Courtelary between the Suze and the Jura heights

Courtelary is situated in the Vallon de Saint-Imier, about 14 kilometres west-northwest of Biel/Bienne, at an elevation of around 695 metres. The Suze, known as the Schüss in German, flows through the village. The municipal area includes a valley floor between 500 and 700 metres wide, as well as extensive forests and pastures on the Montagne du Droit and the Chasseral range. The highest point in the municipality is at 1,540 metres. This means that the elevation of the village and the higher-lying areas of the municipality differ significantly.

Valley, heights and trails

The landscape around Courtelary offers a variety of themes for a day out: the river and valley, forests, pastures and dry meadows. The dry meadows of the Droit are home to protected plant and animal species. Numerous paths and trails run through the forests belonging to the Bourgeoisie de Courtelary, where there are also marked routes. The forests also have two picnic areas. Routes and trail markings can change, so it is worth checking the latest route information before setting out.

The Sentier du Vallon and other tours

The Sentier du Vallon explores the use of water in the region, from the past to the present, and also takes in local industry and nature. The route is 6.60 kilometres long, has 93 metres of elevation gain and takes an estimated three hours. It is rated as easy in terms of both technical difficulty and endurance. It ends in Courtelary and is listed as a year-round activity. As the park may update route details and difficulty ratings, check them before setting out.

Another hiking option runs from Corgémont to Courtelary along the Suze. This tour can be combined with a detour to the Camille Bloch chocolate factory. Cycling tours, snowshoe hikes and ski tours are other ways to experience the region’s landscape. Which outdoor activity is suitable also depends on seasonal conditions.

Church, village centre and castle

Courtelary’s Romanesque church was built in the 10th or 11th century. During a restoration in 1933, 14th-century frescoes came to light: the building and its paintings thus point to different historical periods. The village centre also tells a story spanning several centuries. Civic and farmhouses dating from the 16th to the 19th century shape its appearance.

Courtelary Castle was built in 1606, when the bailiffs of Erguël were appointed there. Together with the church and the older houses, it provides another point of reference for the village’s history. Those interested in Courtelary’s past will find buildings and features from different eras here; the village’s history is not limited to a single structure.

Chocolate and regional products

A visitor centre for the Camille Bloch chocolate company opened in Courtelary in 2017. The Parcours Découverte introduces visitors to the company’s history and includes live production demonstrations and interactive activities. Check with the operator for access information before travelling. In workshops, visitors can make their own Ragusa or Torino; check the latest booking conditions.

The Camille Bloch bistro mainly serves regional products and specialities. As the menu may change, check the latest information if you are planning a visit. The Pressoir de Courtelary’s regional range includes apple juice bearing the Swiss Parks label; product availability may vary.

Getting there by train

Hourly regional trains to Biel/Bienne, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Neuchâtel stop at Courtelary railway station. If travelling by train, it is a good idea to check the latest timetable before departure. This lets you plan your arrival and then decide whether to focus your stay on the Sentier du Vallon, a hike along the Suze, or a cultural and chocolate-themed visit.

Discover more destinations: Cortébert, Villeret Be, Péry, St-Imier, Cormoret, Mont-Tramelan, La Ferrière Be, Plagne

See the main travel overview: Courtelary.