The 11 essential things to do in the canton of Neuchâtel

Are you going to visit Neuchâtel Township? Discover the best activities to do around its lake and mountains!

If the region is particularly renowned because of the lake that bears its name, the canton of Neuchâtel charms travellers thanks to its picturesque villages, majestic landscapes and its impressive cultural offering.

Surrounded by mountains and punctuated with crystalline waters, it has a pleasant setting that is wonderfully well suited for walking, swimming and winter sports. These advantageous conditions help make this region the ideal destination for your dynamic holidays.

From the city of Neuchâtel to the reliefs of La Chaux-de-Fonds, you will have the opportunity to discover exceptional natural sites, learn more about the history of the territory and collect new memories. If you don’t know what to do in the canton of Neuchâtel, you’ll find answers in our selection!

1. Walk in the historic center of Neuchâtel

Turned to the eponymous lake and dominated by its castle, the capital of the canton has the charm of a millennium city. You will discover the city, its architecture and its monuments during your wanderings or during walks commented by exciting guides.

If it shows dynamism, the city seems to be frozen in time. You will appreciate the beauty of the facades of the eighteenth century of Place des Halles, the amazing tower of Diesse and its red clock of the eleventh century and the state of preservation of its castle of the tenth century.

Active in the field of culture, Neuchâtel has a beautiful museum offer. You can start your visit by the Natural History Museum. Then the Art and History Museum, then the Ethnography Museum and finally the Dürrenmatt Centre. Constant to the works of Friedrich Dürrenmatt, it houses impressive collections that deserve a few hours' stops.

Some of these appointments are available free of charge on the presentation of the Neuchatel tourist card, a pass that gives access to the transport network and activities in exchange for a hotel night spent in the canton. It is an indispensable tool to visit the canton of Neuchâtel at less costs.

2. The Château de Neuchâtel

Visiting the canton of Neuchâtel is also going through the history of an ancient territory of hundreds of centuries. One of the great testimonies of this distant past is the impressive castle of the late 10th century of Neuchâtel.

Built on a hill overlooking the city, you can reach it thanks to the stairs that face the Griffon fountain or by following a route along the street of the castle and the collegial.

If it is now home to the headquarters of the cantonal government, you can visit its interior in the beautiful season. Otherwise, throughout the year, you have access to the adjoining collegial and organ, as well as to the cloister.

In addition, the nearby esplanade will allow you to contemplate a magnificent view of the city’s roofs, the lake and the Alps.

3. Lake Neuchâtel

Renowned because of its turquoise water enclosed by the mountains, the lake is a must-see place to visit in the canton of Neuchâtel. Well-appointed, its edges can also be the subject of a gourmet break, a pleasant stroll and even a romantic ride.

Built from the Osterwald dock in 1991 to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Confederation, the Utopia Bridge also offers one of the most beautiful views of the lake and the city. By continuing along the lake, you will arrive in front of the marina and its pretty huts. This is where you can book your tickets for cruises and learn about other water sports available.

If you don't know what to do in the canton of Neuchâtel, navigating the waters of the lake will be an unforgettable experience. Otherwise you can always try to windsurf, jet ski, waterskiing, kayaking and many other activities. On the cruise side, the river promenade on a steamboat is a charming exit.

4. The tourist train of Neuchâtel

Those who wish to travel the millennium city effortlessly can enjoy the presence of the small tourist train of the city. Switzerland’s first electric train, the craft embarks the curious for an amazing visit to the heart of the picturesque streets of Neuchâtel.

Its decor inspired by the Belle Epoque, its unique locomotive in the World and its panoramic roof make it an original adventure. Thanks to its fully glazed walls, you will have access to a panoramic view of the historic yellow stone buildings, the castle or the collegial. In addition, during the course, you will learn more about the history of the city, its monuments and the people who built its legend.

5. The funicular The Coudre-Chaumont

Funiculars are part of the Swiss landscape. Practical, they allow you to reach the heights more easily and admire breathtaking views in a few minutes. Visiting the canton of Neuchâtel is also taking the time to climb into one of them.

The funicular The Coudre-Chaumont came into operation in 1910. For more than a century, it has been possible to connect La Coudre to Chaumont Mountain, a fairly difficult route to walk. Thanks to him, you will climb without effort the 1,171 meters that separate you from the finish.

At the top you can discover an incredible view of the Pays des Trois-Lacs and the Alps.

6. The International Watchmaking Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds

Founded in 1902, the International Watchmaking Museum (MIH) is home to the world’s largest collection dedicated to time measurement. Intelligently established in the cradle of the Swiss watch industry, it ensures the protection, development and transmission of this epic heritage.

Located in the Museum Park, it offers a playful exhibition over two thousand square meters covering a vast period from the 16th century to the present day. Thanks to this visit, you will discover the technical, artistic and cultural developments of Swiss and international watchmaking. An exciting exploration to be carried out in the canton of Neuchâtel.

7. La Maison de l’Absinthe à Môtiers

Opened in 2014, almost ten years after the legalization of absinthe, this interpretation centre recounts the history of this alcohol born in Val-de-Travers, the region of Môtiers.

The exhibition of the Maison de l’Absinthe reveals the secrets of making this “green fairy”, explains the influence of its production on the local economy, tells its clandestine period... Living, the museum will integrate you into the visit by asking you to vote symbolically on the prohibition or not of the absinthe after having taken note of the arguments of the beginning of the past century.

Stronger yet, a confessional is installed on site and invites you to tell your stories related to absinthe. This is a great time of discovery, especially if you finish the circuit with a tasting.

8. Skiing on the slopes of the canton

Among the activities to be done in the canton of Neuchâtel there is obviously skiing. In the region, lovers and major athletes find their happiness thanks to the many cross-country ski routes and the many ski and snowboard trails. Situated on average about forty minutes from the capital of the canton, these appointments are easily accessible via the public transport network and by car.

The most popular spots in the canton are La Brévine, nicknamed "Swiss Siberia", Les Breuleux and its family trails, La Robella and its white paradise accessible at all levels, the Brot-Plamboz and its two km of trails in the wild Valley of the Ponts and the 10 km of Pâquier trails in the Crêt du Puy.

9. The cave of the underground mills of the Col-des-Roches

Visiting the canton of Neuchâtel is also to learn about the wonders of ingenuity. In the Locle valley, for example, in the Col-des-Roches, one can descend into a cave of more than twenty meters of depth to discover the history of a unique underground hydraulic system in Europe that once operated meules.

A visit to this natural cave will allow you to contemplate the galleries and vestiges of the installations of the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Furthermore, the permanent exhibition will complement your tour with a presentation of the history of the site and some explanations in the fields of agriculture, milling, hydraulic energy, etc.

The reconstruction of a multi-storey flour mill will give you an idea of how it works.

10. The natural site of the Creux-du-Van

This majestic rocky circus offers one of Switzerland’s most spectacular views. Its cliffs of more than a hundred and fifty meters high, approaching the form of a horse-riding iron, constitute a must-see stop in the canton of Neuchâtel.

If you go through its reliefs, you will have the opportunity to observe its varied flora and exceptional fauna (bouquetins, chamois, lynx, marmots...). The hike is possible in the Creux-du-Van. If it requires endurance, the effort will quickly be rewarded by a splendid 360° panorama on the lakes of the plateau, the Alps, the Jura valleyssian valleys and France.

11. The Doubs Saut Waterfall

What to do in the canton of Neuchâtel if you are passing through the west of the region? Go to the discovery of the Doubs Jump! Located on the Franco-Swis border, this wonder of nature is classified as Grand National Site.

With its 27-metre waterfall, basins and gazebos, this place full of magic is both refreshing and refreshing.

Visible from France and Switzerland, the Saut du Doubs is accessible by foot, carriage and boat. Navigation will allow you to get closer to this monstrous water drain, except during drought.

How do I go to Neuchâtel Township?

By car

If the journey is long – count about 6h from Paris and 3h15 from Lyon following the highway A6 – the journey towards or from the canton of Neuchâtel will be an opportunity to discover the beauty of the Jura and its hinterland.

If you plan to borrow the Swiss motorways, you must absolutely have you equipped to the obligatory thumbnail before you cross the border.

By train

The Swiss ferre network runs throughout the canton of Neuchâtel. Very practical, it allows to reach the cities of Lausanne and Geneva in order to find the French lines. For example, it will take about 1h15 to Geneva and 5:30 to get to Paris.

By plane

Because of the multiple reliefs surrounding the canton, the easiest way to reach Neuchâtel and its region is to fly. To get tickets at the best price, you can use a flight comparison like Ulysses .

Geneva, Bern and Zurich airports will bring you closer to the terminus. You can then rent a car in one of these airports to travel the remaining kilometers. Otherwise, the Swiss train and bus network can also take the relay to get you to good port.

Where to stay in the canton of Neuchâtel?

The canton of Neuchâtel has multiple accommodation solutions: luxury hotel, chalet, charming rental, apartment in Airbnb , camping... Authentic to contemporary, it will be up to you to define your needs and your desires. For this, take the time to consult a hotel comparison online, this will allow you to make the most suitable choice. On average, you will have to count 100€ per night.

Concerning the place of accommodation, you are recommended the shores of Lake Neuchâtel and historic city centre . Thanks to these locations, you will radiate on the most beautiful places in the city as well as on the roads that will allow you to get out of the capital city of the canton as quickly as possible.

Now you know what to do in Neuchâtel, prepare your suitcase and go for adventure!