Drei-Seen-Weg

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: Basel → Payerne
• Length: 188.3 km
• Elevation gain:↗ 5,158 m / ↘ 4,954 m
• Highest point: about 1,288 m
• Duration: about 8–10 days on foot
• Character: Route from Basel through the Jura and the Three Lakes Region

Overview

The Three Lakes Trail leads from Basel through the Jura Mountains and the Swiss Seeland region to Payerne. After a stroll through the art- and culture-rich city on the Rhine, the trail climbs gently to the Mariastein Marian shrine, continues over the Jura peaks to Delémont/Delsberg, and winds through gorges and quiet villages to the former Bellelay Abbey. Via a pass already used by the Romans, the trail reaches Biel/Bienne, where the lovely Three Lakes Region opens up. Following the shores of Lake Biel through extensive vineyards, the route passes through La Neuveville and the fertile Grosse Moos—Switzerland’s vegetable garden—via Ins, Murten, and historic Avenches to Payerne.

The name “Three Lakes” refers to the lake region comprising Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel, and Lake Murten.

Other Names

• German: Three Lakes Trail, Basel–Jura–Dreiseen
• English: Three Lakes Way

Who This Route Is Ideal For—and Who It's Not

Ideal if you're looking for diverse landscapes—the Jura mountains, gorges, vineyards by the lake, and vast plains—combined with monasteries, pilgrimage sites, and a bit of the ancient history of St. James.

Not the best choice if you're looking for a short, flat route: At about 188 kilometers and with over 5,000 meters of elevation gain, this route takes time and requires some stamina to complete the Jura stages.

Route & Landscape

From Basel, the trail follows the course of the Birs River into the Jura Mountains or climbs directly uphill to the Mariastein rock grotto sanctuary. Passing through scenic Jura highlands, it reaches Delémont in the Jura, then winds through hills and gorges to the former Bellelay Abbey, which lies secluded among the Jura pastures.

After crossing the pass—passing the chapel at Péry, which is documented as having been dedicated to St. James the Pilgrim in the 9th century—the route continues through forests and gorges to Biel/Bienne. Along Lake Biel and through the vineyards, a footpath—documented as a pilgrimage route since the 14th century—leads past the church in Ligerz to La Neuveville. Passing through the Grosse Moos and partly along Lake Murten, the route continues via Ins and Murten to the ancient town of Avenches and finally to Payerne.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

At approximately 188 kilometers and with over 5,000 meters of elevation gain, the trail is divided into about 8–10 daily stages. The more mountainous section is located in the Jura Mountains between Basel and Biel; the Seeland region and the section leading to Payerne are significantly flatter. The route is marked with yellow diamonds and signposts; between Basel and Biel, it follows the Via Jura in some sections (additional marking: “green square with a white number 80”).

The Old St. James Trail – The Chapel of Péry

A notable feature of the route is the Chapel of Péry, located shortly after crossing the pass in the Jura Mountains: It was documented as having been dedicated to St. James the Pilgrim in the 9th century and is thus considered one of the oldest examples of the veneration of St. James in southern Germany and Switzerland.

Highlights Along the Way

• Mariastein – A pilgrimage monastery where the Mother of God is venerated in a rock grotto.
• Delémont/Delsberg – The capital of the canton of Jura; near the pilgrimage site of Notre-Dame du Vorbourg, spectacularly situated on a rocky outcrop.
• Bellelay – a former monastery with a late Baroque façade, nestled among the Jura pastures.
• Lake Biel – Vineyards and the beautifully situated church in Ligerz.
• Avenches – A city with a Roman past (Aventicum).

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

Like the Baslerweg, the Drei-Seen-Weg also begins in Basel—with the same starting point: The Kingdom of Heaven: The Way of St. James It ends here, and anyone coming from Germany crosses seamlessly into Switzerland at the cathedral.

The two branches in Basel are alternatives: the Baslerweg directly to Bern; the Three-Lakes Trail through the Jura and the Lake District to Payerne—both lead to the Via Jacobi.

Continue the pilgrimage?

The Three Lakes Trail meets the main route through western Switzerland near Payerne, which Via Jacobi (Konstanz–Geneva). This is where pilgrims traveling from the northeast meet. From Payerne, the route continues through Lausanne to Geneva, where the Via Gebennensis which continues toward Le Puy-en-Velay and ultimately Santiago.

Preparation & Practical Information

The best time to go is from spring through fall. You’ll stay in guesthouses, inns, and pilgrim lodgings—a pilgrim’s passport is useful for getting stamps and securing lodging. For the Jura stages, sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. In the Seeland region, you’ll be passing through a bilingual area (German and French).

What the journey will cost you

Switzerland is expensive. Roughly estimate 60–100 € per day for lodging and meals; basic accommodations and self-catering will help keep costs down.

Getting There

The trip starts in Basel, an international rail hub that is easily accessible.

• Train to Basel: Connections from within the country and abroad. Good morning– Connections and tickets.
• Return trip from Payerne: across the Swiss rail network. Good morning– Connections from Payerne.

Path Carrier

The Swiss Ways of St. James are managed by the association The Way of St. James in Switzerland – Compostelle Suisse manages (known as “jakobsweg.ch” until 2026, renamed following the merger with “Les Amis”). The association marks and maintains the trails, trains pilgrim guides, and publishes trail brochures and the pilgrim passport.