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Switzerland Destination Information and Travel Reservation Services
Mountain ResortsZermattSt. MoritzGrindelwaldGstaadDavosMuerrenWengenLake-sideInterlakenMontreuxAsconaLocarnoNeuchatelMurtenThun |
Neuchatel Attractions and Activities Neuchatel with its lake offers a variety of activities and attractions within city limits such as the picturesque Old Town, a panoramic view of the town and lake from the castle, and several interesting museums. Sports enthusiasts find plenty of options along the lake shores as well as in the hills just above the city. In addition, Neuchatel is conveniently located within approx. 100 minutes by train from the major cities and attractions of northern and western Switzerland and thus, making it an ideal base for daily excursions. Events: Current Neuchatel Events Book Online:
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Half- or Full-day excursion (access by car to the restaurant Le Soliat within 45 minutes from Neuchatel). The Creux du Van is a natural rocky cirque of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) of width and 160 meters (525 ft) of depth. It is located in the Val de Travers district. The Creux du Van also is a botanical paradise in almost every season, a fascinating site with breathtaking views, a mountain wildlife reserve and a focal point of telluric energy. The circular cliff drops from its peak down a scree slope, with layers of chalk and brave or solitary trees clinging to the crevices. To walk around the cirque, there’s a path along the edge bordered by a dry stone wall. Sometimes, the path comes within one meter of the precipice.
Half- or Full-day excursion (access by car within 15 minutes from Neuchatel). Access to Chaumont (village) also by funicular from Neuchatel-Le Coudre. At the top station of the funicular, there's a play area for children, an 
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 45 minutes by train or car from Neuchatel to Buttes). Get on the chairlift in Buttes for an easy ride up to La Robella from where several hiking and/or biking trails are offered - e.g. up to Mt. Chasseron to enjoy a magnificient panorama over the Three Lakes Region. During summer months visitors also can enjoy a bob-sled ride or get back to Buttes on an all-terrain scooter. During winter months, la Robella offers hiking and snow-shoeing routes as well as Alpine skiing.
Full-day excursion (approx. 3.5 hours by train from Neuchatel to the top). The most spectacular 360° panorama in the Alps! Dine-and-wine in the world's first revolving restaurant at an altitude of nearly 3,000 metres. Impressive views embrace some 200 snow-capped peaks, ranging from the Bernese Alps to Mont Blanc in France and Germany's Black Forest.
Full-day excursion (approx. 4.5 hours by train from Neuchatel to the top). Snow and ice 100% guaranteed! The UNESCO World Heritage offers the Sphinx observation hall, an impressive Ice Palace and a hiking plateau in the glacier - these are year-round attractions up on the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Summer attractions include a skilift, husky-drawn sledging and adventure activities.
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 30 minutes by train from Neuchatel). The watch making cities of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle have jointly received recognition from UNESCO for their exceptional universal value. This UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site consists of two small cities located close to each other in the mountainous environment of the Swiss Jura. Due to the altitude (1,'000 m / 3,000 ft up) and the lack of water (porous sandstone underground) the land is ill suited to farming. Planning and buildings reflect the watch making artisans need of rational organization. Rebuilt in the early 19th century, after extensive fires, both towns owe their survival to the manufacturing and exports of watches. Take a guided city tour by mini-train and visit the 
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 35 minutes by train from Neuchatel). Founded in 1191, this is a city of medieval magic, listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Attractions of Bern include several historic sites such as the famous Clock Tower, the bearpits (home to the city's heraldic animals), the House of Parliament, the Paul Klee Center, the Swiss Alpine Museum, and excellent shopping arcades.
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 40 minutes by train from Neuchatel). Lausanne is one of Switzerland's secret destinations, renowned for its elegance, the historic Old Town with the well preserved Gothic Cathedral and the Olympic Committee headquarters. Lausanne is a city waiting to be discovered at every turn: monuments, architecture, flower-bedecked quays, parks and gardens. The city hosts two dozen museums of note - remarkable certainly the 
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 50 minutes by train from Neuchatel). Fribourg (or Freiburg), the capital and economic center of the Canton of Fribourg offers a cultural treasure trove that goes back to the Middle Ages. The city is known for its cultural plurality, university, many gourmet restaurants and bridges over the River Sarine that links the French-speaking and German-speaking part of Switzerland. The beauty of Fribourg is best seen from up high, from either the tower of Saint Nicholas's Cathedral, or the Gate of Bourguillon. The view of this major European architectural ensemble, a part of the Middle Ages that has survived modernity, is unforgettable.
Full-day excursion (approx. 70 minutes by train from Neuchatel). Known for being headquarters for many international organizations, Geneva also features the world's tallest fountain, the Jet d'Eau, Cathedrals, the University, the Opera and numerous museums and libraries. Check out the Horology Museum that highlights the importance of clock and watch making to the Genevan economy.
Full-day excursion (approx. 70 minutes by train from Neuchatel). This attractive excursion crosses the "border" between German and French-speaking Switzerland and takes you to the shores of Lake Geneva. Enjoy the mild climate and the beautiful terraced vineyards of Lavaux that are part of the UNESCO world heritage. While in Montreux, you want to consider visiting one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland, the Chateau de Chillon in the 13th century this castle was built in a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, and today also serves as a typical postcard souvenir from Switzerland.
Full-day excursion (approx. 90 minutes by train from Neuchatel). Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, and with its famous "Bahnhofstrasse" (business and shopping street) is considered the country's most important financial, industrial and commercial center. It is also known to be the intellectual capital of the nation and particularly receptive to contemporary trends associated with younger generations. Zurich and the surrounding region is home to the biggest number of museums and exhibitions in Switzerland - the city offers a wealth of history, architecture, and culture, and is an absolutely charming, interesting and beautiful place to visit.
Full-day excursion (approx. 90 minutes by train from Neuchatel). In Basel you can live and breathe art and culture. The city promises "Culture Unlimited" and sparkles with an incomparable programme of culture and leisure activities. The city also is known as an important trade center, and an interesting place of archtiecture offering both - old historic buidlings as well as modern structures designed by world famous architects.
Full-day excursion (approx. 100 minutes by train from Neuchatel). Lucerne is ideally situated in the historic and scenic heart of what many believe to be the "true" Switzerland - picture mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of Edelweiss. Lucerne is renowned for its attractive townscape, historic Chapel Bridge and shopping facilities. There are various routes to get from Neuchatel to Lucerne: either going or on your return, take the scenic ride on the 
Full-day excursion (approx. 110 minutes by train from Neuchatel). Interlaken, the small town between the cristal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz is surrounded by Alpine pearls such as sparkling streams, fantastic falls and extraordinary mountain scenery including the famous peaks of the Eiger, the Moench and the Jungfrau. Don't miss strolling along Interlaken's famous quot;Höheweg" promenade - it is one of the best locations in Switzerland for souvenir and watch shopping, and offers superbe views of the Jungfrau mountain range. Consider combining the excursion to Interlaken with visiting other sights of the Jungfrau region, such as the 
Visit the Chateau de Neuchatel (Castle of Neuchatel) which once housed the lords of Neuchatel and was the seat of authority. Nowadays it is the seat of cantonal government and the law courts. The castle was built in the 15th and 17th centuries (the west wing even dates back to the 12th century). Visit the Eglise Collegiale a gothic collegiate church built in 1185 and consecrated in 1276. It’s a combination of Romanesque and Burgundian Gothic styles. A Gothic tomb from 1372 consists of life-sized figures of the counts of Neuchatel. Visit the Maison des Halles, a Renaissance market hall from the 16th century, where grain was sold on the ground floor and cloth on the upper floor. The Louis XIII and Louis XIV style is recognizable in many houses at the Place des Halles. Visit the Old Prison Tower to enjoy an exceptional panorama from the top (after climbing many steep steps).
The Neuchatel Tourist Office features several tours of the city. Guided 2-hours walking tours for groups up to 25people at a total cost of CHF 130.00 or the Costume Tour, a 2-hours walk through the historic town with a guide in costume (for groups up to 20 people at a total cost of CHF 160.00); these tours need to be booked in advance. The Neuchatel Treasure Chase is an unguided tour offered from the end of April to the 
end of September. Participants get a map and a brochure containing 20 multiple choice questions. During the walk (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours) the answer form will be completed and handed in. A small gratification is given to every participant who also takes part in a drawing of prizes at the end of the season. Visitors who like a quick and easy tour can board the Neuchatel Tourist Train which offers from May through September a 45-minutes tour at CHF 7.00 per person. 
Nature in the city: these peaceful gardens are ideal for recharging your batteries... and learning! People interested in learning more about nature visit the Botanical Garden in Neuchatel while others go there simply to relax. The natural environment growing at the foot of the Jura mountains can be seen as well as temporary exhibitions.
The restored historic underground mills (grainmill, oilmill, sawmill) can be seen in a cave located about one kilometer west of Le Locle, a mythical descent 23 m (75 ft) underground to discover a unique industrial heritage dating back to the 17th century.
With a height of 27 m (89 ft), the Saut-du-Doubs is the main natural attraction of the Franche-Comte and the Neuchatel Mountains. It can be reached 
Visit the cheese factory Les Martels near Le Locle to observe cheese making (8:30 - 10:00 AM) or to taste a variety of local cheeses such the "Bleuchatel" or the well known Gruyere.
Lake Neuchatel offers numerous options of all kind of watersports such as sailing, (motor)boating, windsurfing or wakeboarding. The water is clean and invites for a refreshing swim. Several public swimming areas are open during the summer months. In addition, there are public pools (indoor and outdoor).
Neuchatel is a great destination for hiking and (nordic) walking excursions along the shores of Lake Neuchatel or in the hills of the Jura above the city. There are numerous well marked trails of various length and difficulty; many include sightseeing of the region's main attractions and/or valuable information such as the 6 km (3.7 miles) Wine-Growers' Path Neuchatel - Cressier. Get maps and detailed information at the Neuchatel tourist office.
The Three-Lakes Region offers pleasant bike trails along the shores of Lake Neuchatel, Lake Murten and Lake Biel. In addition, the Neuchatel Jura Mountains are a great playground for mountain bikers. There are numerous trails of all levels to discover the region by bike. Get maps and detailed information at the Neuchatel tourist office.
The Swiss Midlands - and in particular the Three-Lakes Region is a paradise for Inline Skaters. There are 90 km (56 miles) of well marked trails. Get detailed information at the tourist office.
include indoor sports such as Badminton, Squash and Tennis, Billard, Pool and Bowling, and Fitness; outdoor leisure activities such as Fishing, Horseback Riding, Beach Volleyball, Minigolf and Golf (Swin-Fun Golf courses in Neuchatel, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Tschugg; "real" 18-hole golf courses in Blumisberg, Wallenried, Payerne and Vuissens - all within approx. 45 minutes driving distance from Neuchatel); or adventure sports such as Canyoning, Climbing (Via Ferrata du Tichodrome) and Hot-Air Ballooning.
Winter Sports within Neuchatel's city limits mainly consist of indoor sports such as Badminton, Squash and Tennis, Billard, Pool and Bowling, Fitness and Swimming; ice-skating and curling (2 covered ice rinks plus a curling rink at the "Patinoires du Littoral), and hiking or biking along the lake shores. "True" Winter Sports such as Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoe-Trekking is offered in several nearby resorts of the Neuchatel Jura Mountains.
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- La Brevine: the famous "Swiss Siberia" and one of the major cross-country skiing centers of Switzerland; 4 major trails totaling more than 80 km (50 miles) of trails of all levels; approx. 50 minutes by car from Neuchatel;
- La Robella, La Brevine and La Vue-des-Alpes also offer trails for snowshoe-trekking; 
The medium-size city of Neuchatel features quite a large number of restaurants, bars and pubs. There are about 100 restaurants offering meals for every taste and budget, and in addition, there are more than 50 farm restaurants and inns, spread out over the crests and pastures in the surrounding regions. Located in the typical landscape of the Jura Mountain range, they offer a setting that has preserved all its authenticity, a warm and homely welcome, and a regional cuisine refined by years of tradition. 
In Neuchatel, you don’t have to walk miles, but find everything within close proximity. Many shops are located in the city center – watchmakers, bookshops, outfitters, food stores, etc. 
The stores in Neuchatel normally are opened from 9 AM - 6:30 PM on weekdays except till 8 PM on Thursday and till 5 PM on Saturday. Shops are closed on Sunday and on public Holidays.
On the markets in Neuchatel (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning), La Chaux-de-Fonds (Wednesday and Saturday morning) and Le Locle (Saturday morning) you’ll find stalls with fruit and vegetables, dairy products, fish from the lake and crafts.
Absinthe which comes exclusively from the Val-de-Travers, the historic origin of this mythical drink. Absinthe is obtained by distilling a blend of plants including grande wormwood. Despite being banned for nearly a century, absinthe has survived in the Val-de-Travers over the years. Its clandestine days are now over and it can be enjoyed legally.
Tête de Moine, a Swiss cheese. Its name, which means "Monk's Head", is derived from its invention and initial production more than eight hundred years ago by the monks of the abbey of Bellelay, located in the Jura mountains. The cheese is eaten in an unusual way: it must be carefully scraped with a knife or the "Girolle" in order to develop its scented flavours.
Synchronized skating is the latest within the skating disciplines where groups of 8 to 16 skaters combine to execute different figures or movements choreographed to music of their choice. The skaters remain linked by different hand held movements. In 2001 the first Junior World Cup or World Challenge Cup for Juniors was organized in Neuchâtel as part of the Neuchâtel Trophy; the world-best teams of synchronized skating meet in Neuchatel for the Neuchatel-Trophy.
The Festi'Neuch raises the curtain on the open-air festival season, with a packed programme including the latest hits from the worlds of rock, pop, reggae, world music and electro. The magical setting for this event is at Jeunes-Rives on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel; over the week-end, it attracts an audience of more than 23,000, making it the third largest open-air festival in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. The festival showcases artists who are already hitting the headlines, or who soon will be.
The Neuchâtel Fantasy Film Festival (NIFFF) has quickly become one of the key events in the Swiss cinema world. Innovative programmes and prestigious guests have helped the NIFFF to win over the public as well as the critics. The quintessence of this festival is its richly varied programme, based on one central theme (Fantasy Cinema) and two secondary themes (Asian Cinema and Digital Images).
This international event commemorates the birth of the automobile manufacturer Louis Chevrolet in 1878 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. On the last weekend of August, visitors can see 45 to 55 cars of various makes (dating from 1920 to 1965); one third of them are Chevrolets, from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.
Each year, the start of the grape harvests in the Neuchâtel Country is celebrated on the last weekend in September. For three days, traffic is banished from the city center so that revellers can make merry in the accustomed style amid an ambience of light, music and laughter. The grand night-time procession with "Guggenmusik" (or "Happy Music") takes place on the Friday night, but groups in costume are out and about all through the festival. The children's fancy-dress parade, a joyful and colourful event, is traditionally held on the Saturday afternoon. The Sunday afternoon floral procession also attracts a vast crown of onlookers. Punctuated by fanfares and peppered with humorous touches by some of the groups in costume, this parade carries on the tradition of the procession of the grape-harvest carts, decorated with flowers and loaded with the wine-growers' tools, which takes place at the end of the grape harvest.
This day, which is organised by the International Watchmaking Museum of La Chaux-de-Fonds, pays tribute to some of Switzerland's proudest achievements, especially in this region: watches and clocks. It is a meeting-place for connoisseurs of timepieces, watch and clock dealers, specialist antique dealers and collectors. The programme includes buying, selling, exchanges and discussions with experts.
Latenium - the word combines "La Tene", the archaeological site that gave its name to the Celtic civilisation of the 2nd Iron Age, with the word "museum". The museum opened in 2001 and houses not only a rich collection of Celtic archaeology, but also exhibits from older (Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Ages) and more recent (Roman and Medieval) periods. A total of 3,000 objects used in the everyday life of our forebears are exhibited. The Latenium is located in the village of Hauterive, just a few minutes from Neuchatel.
The Neuchatel Art and History Museum displays permanent and temporary exhibitions (plastic and appliquéd art, drawings, history and numismatics). On the upper floor, paintings by 19th and 20th century Swiss artists, such as Hodler or Anker can be seen as well as a collection of French impressionists. On the second floor, the history of the canton of Neuchatel and local decoration art are presented. Three automatons of the Swiss watchmaker Pierre Jaquet-Droz are the main attractions. They demonstrate the sophistication of the 18th century Swiss watchmakers. The automatons are permanently displayed but put into action every first Sunday of the month only. 
The history of collections belonging to the Neuchâtel Museum of Ethnography (MEN) dates back to the 18th century. The first items, given to the City of Neuchâtel in 1795, came from the General Charles Daniel de Meuron Cabinet of natural history. Today the MEN houses some 30,000 objects, half of which come from Africa: East and South Africa, the 30's in Angola, Sahara and Sahel (the Tuaregs and the Moors); Gabon. It also contains Asian, Eskimo and Oceanian collections, non-European musical instruments and items from the ancient Egypt. There are also temporary exhibitions.
The building designed by Mario Botta, one of Switzerland’s most famous architects, encompasses Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s home, making the latter an integral part of the Centre Dürrenmatt (CDN) inaugurated in 2000. The CDN exists in order to bring together, preserve and promote Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s artistic oeuvre - his writings, paintings and his personal library with approx. 4,000 books (mostly German classics such as Schiller or Lessing). It is intended to be a lively venue open to all. As a space devoted to encouraging reflection and the exchange of ideas, the CDN schedules colloquiums, lectures and readings touching upon themes that are present in Dürrenmatt’s work. Often, too, the Centre hosts concerts. The CDN also acts as a research center furthering critical approaches to the Swiss playwright’s literary and artistic accomplishments
The Clock-Making Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds with more than 4,000 exhibits is the biggest museum in the world specialised in clock-making. There are watches in all possible forms, from utilitarian to precious, from unknown to the big brands. The Watch Museum in Le Locle is the offspring of a curio collection which begun in 1849. From the middle of the 19th century till World War 2, the collection was exhibited at the Watchmaking School of Le Locle before in 1959 it finally found its home at the "Chateau des Monts" where the secrets of time are nestled in a magic place.
