Best attractions and places to see around Sonvilier include a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest within the Bernese Jura region of Switzerland. The municipality is situated in the upper Saint-Imier valley, featuring mountains like L'Echelette and Montagne du Droit, and is traversed by the Suze River. This area offers diverse outdoor experiences, from exploring gorges to visiting historical landmarks.
Last updated: August 16, 2026
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perfect starting point with parking and coffee stop :-)
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Starting point for many beautiful hikes, cross-country skiing activities and snowshoe trails
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Starting point for wonderful hikes - free parking.
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The transition is no longer as smooth as it used to be.
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The Vaux stream is nestled among the trees of the Bernese Jura forest, and flows between Lignières and La Neuveville. From the Combe du Pilouvi trail, the view of the falls is breathtaking. It is a natural site full of magic, where witches once came to bathe in the sparkling water of the pools.
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The magnificent National Horse Market-Contest Hall was built in 1904 and restored in 2003-2004. It is classified as a “historic monument”, and it is the best-known building in the Franches-Montagnes, and hosts various events each year.
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This restaurant is located in an absolute natural paradise. The photos with a view of the Doubs speak for themselves. Next door is one of the largest forest reserves in Switzerland. Fish and truffle dishes will revive tired hikers.
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The Pilouvi Gorge is an enchanting place with several waterfalls cascading into natural pools. It is said that witches used to bathe there. The Ruisseau de Vaux stream flows from Lignières to the medieval town of La Neuveville. This small valley has its own history: first as a retreat for a devout hermit and later as a meeting place for Satanists. The hike through the Combe du Pilouvi begins in a peaceful forest setting with a slight climb and at the entrance to the Combe the Vaux stream cascades down through beautiful gorges. From the path, the view of the waterfalls is simply indescribable. The Ruisseau de Vaux - or Ruz de Vaux - is a four-kilometer-long stream in the Neuchâtel and Bernese Jura and forms part of the border between the cantons of Neuchâtel and Bern. The name of the water refers to the settlement of Vaux on the lower reaches of the stream. The hike through the Combe de Pilouvi gorge created by this river is one of the scenic attractions of the Lake Biel region.
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The region around Sonvilier is rich in natural beauty. You can discover the wild Combe Grède Gorge, known for its superb path with technical sections and ladders, leading towards the summit of Chasseral. The area is also part of the Chasseral Regional Natural Park and the Doubs Natural Regional Park, offering diverse landscapes. Don't miss the breathtaking Chasseral Summit and Viewpoint for a fantastic 360-degree panorama.
Yes, Sonvilier and its surroundings boast several significant historical sites. You can explore the 11th-century ruins of Erguël Castle, a Swiss heritage site of national significance. Another notable landmark is the Ferme De La Grande Coronelle, a historic farm dating back to 1621, also recognized for its national significance. The Hôtel de la Balance in Sonvilier is historically important as the founding place of the Jura Federation.
Sonvilier offers a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels. A popular and challenging option is the path through the Combe Grède Gorge, which includes ladders and can be slippery when wet, leading to the Chasseral summit. For more options, you can find numerous routes, including easy and moderate trails like the 'Mont Soleil – Mont Soleil Wind Turbines loop from Sonvilier' or the 'Ruins of Erguel Castle loop from Saint-Imier', on the Hiking around Sonvilier guide.
Absolutely! The region around Sonvilier is excellent for both cycling and mountain biking. You can find challenging road cycling routes such as the 'Chasseral Summit – Chasseral Summit and Viewpoint loop from Renan' or explore the 'Typical Jura countryside loop from Renan' on the Cycling around Sonvilier guide. For mountain bikers, there are routes like the 'Mont Soleil Wind Turbines – Mont-Soleil Solar Power Plant loop from Les Bois' available in the MTB Trails around Sonvilier guide.
Several attractions around Sonvilier are suitable for families. The Chasseral Summit and Viewpoint offers stunning views that can be enjoyed by all. The Marché-Concours Hall in Saignelégier is an architectural landmark that hosts various events. Additionally, the Col de la Vue des Alpes features a summer toboggan run, which is a fun activity for children and adults alike, alongside its panoramic views.
For a truly scenic dining experience, visit Restaurant Le Theusseret on the Doubs. This rustic restaurant is located directly on the Doubs river, offering local and seasonal specialty dishes in a beautiful, atmospheric setting. Another option is the Col de la Vue des Alpes, which has a hotel and restaurant with fantastic mountain panoramas.
Within the municipality of Sonvilier, the highest points include L'Echelette, reaching an altitude of 1,269 meters, and Montagne du Droit, at 1,220 meters. These mountains contribute to the picturesque landscape of the upper Saint-Imier valley.
Sonvilier offers outdoor activities year-round. During warmer months, hiking through the Combe Grède Gorge or cycling through the Jura countryside is ideal. In winter, the region transforms into a hub for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and tobogganing, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Yes, the Pilouvi Waterfalls are located in the Vaux stream, between Lignières and La Neuveville. These waterfalls offer breathtaking views and can be accessed via the Combe du Pilouvi trail, providing another natural highlight to explore in the broader region.
Sonvilier is accessible by train. The Sonvilier Railway Station serves as an intermediate stop on the standard gauge Biel/Bienne–La Chaux-de-Fonds line, connecting the village to regional rail networks and making it convenient to reach by public transport.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, especially from the Chasseral Summit and Viewpoint, which offers a 360-degree vista over the Alps and the Lake District. The unique and challenging hiking experience through the Combe Grède Gorge is also highly appreciated, as is the charming and scenic dining experience at Restaurant Le Theusseret on the Doubs.


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