Chasseral

Chasseral is the highest summit of the Bernese Jura, rising above the village of Nods and Lake Biel in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It stands at roughly 1,607 m (some sources say 1,606 m) and is the highest peak in the canton outside the Alps. The mountain lies inside the Chasseral Regional Nature Park, and the western end of its ridge marks the border with the canton of Neuchâtel.

What will you see at Chasseral?

The mountain is a long, rounded ridge, so the outlook opens in every direction. To the south you look over Lake Biel, the Swiss Plateau and the line of the Alps. In clear weather the Vosges and the Black Forest appear on the horizon. The summit is easy to recognise by its tall broadcast mast, run by Swisscom Broadcast for radio and television. The present station dates from 1983, replacing one opened in 1945, and the mast was repainted in 2010. Beside it stands a year-round hotel and restaurant at about 1,609 m, with a panoramic terrace.

How do you get to Chasseral?

A paved road climbs from Nods and from the Chasseral Pass, which makes this one of the few Swiss summit hotels you can reach by car. In winter the pass roads can be snowed in and closed to traffic, so check conditions first. The pass is also a known target for road cyclists. Nods is the nearest village at the foot of the slope.

Where can you hike?

The classic outing is a walk along the crest from the hotel toward the highest point, with a return on foot via Prés Vaillons to Nods (about 10 km, roughly 3.5 hours). A longer loop drops from the hotel into the Combe Grède reserve on the northern side (about 13 km, around 3 h 50 min, 540 m of ascent). The Jura High Trail also follows the range, and a nature trail on the ridge explains the park's landscape.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer and early autumn give the easiest walking and the best visibility in stable, dry weather. In winter the area suits snowshoeing and skiing, but road access needs checking. The exposed ridge can be windy, so bring a warm layer even in July.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Chasseral? About 1,607 m above sea level. Some publications give 1,606 m because of measurement differences.

Can you drive to the top? Yes, in the warm season a road runs from Nods and from the Chasseral Pass to the hotel below the summit. In winter, check whether the roads are cleared.

Where is Chasseral? In the Jura Mountains, canton of Bern, above Lake Biel and next to the Neuchâtel border. It belongs to the Chasseral Regional Nature Park.

Can you eat or stay overnight there? Yes, the summit hotel and restaurant is open all year.