillier take the bus and descend to Biel, Switzerland's largest bilingual city with a nice lake.

By bus back to Frinvillier and a pleasant climb towards Chasseral. A sensational panoramic view and the lakes of the Swiss Plateau greet the eye at the highest peak in the Swiss Jura. From the summit, transport down to the village of Le Pâquier.

A varied hike between the upper St. Imier Valley and the Val de Ruz Valley with the winter-sports resort, Le Pâquier (hometown of ski-ace Didier Cuche). From the top of the pass Vue-des-Alpes by transfer down to La Chaux-de-Fonds. 

By transfer back to the top of the pass Vue-des-Alpes. Enjoy the fantastic panoramic view from the high mountain chain with the Tête de Ran and Mont Racine peaks. The slabs of the rocky spur provide a breathtaking view down to Lac de Neuchâtel, before making the steep descent to Noiraigue.  

The perspiration at the start of this stage is well worth it: the highlight of the tour is the natural rock amphitheatre of Creux du Van, Swiss equivalent of the Grand Canyon. From the heights you can enjoy wonderful views on the sparkling waters of Lake Neuenburg. You continue down to Couvet after your hike.

From Couvet you walk via Fleurier up to the Jura high trail. Over widespread grazing land you will reach Ste-Croix, the home of musial boxes and music automats.

Not far from the Swiss-French border, the trail passes through the magnificent Vaud Jura. Here, trees and stones could tell some smuggling stories. In Vallorbe, old iron crafts and the railway are the centre of attention.

Typical Jura: first a river that emerges not far from a cavern, then a hike over a rocky mountain lookout and finally two lakes without above-ground outflows. These characterise the Vallée de Joux, home of many world-famous luxury watches.

The undisputed highlight of this tour across extensive pastureland is Mont Tendre, the highest elevation in the Swiss Jura: a vantage point over the Vaud region and Lake Geneva. In good visibility the view extends as far as the Alps and the blue Vosges.

Through a park-like landscape with scattered chalets and a network of kilometre-long dry stone walls, the trail leads partly through a nature reserve established in 1972. A short stop is recommended at the ruins of an ancient monastery.

A harsh rock bastion and the lovely shores of Lac Léman are contrasts that form a pair on this tour. After climbing the summit of La Dôle, not far from the national border, the trail leads through forest into the vineyards and to the beautifully situated little town of Nyon.