Mont - Soleil to Tramelan

Franziska with Elly (from 14.04.2024):

Arriving by train from Biel, we get off in the picturesque watchmaking town of St-Imier and make our way on foot to the Mont Soleil funicular railroad, which is about 10 minutes from the station. After a short ascent, we reach the starting point of our hike, the Mont-Soleil mountain station. Those for whom 4 hours hiking time is too short and would like to have about 350 meters more altitude in their legs, can take the hiking trail that branches off about 250m before the valley station and reach the mountain station after about 1h walk through the forest.

After a coffee in the nearby restaurant, we start our hike and follow the Via Berna (Route 35) towards Tramelan. This is also the themed trail, the Sentier des Monts, which is dedicated to Switzerland's oldest solar power plant. Along the way, we are accompanied by countless windmills, their wings carried by the steady wind. Be careful with dogs that are rather timid. When the wind blows a little stronger, you can hear the "whirring" of the rotor blades. An unfamiliar sound that can be frightening.

Children are not neglected on the themed trail either. In addition to the child-friendly information boards about renewable energy, there are some great playgrounds and barbecue areas along the way. The hike takes us along nature trails and pasture paths across fields and meadows. The highlight of the hike - daffodils blooming everywhere as far as the eye can see. From early to mid-April, you can enjoy this wonderful spectacle of wild daffodils. But beware, the daffodils are poisonous to dogs!

On the way, we come across a fenced-in herd of sheep guarded by 4 guard dogs. The dogs bark at us briefly, but let us pass unhindered with Elly on a lead. Soon the cows will be grazing on the pastures up here again and as there will be some mother cows with their calves, we are asked to keep the dogs on a lead and keep our distance from the animals.

2 hours later we reach Mont Crosin and although it is only mid-April and there is a steady breeze, it is already getting quite hot. This hike is not recommended for the summer months, as there are almost no shady trees along the way. Only on the descent from Mont Crosin will we cross some woodland. Water points are also rare and it is advisable to have enough water with you for your 2-legged and 4-legged friends. On the Col du Mont Crosin, we take a long lunch break in the shade of a tree, quench our thirst and enjoy the magnificent view of the Chasseral.

Strengthened, we set off again and cross the pass road from the Col du Mont Crosin, which leads from St-Imier to Tramelan. On a sunny Sunday like today, this is not such an easy undertaking, as the motorcyclists also take advantage of the pleasant weather for a trip over the pass. But we cross the road safely and the path continues a little uphill through the forest before finally descending towards Tramelan. It should be noted that the hiking trail runs parallel to the cycle and mountain bike trail in places and this path is very popular with two-wheelers.

After another 2 hours, we reach Tramelan station, tired but satisfied and full of wonderful impressions. We use the time until the train departs to replenish our water supply and because it's almost summer, we finish off with a delicious ice cream for the two-legged friends from the station kiosk. We board the Chemins de fer du Jura train, which takes us via Tavannes - where we have to change trains again - back to Biel.