Jaun sits at the end of the Jaunbach Valley on the language border between German-speaking Simmental and French-speaking Gruyère and is the only German-speaking village in the canton of Fribourg. The village at around 1'007 metres lies in a hollow surrounded by sheer rock formations and is known for the Jaunbach Gorge and a small ski area in winter.

The Jaunbach Gorge immediately beside the village is accessible via a developed path and offers striking views into its narrow, water-polished rock passages. The Jaun Pass (1'509 m) connects the village with Zweisimmen in the Bernese Oberland and is a popular pass road for motorcyclists. The village has an authentic mountain atmosphere and sees little tourist traffic.

Jaun is reachable by PostBus from Bulle in around 45 minutes. By car, approach either via the Jaun Pass from Zweisimmen or via Broc from the A12 motorway, Bulle exit.