Neuchâtel: Lakeside, city history and culture

Neuchâtel lies on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel and offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: recreational areas by the water, walks, city history and museums with clearly distinct collections. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on the lakeside, historic buildings or particular exhibitions.

Lakeside, walks and nature

Jeunes-Rives and several beaches offer recreational areas by the lake. They are especially popular in summer and quieter outside the peak season. Jeunes-Rives offers opportunities for swimming and water sports; seasonal conditions and access may vary. One suggested lakeside walk goes from Parc des Jeunes-Rives to Quai Osterwald and includes a photo stop on Passerelle de l’Utopie.

The city’s Botanical Garden is another option during your stay: it is open year-round, seven days a week. The Muséum d’histoire naturelle features 111 dioramas depicting natural environments in the Neuchâtel area. Across three floors, it also explores native Swiss wildlife, reconstructed habitats and recordings of birdsong. A semi-permanent exhibition uses an interactive floor to bring the fauna and flora of Lake Neuchâtel to life without visitors actually having to dive in. Check how this exhibition is being presented before your trip.

Outdoor activities in Neuchâtel include cycling, swimming, rowing, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding. The wider Pays de Neuchâtel region offers lakes, Jura ridges, wild gorges and extensive forests for outdoor experiences. These regional opportunities offer a different perspective from the specific lakeside spots and routes in the city.

Museums and culture to suit your interests

The Musée d’art et d’histoire is an interdisciplinary museum by the lake. Its collections span fine art, history, applied arts and numismatics. Works on display year-round include the three Jaquet-Droz automata: the Writer, the Musician and the Draughtsman. They were made in La Chaux-de-Fonds between 1768 and 1774. Public demonstrations take place on the first Sunday of each month at 2, 3 and 4 pm; demonstrations by reservation are also available. Confirm the dates before your trip. The museum’s branch, Galeries de l’histoire, displays seven models showing the urban development of Neuchâtel.

Those interested in collections and social issues will find a reference exhibition at the Musée d’ethnographie de Neuchâtel in Villa de Pury, covering the collections, the institution’s history and social practices. The collection comprises around 60,000 objects and 40,000 photographs from all regions of the world, with a particular focus on Africa.

The Centre Dürrenmatt Neuchâtel presents Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s paintings in the context of his literary work. The permanent exhibition uses interactive stations to present different facets of his work; visitors can also explore his library, office and “Sistine Chapel.” Temporary exhibitions and events round out the program. Alongside the collections of the other museums, the focus here is on Dürrenmatt’s own artistic and literary work.

Old Town and historic routes

Château de Neuchâtel was built at the end of the 10th century. On the way up to the castle hill, you’ll pass the former city gates, Tour de Diesse and Tour des Prisons. The Château’s interior can only be visited on a guided tour. From the Esplanade du Château, views extend over the city’s rooftops, the lake and the Alps.

The Chemin de ronde is a 400-metre circular route from the south of the Château to the esplanade of the Collégiale. A metal bridge there spans the rock face carved out by the Seyon. A guided tour of the Collégiale traces eight centuries of history; details described include a royal-blue ceiling with 1,600 gold stars, the monument to the counts and countesses, and the cloister.

Another walk leads through Vallon de la Serrière, from the source of the Serrière River to the well-known railway bridge. Along the way, you’ll see the industrial heritage of the former Suchard chocolate factories. Check the route before setting off. Neuchâtel’s chocolatiers are also known for their chocolate creations.

More experiences for your stay

The “Les Chenapans” treasure hunt leads through the historic centre in search of Belle Époque wall paintings. The Train touristique offers panoramic views of pedestrian streets and historic buildings through its glass roof. Monumentissimo! uses augmented reality to present the monument to the Counts and Countesses of Neuchâtel. To take a trip to Chaumont, you can use the funicular from La Coudre; there, Parc Aventure Chaumont offers around ten treetop courses in the forest, with several zip lines.

These places and activities give you specific themes to explore, without requiring a single itinerary to shape your entire stay.

Discover more destinations: Chaumont, Cressier Ne, Thielle-Wavre, Saint-Blaise Ne, Enges

Return to the main travel overview: Neuchâtel.