St. Imier in the Bernese Jura, nestled between Mont Soleil to the north and the Chasseral mountain to the south, is an interesting fusion of traditional watchmaking and modern energy technology.

Distinctive features of the St. Imier region are the photo-voltaic solar power station on Mont Soleil (opened in 1992) and the wind turbines of the power station at Mont Crosin, which make the valley Switzerland’s most important centre of renewable energy production. Mont Soleil also has a modern astronomy observatory. An informative theme path links the two energy plants, with vantage points interspersed with information panels along the way. The path is open in winter, when it runs parallel to the maintained cross-country ski runs. Visitors can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the power plants.

In the 19th century, watchmaking brought a swift economic upturn to St. Imier. Large watchmaking factories were built and a watchmaking school founded. The Musée Longine showcases the history of watchmaking from 1832 to the present day with an exhibition of watches, chronographs, navigation instruments and tools. The watchmaking crisis of the 1970’s led to wide-ranging structural changes in the industry. Today, energy technology and micro mechanics play as large a role in the region’s economy as watchmaking.

The architectural appearance of the town is largely one of urban light industry. Three town fires and the development of the watchmaking industry led to the demolishing of many old buildings and only few remain, such as the former 11th century collegiate church and the Tour St. Martin.

The Chasseral is 1607 metres high and one of the highest Jura peaks. It is situated in the southernmost Jura range and towers over the central plateau. Despite its road access and the TV/telecom tower, the Chasseral is a remote peak high above the Seeland region. The Chasseral Regional Park aims for a sustainable and measured development of the area. The distinctive features of this beautiful region can be discovered via twelve signposted hiking trails, four mountain bike trails, several theme trails, guided excursions and the network of bridle paths that criss-cross the landscape.

Highlights

• Chasseral Regional Park – supports and coordinates tourism projects, nature conservation, forestry and agriculture on the Chasseral mountain.
• Chasseral views – views of the Vosges and Black Forest, over the lakes of Biel/Bienne, Neuchâtel and Morat, Seeland region and central plateau to the Alps.
• Métairies – alpine inns with cheese-making dairies. Round trips lead from métairie to métairie.
• Scooters at Mont-Soleil – a funicular runs up the mountain from St. Imier. Scooters can be hired at Mont Soleil and there are three downhill runs to choose from.
• Champ Meusel – a prehistoric meteorite crash rather than erosion have created this distinctive indentation in the landscape of the Mont Soleil’s southern flank above St. Imier.
• Château d`Erguel – picturesque ruins of a mediaeval castle near Sonvilier to the southwest of St. Imier.