La Chasseral

Having a motorbike in Switzerland can be great fun, but with a country that has thousands of wonderful places to visit, it is often a daunting challenge to think where to go. It's therefore good to ask friends, colleagues or native Swiss people for ideas and start from there. Last week I was on my colleagues sail boat on Lake Neuchâtel (biggest all Swiss lake in Switzerland, around 40klm in length), when I spotted a massive Swisscom communications tower on top of a hill and was told this is La Chasseral in the French speaking region.

So all geared up and GPS system set to La Chasseral as my destination, I was ready to go. Heading off in the direction of Neuchâtel and Biel, I was on my way to explore another region of Switzerland on my list of many. After 30 minutes of riding, passed along Lake Biel to Vingelz and then ascend towards Lamboing. From here I rode around Mont Sujet in a Northwestern direction up to Mét. de Prêles. While one would expect cows to be grazing here, the beasts one sees are actually buffalos. Then follow the asphalted country road (pretty steep and windy), upwards and get to the Chasseral via Mét. du Milieu de Bienne. The views are breathtaking: the Mittelland is bordered by a ring of alpine peaks. If you fancy going further you can then descent to Nods which can either be done on the road or along steep paths, yes getting off the bike and walking and going in the direction of Twann via Prêles, but I was not in any hurry to leave this scenery, and did not want to walk too far in my leather gear as it was still around 20'.

Once at the top and I parked up my bike along with the many others and headed for the Swisscom communications tower which was not a blip on the hill anymore, this was a magnificent Giraffe like creature (from below), laying claim to the highest peak. I then took a walk along the top (very easy and great views in every direction). With the Jura mountain range on one side, and off in the distance more mountains, which you can see on a clear day 100’s of klms. The snow capped mountaion are a beautiful backdrop to the scenery. I thought of an alternative route back home heading towards Le Doubs which is the river that forms the border between France and Switzerland. This is a great area, or go to St. Imier and then to Saignelegier and then down to Goumois. This being a long way round but has to be a terrific ride on a motorbike. Although for me that would have to wait another day as it was already pushing on into the evening and I wanted to get home before dust fell.

My little French came in handy as all the walkers you meet are French speaking and it's amazing what a Bonjour and a smile can bring. :-)