Mont Sujet

Mont Sujet (German: Spitzberg) is a 1,382 m hill in the Bernese Jura, rising above the villages of the Plateau de Diesse in the canton of Bern. Its ridge sits north of Lake Biel and south of the Chasseral range, and it is a quieter choice than its famous neighbour.

What will you see on Mont Sujet?

The summit ridge runs for roughly 4 km as high Jura pasture mixed with forest, with flower-filled meadows in summer. In good weather you can pick out Chasseral, the three lakes (Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten) and the Alps. On very clear days the view is said to stretch from the Säntis to Mont Blanc. Herders' huts such as Bergerie du Bas and Bergerie du Haut dot the slopes.

How do you get to the top?

The shortest popular approach starts at the Les Prés-d'Orvin Bellevue bus stop. A summer trail passes both huts and reaches the western summit in just under two hours.

From the Plateau de Diesse side, start in Lamboing and follow the sculpture trail. It takes about 1.5 hours, somewhat steeply, to Bergerie du Haut. Students of the Brienz wood-carving school made the wooden sculptures along the way in 1996. A Postbus runs to Lamboing from La Neuveville.

Longer loops exist for strong hikers. The circuit from Lamboing over the summit is around 25 km with more than 1,000 m of climbing, so it demands very good fitness. A ridge route of about 14.6 km with roughly 790 m of ascent takes about 4 hours 20 minutes.

Where is the Plateau de Diesse?

The Plateau de Diesse (also Montagne de Diesse) is a plateau at about 800 to 900 m, between the lake-side chain above Lake Biel and the Chasseral range. The municipality of Plateau de Diesse was created on 1 January 2014 by merging Diesse, Lamboing and Prêles. Nods and Lignières also belong to the plateau. The hill used to be called Spitzberg more often; today the French name is the common one.

When should you visit?

Late spring to autumn is best, when trails are dry and visibility is long. Meadows bloom in summer and autumn air often gives the sharpest lake views. Start in the morning, as views are usually clearest before midday. In winter, snow can cover the ridge paths.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Mont Sujet? The summit is 1,382 m above sea level.

Is Mont Sujet the same as Chasseral? No. It is a separate ridge south of the Chasseral range and sees far fewer visitors. Chasseral is visible from its summit.

How long does the climb take? About two hours from Les Prés-d'Orvin, and about 1.5 hours from Lamboing to Bergerie du Haut on the sculpture trail, with more time needed to reach the ridge.

Can you get there by public transport? Yes. A Postbus connects La Neuveville with Lamboing, and Les Prés-d'Orvin has the Bellevue stop where the trail begins.