Ruins and a tragic love story

This varied hike begins at the Chasseral, one of the highest peaks in the Jura. The view over the lakes in the Swiss Plateau up to the Alps is so beautiful that one wants to continue right away. The summit guesthouse offers an opportunity to delay the descent associated with the hike a little longer. Also, a detour to the highest point of the Chasseral, just a few minutes away, is worthwhile.

But even during the hike there are beautiful views westward over the Freiberge. The hiking trail leads down from the Chasseral's shoulder into a lovely valley. Instead of descending through the Combe Grède gorge, the path continues along the slope through fern-rich forest towards Métairie des Plânes. Shortly before, at La Corne, it is worth taking a few steps up to a rocky nose. From up there, you can look down into the rocky Combe Grède, towards St-Imier, and across to the wind turbines on Mont-Soleil.

The hiking trail continues through a park-like landscape with venerable mountain maples marked by time and weather towards Les Pontins. From here, it is not far to the ruins of the former Château d'Erguel. It is said that a young, unhappily in-love noblewoman starved herself to death out of grief after her father, the then lord of the castle, murdered her unwanted lover.

Today, nothing recalls this unfortunate deed, and the ruins only hint at the former grandeur of the castle. At the former site of misfortune, a fire pit invites you to grill and enjoy sociable gatherings. The last section of the path before Sonvilier leads through a beautiful linden avenue. From the train station located above the village, the ruins of Château d'Erguel, protruding from the forest, can only be seen as tiny in the distance.

Sabine Joss