Tramelan in the Bernese Jura is situated at around 900 metres altitude close to the border with Canton Jura, in a wide valley between the south-eastern edge of the Franches-Montagnes and the Montagne du Droit. Urban and industrial in character, the village suffered economic decline during the watchmaking crisis of the 1970’s. Watchmaking plays only a minor role in Tramelan’s present-day economy.

Few typical factory buildings of architectural value remain. Part of Tramelan was ravaged by a great fire in 1839 and this is reflected in the age of many buildings, such as the Protestant and Roman Catholic churches on the main street. White-washed, vast-roofed farmhouses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries can be found on the Franches-Montagnes high plateau, for instance at Le Cernil.

The area surrounding Tramelan is ideal for leisure pursuits and hiking. Horse-riding and equine activities such as trekking, horse-drawn carriage and gypsy caravan rides are popular. Many farms in the area offer overnight lodgings for both riders and mounts. The native Franches-Montagnes breed has a reputation as an excellent all-round horse. Tramelan also has a lido. In winter, the northern flank of the Montagne du Droit has downhill ski pistes and cross-country skiing on the Jura high plateau.

Tramelan is on the railway line of the Chemins de fer du Jura, giving access to the wide and remote Franches-Montagnes landscape. Hikers and mountain bikers can explore the area in depth on many one-way routes and rail and trail combinations. Historic steam trains run on selected days during summer.

A highlight of the Franches-Montagnes landscape, the Etang de la Gruère marsh, lies halfway between Tramelan and Saignelégier. Information panels around the largest marsh pond in Switzerland and at the nature conservation centre Les Cerlatez introduce hikers to native flora and fauna and marsh and nature conservation issues.