Switzerland's Jura Crest Trail

Book excerpt: This guide presents Switzerland's Jura Crest Trail or Crêtes du Jura (also known as the Jura High Route and Swiss national route 5. This 310km long-distance route traverses the sub-alpine mountains of the Swiss Jura from Dielsdorf near Zurich to Nyon on the shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), running roughly parallel to the Swiss-French border. With over 13,500m of ascent, the trail demands a moderate level of fitness and can be comfortably completed in around a fortnight. The Jura Crest Trail is easily accessed from Zurich and Geneva. The region boasts excellent walking infrastructure and facilities, and although the trail crosses the mountains, you are seldom too far from civilisation. The guide contains all the information you need to plan and walk the route. You'll find advice on transport and comprehensive details of accommodation and refreshments. The trek itself is presented from east to west in 14 stages of 12-32km, with step-by-step route description accompanied by clear mapping and notes on local points of interest. The Jura Crest Trail boasts far-reaching views of the Bernese Oberland, the Haute Savoie and the Rhine and Rhone Valleys, and is rich in geological, natural and historical interest. Passing through woodland and alpine meadows and crossing rolling limestone plateaux, highlights include the spectacular amphitheatre of the Creux du Van, the medieval towns of Baden and Brugg, and Lac de Joux, the largest lake in the Jura mountains.