Renan: Forest Trails, Suze and Railway History

Renan between forest trails and railway history

There are several themes to choose from for a stay in Renan: walks in the forests, hikes in the Renan (BE) hiking area, and railway history in the upper Vallon de Saint-Imier. The Suze flows along Renan; the municipality reaches an elevation of 1,265 m on the Echelette ridge. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether outdoor activities, scenery or a museum visit should be the main focus of your trip.

Walks and hikes

Renan’s forests have numerous footpaths suitable for walks with family and pets. For hikes in the wider area, Outdooractive lists routes for beginners, intermediate hikers and experts. Many of the routes listed there pass huts where you can stop for refreshments.

One route listed by Outdooractive in the Renan (BE) hiking area leads from the Suze valley to Vue des Alpes. According to the route description, the pass offers a panoramic view of the Alpine range. The route is mostly on natural surfaces; paved sections are in built-up areas and around farms.

Another route listed in the Renan (BE) hiking area crosses the high plateau of the Freiberge, with its broad pastures. It passes through narrow, wooded combes along the La Ronde stream and ends at the Doubs reservoir at Biaufond, on the French border. This route description therefore takes you through several different types of landscape.

A mountain hiking route listed in the wider hiking area starts in La Ferrière and has only a few paved sections. By contrast, the route to Vue des Alpes is described as mostly having a natural surface, with some paved sections. If the surface matters when choosing your route, this comparison offers a concrete point of reference; check the relevant route description before setting out.

The Kramer Museum and architectural history

The Kramer Museum was founded by Jean-Pierre Kramer and traces the history of railway transport in the upper Vallon de Saint-Imier. The exhibits include a model railway layout. Visits are by appointment only, so plan ahead and make an enquiry before visiting.

The church tower in Renan was built in 1885. Alongside the museum’s railway theme, this provides a specific construction date as a reference point for local history. The year refers to the church tower.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

Renan is served by the Swiss Federal Railways (CFF). If you are planning your journey, check the current timetable before departure. This lets you factor travel into your choice of destination without conflating it with a particular accommodation or museum visit.

Visits to the Kramer Museum are by appointment only. If visiting the museum is important to you, take this condition into account when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Péry, Mont-Tramelan, La Ferrière Be, Plagne, Villeret Be, Courtelary, Orvin, St-Imier.

Back to the main travel overview: Courtelary.