Switzerland is usually associated with dramatic peaks and famous resorts, but west of Bern lies a quieter landscape that feels almost made for slow travel.

The Jura and Three Lakes region centres on Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Murten, connected by canals and regular passenger boats.

The result is an unusual Swiss itinerary where ferries replace road trips and days revolve around swimming, walking and small historic towns. In 2026, scheduled cruises continue across all three lakes, with day tickets allowing unlimited boat travel throughout the network.

Day 1: Biel and St Peter’s Island

Start in Biel and take a boat across Lake Biel towards St Peter’s Island.

Despite its name, it is now technically a peninsula, connected to the mainland of land. Cars are absent from much of the area, leaving forest paths, sandy swimming spots and quiet coves.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau stayed here in 1765, and the former monastery associated with his visit remains one of the peninsula’s landmarks. The area can also be reached on foot from Erlach, but arriving across the lake feels much more special.

Spend the afternoon walking, swimming and having lunch by the water before continuing towards one of Lake Biel’s.

Day 2: Jura

The northern shore of Lake Biel is lined with small settlements including Ligerz.

A simple tasting with cheese or charcuterie makes an easy lunch before heading into the hills.

From Ligerz, the Vinifuni funicular climbs through the towards Prêles. It returned to service following a major refurbishment and continues to provide one of the most scenic connections between the lakeshore and the Jura plateau.

From Prêles, hiking routes lead towards Chasseral and surrounding Jura countryside. The mountains here are gentler than Switzerland’s famous Alpine giants, but the reward is a broad panorama over farmland and the three blue lakes below.

Day 3: Three Lakes in One Journey

Save the longest boat trip for the final day.

The Three-Lakes cruise links Lake Biel with Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Murten, travelling along the waterways between them. The route passes, farmland, wetlands and small lakeside communities.

Finish in Murten, one of the most atmospheric towns in the region.

Its medieval centre is surrounded by preserved fortifications, and sections of the old walls can be walked for views across tiled rooftops towards Lake Murten.

During the main season, scheduled Lake Murten cruises operate daily from May into late September, with reduced services in spring and autumn.

How Much Does It Cost?

Switzerland is hardly a budget destination, but this region can be easier to manage than major Alpine resorts.

A Lake Biel round-trip cruise is listed at CHF 66, roughly €70 at recent exchange levels, while day passes can cover unlimited travel across Lakes Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten.

For a normal day excluding accommodation, allow roughly €55–€90 per person for transport, a casual meal, coffee and a simple activity or tasting. Bringing a picnic for one meal keeps costs noticeably lower.

If you are travelling around Switzerland more extensively, compare individual fares with a Swiss Travel Pass, which includes unlimited travel across much of the national public-transport network and is available for periods starting from three days.

When to Go

June to September is ideal if swimming and long evenings matter most. Spring and early autumn are quieter and excellent for hiking scenery.

The pleasure of this route lies precisely in not rushing. Spend time on the decks, stop in villages that barely appear on international itineraries and leave room for an unexpected swim or lakeside lunch.