The Ultimate 30-Day Jura Crest Trail Hiking Itinerary
- tejaswiseth
- Apr 25
- 10 min read
Let's make way for an immersive 30-day hiking adventure along the entirety of the Jura Crest Trail (Jura Höhenweg / Crête du Jura Weg), Switzerland's oldest long-distance hiking trail (Route 5). This itinerary allows for a comfortable pace, rest days, and plenty of time to savour the unique landscapes, rolling hills, vast forests, and panoramic views of the Swiss Jura mountains.
Jura Crest Trail: Dielsdorf to Nyon - A Swiss Ridge Walker's Dream
Why This 30-Day Jura Höhenweg Hiking Guide is Valuable For You:
Complete Thru-Hike Experience: This guide is specifically crafted for hiking the entire ~320km Jura Crest Trail, offering a structured day-by-day plan from the outskirts of Zurich to the shores of Lake Geneva.
Relaxed & Sustainable Pace: Spanning 30 days allows for moderate daily distances (averaging 14-18 km on hiking days), incorporating crucial rest days for recovery, resupply, and enjoying charming towns or viewpoints along the way. This makes the thru-hike achievable and more enjoyable.
Immersion in Jura Landscape: You'll fully experience the unique character of the Jura mountains – rolling limestone ridges, deep forests, open pastures (Franches-Montagnes), distinctive métairies (mountain farm inns), dramatic geological features like the Creux du Van, and constant opportunities for expansive views towards the Swiss Plateau, the Alps (on clear days!), and France.
Cultural & Culinary Stops: While focused on hiking, the trail passes through or near numerous charming villages and historic towns, offering chances to experience local culture, sample regional cheeses (like Tête de Moine), and enjoy meals at mountain inns.
Logistical Support: Highlights potential accommodation points (hotels, guesthouses, métairies), acknowledges resupply opportunities, and emphasizes the excellent Swiss trail marking system while still recommending proper navigation.
Flexibility Encouraged: This 30-day Jura Crest Trail hiking itinerary provides a solid framework but allows for adjustments based on weather, energy levels, accommodation availability, or the desire to linger longer in particularly beautiful spots.
Jura Crest Trail 30-Day Journey: The Hiking Itinerary (East to West: Dielsdorf to Nyon)
Pacing Legend:
(H) Hiking Day: Main focus is hiking the trail between points/stages. Distance estimates approx.
(R) Rest/Zero Day: No significant hiking; recovery, resupply, laundry, local exploration.
(T) Travel Day: Focus on travel to the start or from the finish.
(S) Short Hike/Flex Day: Shorter hiking distance, potentially combined with resupply or buffer time.
Assumptions:
Timing: Best suited for June to mid-October. Summer offers long daylight; Autumn offers beautiful colours and potentially clearer Alpine views. Early season may have lingering snow patches; late season sees shorter days and potential first frosts/snow at higher elevations. Some métairies have limited seasons.
Accommodation: Primarily relies on hotels, guesthouses (Gasthaus/Auberge), B&Bs in villages/towns near the trail, and potentially Métairies or Berggasthaus (mountain inns) directly on or near the route. Booking accommodation in advance is HIGHLY recommended, especially for smaller places or during peak season. Call ahead for Métairies. Wild camping is generally discouraged/illegal.
Fitness & Experience: Assumes hiker has experience with multi-day hiking, good fitness for daily ascents/descents (though generally less steep than high Alps), and competence with navigation (map/compass/GPS).
Navigation: Trail is extremely well-marked with green "5" signs (SchweizMobil Route 5). However, carrying maps (printed or digital offline + power bank) and a compass/GPS is still essential for planning, orientation, and bad weather. SchweizMobil website/app is invaluable.
The Itinerary: Dielsdorf to Nyon (East to West)
Part 1: Zurich Hills & Eastern Jura Approach (Days 1-6)
Day 1: Travel to Dielsdorf & Start Prep (T/R)
Arrive in Zurich (ZRH Airport or main station). Take S-Bahn train to Dielsdorf (just northwest of Zurich).
Check into accommodation in Dielsdorf or nearby. Final gear check, purchase initial supplies. Walk to the official start point to orient yourself. Value: Arrival & positioning at trailhead.
Day 2: Stage 1: Dielsdorf to Brugg (H)
Hike: Approx. 23 km. Starts with ascent to Lägern ridge (great views back towards Zurich/Alps on clear days!), then follows ridges and forests. Descends towards the Aare river and the historic town of Brugg.
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Brugg. Value: First stage, ridge views, historic town.
Day 3: Stage 2: Brugg to Staffelegg Pass area (H)
Hike: Approx. 17 km. Climbs out of Brugg, through forests and over hills like Wasserflue, offering more viewpoints. Ends near the Staffelegg pass road.
Accommodation: Hotel/Gasthaus near Staffelegg pass or arrange transport to nearby village. Value: Forest hiking, panoramic viewpoints.
Day 4: Stage 3: Staffelegg Pass area to Hauenstein Pass area (H)
Hike: Approx. 18 km. Continues along Jura ridges, passing through forests and meadows. Approaches the Hauenstein pass area.
Accommodation: Gasthaus near Oberer/Unterer Hauenstein pass or nearby village. Value: Ridge walking, typical Jura landscapes.
Day 5: Stage 4: Hauenstein Pass area towards Balsthal (H)
Hike: Approx. 20 km. Includes ascent of Belchenflue peak (good views). Descends towards the Balsthal valley.
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Balsthal or village slightly before/after. Value: Reaching prominent peak, valley descent.
Day 6: Rest Day in Balsthal Area (R)
Zero Day. Rest, recover, do laundry, resupply in Balsthal (supermarket, shops). Explore the town or enjoy local cafes. Value: Essential early rest & resupply.
Part 2: High Ridges & Weissenstein Views (Days 7-12)
Day 7: Stage 5: Balsthal area to Weissenstein (H)
Hike: Approx. 24 km. Long day with significant ascent back onto the main Jura ridge. Climbs towards the popular Weissenstein mountain (summit hotel/restaurant, cable car access from Solothurn). Fantastic Alpine views on clear days.
Accommodation: Kurhaus Weissenstein hotel OR descend slightly to find other options/take cable car down to Solothurn (requires planning). Value: Major viewpoint, potential for Alpine panorama.
Day 8: Stage 6: Weissenstein to Frinvillier/Biel area (H)
Hike: Approx. 21 km. Follows the ridge west from Weissenstein, passing Grenchenberg. Descends towards the Taubenloch gorge and Frinvillier, near Biel/Bienne.
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Frinvillier, Biel/Bienne (requires short train/bus), or Taubenlochschlucht area. Value: Ridge walking, approaching Biel/Bienne.
Day 9: Rest Day near Biel/Bienne (R)
Zero Day. Explore the bilingual city of Biel/Bienne located between Lake Biel and the Jura foothills. Resupply, laundry, enjoy city amenities. Value: City break, language border exploration.
Day 10: Stage 7: Frinvillier/Biel area to Chasseral (H)
Hike: Approx. 19 km. Significant climb back up onto the ridge leading towards Chasseral, the highest point easily accessible from the main trail in the Jura range. Passes through pastures and forests.
Accommodation: Hôtel Chasseral (on the summit, book well ahead!) OR Métairie farms slightly below the ridge (check availability/opening). Value: Climbing towards highest point, expansive views.
Day 11: Stage 8: Chasseral to Le Pâquier / St-Imier area (H)
Hike: Approx. 16 km. Descends gradually from Chasseral, traversing pastures typical of the Franches-Montagnes region (watch for horses!). Enters the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Ends near villages like Le Pâquier or close to St-Imier.
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel in St-Imier valley or nearby villages. Value: Crossing language border, typical Jura pastures.
Day 12: Short Hike / Flex Day near St-Imier (S)
Shorter hiking day (e.g., 8-12 km) OR rest day. Explore St-Imier (watchmaking connections) or surrounding area. Allows for flexibility/catching up.
Accommodation: Same as Day 11 or move slightly along trail. Value: Flexibility, exploring local town.
Part 3: Valleys, Gorges & Creux du Van (Days 13-20)
Day 13: Stage 9: St-Imier area to Vue des Alpes Pass (H)
Hike: Approx. 23 km. Long day crossing Mont Soleil (wind turbines, solar panels) and Mont Crosin. Reaches the Vue des Alpes pass road (hotel/restaurant). Offers great views back towards Chasseral and potentially Alps.
Accommodation: Hotel at Vue des Alpes or nearby. Value: Ridge crossing, renewable energy sites.
Day 14: Stage 10: Vue des Alpes to Noiraigue/Travers area (H)
Hike: Approx. 24 km. Long day descending into the Val de Ruz valley, then climbing back up towards Mont Racine before descending again towards Noiraigue or Travers in the Val de Travers (Absinthe region!). Passes through forests and pastures.
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Noiraigue, Travers, or Couvet. Value: Valley crossings, entering Absinthe region.
Day 15: Rest Day in Val de Travers (R)
Zero Day. Explore the Val de Travers. Visit an Absinthe distillery (book tour/tasting), explore the Asphalt Mines museum at La Presta (optional), resupply, rest. Value: Unique regional specialty, recovery.
Day 16: Stage 11 (Part 1): Noiraigue towards Creux du Van (H)
Hike: Approx. 10-12 km. Focus today is the ascent towards the magnificent Creux du Van amphitheatre. Climb through forest up the steep path ('Sentier des 14 Contours').
Accommodation: Stay at a Métairie farm near the rim of Creux du Van (e.g., Ferme Robert, Métairie de la Grand Vy - essential to book ahead, check opening!) OR camp if prepared/allowed (check local rules). Value: Approaching major natural highlight.
Day 17: Creux du Van & Stage 11 (Part 2) to Ste-Croix area (A/H)
Morning: Spend time walking along the rim of the Creux du Van, a huge natural rock cirque – truly spectacular! Look for ibex.
Hike: Approx. 15-18 km (total day including Creux du Van exploration). Continue Stage 11 westwards, descending from Creux du Van area and crossing undulating terrain towards Ste-Croix (known for music boxes).
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Ste-Croix or nearby village like Bullet. Value: Stunning natural amphitheatre, arrival in music box town.
Day 18: Stage 12: Ste-Croix area to Vallorbe (H)
Hike: Approx. 21 km. Trail traverses forests and pastures, passes Le Chasseron peak (optional detour, great views). Descends towards Vallorbe.
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Vallorbe. Value: More Jura hiking, optional peak.
Day 19: Vallorbe Caves OR Rest Day (M/R)
Option A: Visit the impressive Grottes de Vallorbe (large cave system with underground river).
Option B: Rest day in Vallorbe. Explore the Iron and Railway Museum (optional). Resupply if needed. Value: Interesting cave system or rest.
Day 20: Stage 13: Vallorbe to Le Pont (Lac de Joux) (H)
Hike: Approx. 14 km. Climbs out of Vallorbe towards Mont d'Orzeires, then descends to Le Pont on the shores of Lac de Joux, a large lake in a high valley.
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Le Pont or nearby L'Abbaye. Value: Reaching scenic Lac de Joux.
Part 4: Final Ridges & Lake Geneva Descent (Days 21-30)
Day 21: Lac de Joux Relaxation / Short Hike (R/M)
Enjoy the Lac de Joux area. Walk part of the lakeside path, swim (summer), relax. Perhaps visit the Espace Horloger (watchmaking museum) in Le Sentier (requires short bus/train ride). Value: Lakeside relaxation, watchmaking heritage.
Day 22: Stage 14: Le Pont to Col du Mollendruz (H)
Hike: Approx. 17 km. Climbs away from Lac de Joux back onto Jura ridges, passing through forests and pastures. Ends near the Col du Mollendruz pass road (restaurant/limited lodging).
Accommodation: Auberge at Col du Mollendruz OR arrange transport to nearby village/plan next day carefully. Value: Back onto ridges, scenic views.
Day 23: Stage 15 (Part 1): Col du Mollendruz towards Mont Tendre (H)
Hike: Approx. 15-18 km. Trail follows the high ridges towards Mont Tendre, the highest summit in the Swiss Jura (1679m). Passes through typical Jura landscapes with dry stone walls.
Accommodation: Aim for a Métairie or mountain inn (buvette d'alpage) located below or near Mont Tendre (e.g., Chalet du Mont Tendre - check opening/booking!). Camping may be an option if prepared. Value: Approaching highest Jura peak.
Day 24: Mont Tendre Summit & Stage 15 (Part 2) towards Col du Marchairuz (A/H)
Hike: Ascend Mont Tendre for superb panoramic views encompassing Lake Geneva, the Alps (Mont Blanc massif prominent on clear days), and vast stretches of the Jura.
Hike: Approx. 10-15 km (total day including summit). Continue Stage 15 southwards along the ridge towards Col du Marchairuz pass road.
Accommodation: Hotel at Col du Marchairuz. Value: Summiting highest peak, incredible panoramic views.
Day 25: Rest Day / Flex Day at Col du Marchairuz area (R/S)
Zero Day or Short Hike Day. Enjoy the views from the pass. Do a shorter local walk. Rest before the final push. Value: Recovery, flexibility.
Day 26: Stage 16 (Part 1): Col du Marchairuz towards La Dôle area (H)
Hike: Approx. 15-18 km. Trail continues along the final major Jura ridge, offering increasingly prominent views of Lake Geneva and the approaching Alps. Heads towards La Dôle mountain (distinctive radar dome).
Accommodation: Aim for mountain inn/refuge near La Dôle (e.g., Chalet de la Dôle - check availability/opening) OR potentially descend towards St-Cergue village (requires detour/planning). Value: Final ridge walking, approaching Lake Geneva.
Day 27: La Dôle Summit & Stage 16 (Part 2) towards St-Cergue (A/H)
Hike: Ascend La Dôle (optional but recommended for final high viewpoint). Enjoy views over Lake Geneva towards Geneva city and the Alps.
Hike: Approx. 10-15 km (total day). Continue Stage 16, descending gradually through forests and pastures towards the village of St-Cergue.
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in St-Cergue (village has train connection). Value: Final summit views, pleasant descent.
Day 28: Stage 17: St-Cergue to Nyon (H - FINISH!)
Hike: Approx. 19 km. The final stage involves a long, gradual descent from St-Cergue through forests and eventually vineyards and countryside down to the shores of Lake Geneva at Nyon.
CONGRATULATIONS! You've finished the Jura Crest Trail!
Accommodation: Check into pre-booked hotel/guesthouse in Nyon. Celebrate your accomplishment! Value: Final descent, reaching Lake Geneva, trail completion.
Day 29: Nyon Exploration & Lake Geneva Relaxation (R)
Relaxing day in Nyon. Explore the charming town, visit Nyon Castle, walk along the Lake Geneva promenade, visit the Roman Museum (optional). Enjoy a celebratory meal. Value: Well-deserved rest, exploring finish town.
Day 30: Travel from Nyon / Departure (T)
Depart from Nyon. Take the frequent train to Geneva Airport (GVA) (approx. 15-20 mins) or Geneva main station for onward travel or flights home. Value: Easy departure.
Essential Tips for Your 30-Day Jura Crest Trail Hike:
Accommodation Booking: Essential! Especially for Métairies/mountain inns which have limited capacity/seasons. Book hotels/guesthouses in towns well ahead too, particularly summer/weekends. Have backup options.
Navigation: Trail is very well-marked (green "5"), but carry detailed maps (physical or offline digital like SchweizMobil app), compass, and GPS/phone+power bank. Essential for planning, side trips, and bad weather.
Water: Carry sufficient water (1.5-2L minimum). Refill opportunities exist at fountains in villages (usually potable) and at accommodations. Treat water from streams/pastures. Sections on high ridges can be dry.
Food: Resupply possible in towns/villages near the trail (Dielsdorf, Brugg, Balsthal, Biel detour, St-Imier area, Val de Travers, Ste-Croix, Vallorbe, St-Cergue, Nyon). Plan food carries between these points. Many Métairies offer hearty meals (lunch/dinner - check opening times!). Pack lunches/snacks.
Gear: Good quality, broken-in hiking boots essential. Layers (base, mid, waterproof/windproof outer). Trekking poles highly recommended (lots of ups/downs). Sun protection vital (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Basic first aid. Sleeping bag liner useful for some accommodations.
Language: German in the East, French in the West. English widely understood in towns, less so in remote Métairies. Basic French/German phrases are very helpful.
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Cards accepted in towns, but carry sufficient cash for Métairies, mountain inns, smaller shops, potentially bus fares if needed off-trail. Switzerland is expensive!
Safety: Weather can change quickly. Be prepared for rain, wind, fog. Stick to marked trails. Be aware of livestock (cows with bells!) in pastures – give them space, close gates. Mobile phone signal can be patchy on ridges. Emergency number 1414 (REGA helicopter rescue) or 112.
Bonne randonnée / Gute Wanderung! Have an absolutely incredible 30-day adventure hiking the beautiful Jura Crest Trail!
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