The Jaun Waterfall is a waterfall of around 20 m formed by the Jogne in a narrow, wooded gorge near the village of Jaun (Bellegarde). A waymarked trail with stairs and wooden footbridges leads to it from the village.
Main highlights
- A drop of around 20 m on the Jogne, whose flow varies with the seasons and the snowmelt
- Footbridges and stairs to view the falls head-on, then descend to their base
- A gorge with mossy walls, covered in ferns, in the heart of the Jogne valley
Overview
The Jaun Waterfall (Jaunbach-Wasserfall in German) lies near the village of Jaun, also known as Bellegarde, in the German-speaking part of the canton of Fribourg. Set at an altitude of 1,014 m, the village has kept its wooden chalets, its Baroque church and its Alemannic dialect.
The waterfall forms where the Jogne tumbles down a rock face into a narrow, wooded gorge. Around 20 m high, it creates a curtain of water whose power varies with the snowmelt. The site has been developed discreetly and remains relatively quiet.
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What to see and do
From the village, a waymarked trail follows the Jogne, crosses meadows and then forest before descending into the gorge. Information panels explain the local geology and how the waterfall was formed.
On site, several viewpoints show the falls from different angles. The main footbridge offers a head-on view, and a staircase leads down to the foot of the waterfall, into the spray. The walls covered in moss and ferns and the constant humidity create a microclimate that supports distinctive plant life.
The area is ideal for hiking. Trails towards the Gastlosen range, with its jagged rock formations, start near Jaun. The Jaun Pass (Jaunpass), a linguistic and cantonal border with Bern, is the starting point for other alpine routes.
Practical information
Getting there : from Bulle, via Broc and Charmey, then along a winding mountain road. A PostBus service connects Bulle to Jaun, stop “Jaun, Dorf”. Parking in the village centre, near the church.
Visit duration : about 20 to 25 minutes’ walk each way; allow 1 h 30 for the round trip including time to take in the view.
Accessibility : the trail includes slopes and stairs and is not suitable for pushchairs or people with reduced mobility.
Visitor tips
Wear hiking boots and a waterproof jacket : the footbridges and stairs are often wet and slippery. Hold the handrails and keep an eye on children. The flow is strongest in spring, during the snowmelt.
Ideally, come in the morning, as the north-facing gorge gets little light in the afternoon. Avoid the site during heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Nearby attractions
- The Maison du Gruyère, at the foot of Gruyères Castle, offers live demonstrations of cheesemaking.
- The Charmey Slide Trail is a forest walk dotted with seven metal slides.
- The Valsainte Charterhouse is still home to Carthusian monks, deep in a valley of the Gruyère region.
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