Jaun, Fribourg
In the Jaun project, volunteers are working to maintain and stabilize the protective forests surrounding the mountain village at the Jaun Pass. Through targeted efforts on steep slopes, they are making an important contribution to safeguarding settlements and transportation routes and helping to preserve the forest’s protective function in the long term.
Forest and cultural landscape
Jaun is situated at the summit of the pass between the Simmental and the Gruyère region and is the only German-speaking municipality in the district of Gruyère. Surrounded by the rugged limestone peaks of the Gastlosen, the village is particularly vulnerable to rockfalls and avalanches. The protective forest above Jaun plays a central role in ensuring the safety of settlements and transportation routes. Following the major avalanche disaster of 1968, numerous protective measures were implemented. Today, the forest serves as a natural buffer that slows avalanches, stops rockfalls, and retains water during heavy rainfall.
Idea and goals
The goal of the project is the sustainable management and stabilization of the protective forest around Jaun. Through targeted management measures and maintenance work, the forest’s resilience to natural hazards is being improved.
Project partnerships: Since 1990, the Mountain Forest Project has been working closely with the local forestry service to strengthen the forest’s protective function and ensure the long-term safety of the population and infrastructure.
What you can expect
The work will be flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and may vary. Key activities include tending to young forests, building and maintaining trails, clearing rockfall barriers, and removing loose rocks. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
We kick off on Sunday with an introduction to the Mountain Forest Project and the week’s schedule. Each day starts early: breakfast is at 6:30 a.m., followed by work. A highlight is the weekly forestry excursion in the surrounding area. In addition to forestry work, volunteers also take on simple household tasks at the lodging, such as tidying up or doing the dishes.
Check out more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Chalet Hermann, group accommodation at 1,020 meters above sea level
- Dormitory
- Shower/toilet
- Running hot water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping not permitted
Breakfast and dinner at the accommodation, lunch in the forest
- Whole-food
- regional
- seasonal
- organic
- Low meat content (vegetarian alternative available)
- Sturdy, high-top hiking boots (above the ankle) with a treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothing (we’ll be in the mountains)
- Slippers
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Daypack, pocket knife, water bottle (thermos recommended)
- Hand towel/shower towel
- Personal items
- Sleeping bag
- Luggage: Travel with a suitcase or bag is possible
- Good physical condition and sure-footedness. The work may take place on steep terrain.
- Please arrive at the meeting point on time. Late arrival or early departure is not permitted.
- Participants must follow the instructions of the project staff.
- Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
- Photos will be taken during the project week and may be published in our publications. Please contact the project leadership if you do not consent to this.
For environmental reasons, please use public transportation or carpool to get here—parking is not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 4:27 p.m., “Jaun, Bergbahnen” bus stop
From the meeting point, it’s a 10-minute walk to the accommodation.
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. from the meeting point.
Registration is binding. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration immediately by calling +41 (0)81 650 40 40 or emailing info@bergwaldprojekt.ch. We will be available on
the day of arrival in case of emergencies. The relevant phone number will be posted in the project information section of your profile shortly before the project begins.