Jura-Fribourg-Neuchatel
Jura, the youngest canton in Switzerland, comprising the Jura Mountains in the south and extending northward to the Jura Plateau.
The region is famous for its great variety of landscapes, its intact and well-protected nature, its history, and rich architectural heritage. This region is located at an altitude of 1000 m, this is a place where you can very often see a person riding a horse — here they live in complete harmony. Rivers flow gently along plains and hills, and then climb to high peaks. With nearly 3,000 km of cross-country ski trails, the Jura region offers a huge variety of routes. It allows both beginners and experienced cross-country skiers to practice their favourite sport. Given the canton’s small size, you will encounter a friendly, rural feel everywhere and you will be welcomed with open arms.
The city of Delemont is the capital of the canton Jura, it is located in the north-east of Switzerland, near the border with France. The city has a rich history and is surrounded by dense forests. Medieval buildings, neat house facades and fascinating museums form the cityscape of the town. In the Old Town there is the Museum of Art and History of the Canton of Jura, the government building, as well as the bishop’s Palace. The squares of the Old Town are decorated with five sculptural fountains of the 16th century in the Renaissance style with figures installed in them. Natural attractions are two nearby gorges — Gorges de Moutier and Gorges de Cours. In the village of Kremeno, near Delemont, there is a small private Sky Ranch Zoo, in which, among other animals, live white tigers.
The city of Porrantruy (in German Pruntrut) is recognized as the cultural center of the region. A massive medieval castle reigns over the city, which served as the residences of the prince-bishops of Basel for 200 years. The old Town has preserved several burgher houses built in the Gothic and neo–Classical styles. Large fountains such as The Samaritan and the Swiss Fountain are located between these buildings. There is also «Port de France» is the remains of the medieval fortifications of the city.
Nestled in an unspoilt natural setting on the banks of the Doubs River, the small medieval town of Saint-Ursanne has preserved its treasures. The Saint-Jean Népomucène bridge, renovated in 2016, and three gates are the only access ways to the old town. Lovingly called the «Pearl of the Jura», the town boasts a remarkable historic heritage, including the collegiate church and cloister dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, respectively. Numerous art galleries and antique shops line the town’s streets, and a medieval garden invites you to discover formerly used medicinal plants and vegetable patches. A medieval garden of the town composed of a dozen of boxes features a hundred classified flowers and plants that were used in medieval times.
The University city of Neuchatel is located on the northern shore of the lake of the same name. The medieval city center, the castle and the cathedral church date back to the XII century, giving Neuchatel a characteristic charm. The castle and the Cathedral Church, built in the Middle Ages in the Gothic style, are clearly visible from afar and are the sights of Neuchatel. Laténium is the largest archaeological museum in Switzerland, with exhibits reflecting the region’s history. The mountains of Neuchâtel seem just like a green paradise between the blue sky and lake.
With the Jura being considered the cradle of the watchmaking industry, guest could visit several museums dedicated to the subject of time. Espace Paysan Horloger, a museum that retrace the history and beginnings of modern watchmaking, the Museum of Watchcases or the Fondation Horlogère. You can even attend a workshop where you learn how to assemble your own watch, which you can then take home with you. The towns of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle, which were recognized by UNESCO in June 2009 for their remarkable watch-making heritage, are always worth a visit.
Jura region offers plenty of events during the year. Put on your finest costume for the Carnaval du Jura, take part in a Saint-Martin’s feast, travel back in time at the «Les Médiévales» festival in Saint-Ursanne or visit the Marché-Concours de Saignelégier and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a horse show.
For 12 days in winter, the Old Town of Murten is going to turn into a lighting show of superlatives. The artistic productions on buildings, in the streets and on the towers of the town will immerse the visitors into a mysterious and magic world.
Stained glass windows of the Jura — a unique artistic phenomenon. It collected from over sixty churches and chapels. There is a very impressive concentration of stained-glass windows for such a relatively small area of Europe. Great masters — French, Swiss, and residents of the canton of Jura created these masterpieces.
The Jura cuisine is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Perch fillets, roasted ham, sausage with Jura Marc, totché (traditional Jura cake), green fairy–flavoured ice cream and Vully cake are just some of the mouthwatering specialties on offer.
