A Swiss city with a charming old town and lakeside promenade. Home to a 12th-century castle, art museum, and vibrant food scene. Popular for its local wines.
Neuchâtel, a city in western Switzerland, sits on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. As you walk through its medieval Old Town, you'll see golden-hued buildings, ornate fountains, and a hilltop castle. The city has several museums, including one housing 18th-century automata that can write and draw. Beyond the city limits, Lake Neuchâtel - the largest lake entirely within Switzerland - and the nearby Jura Mountains provide opportunities for swimming, hiking, and wine tasting.
Exploring the Old Town
Neuchâtel's compact Old Town consists of narrow lanes and elegant 16th and 17th century townhouses. In its center, you'll find the Neuchâtel Castle, built in the 12th century. Today, it houses government offices, but you can join a tour to see the impressive Salle des Etats and learn about the castle's history. Near the castle, visit the Collegiate Church, an early Gothic structure dating back to 1185.
As you walk through the Old Town, look for some of the 140 decorative fountains throughout the city. In the Place des Halles, you'll see the 16th century Fountain of Justice with its golden statue. This square is also home to the Maison des Halles, a Renaissance-style building that once served as a market hall and now contains shops and cafes.
Museums and Culture
The Museum of Art and History in Neuchâtel displays regional artifacts and artworks from various periods. Its most famous exhibits are the Jaquet-Droz automata - three intricate mechanical figures created in the 1770s that can write, draw, and play music.
For a look at prehistoric life in the region, visit the Laténium archaeological museum in nearby Hauterive. Set in a lakeside park, its exhibits cover 50,000 years of local human history, with a focus on Celtic and Roman times. In the museum's archaeological park, you can see recreations of ancient dwellings and boats.
Lake and Nature
Lake Neuchâtel forms a backdrop to the city and offers many activities. Walk along the tree-lined Quai Ostervald promenade to enjoy views of the water. In summer, you can swim at lakeside beaches or rent paddleboards and kayaks. Take a boat cruise to see the shoreline from a different perspective.
For a view from above, take the funicular up to Chaumont, a small village high above Neuchâtel. From here, you can hike through forests and pastures in the Jura foothills. The Creux du Van, a natural rock amphitheater, makes for an interesting day trip destination.
Local Flavors
Try some regional specialties while in Neuchâtel. The creamy Neuchâtel cheese fondue is traditionally served with crusty bread for dipping. Another local dish is lake perch fillets, often prepared with a butter sauce. For dessert, taste chocolate from one of the city's artisanal chocolatiers.
The hillsides around Neuchâtel are covered with vineyards producing white wines. Try the local Chasselas, known here as Neuchâtel, or the unique Oeil de Perdrix rosé made from Pinot Noir grapes. Many wineries in the area offer tastings and cellar tours.
Getting Around
You can easily walk around Neuchâtel, especially in the Old Town. For longer distances, use the bus network that covers the city and suburbs. Renting a bike is another option, with cycling paths along the lakeshore.
The main train station has frequent connections to other Swiss cities. From Neuchâtel, you can take day trips to Bern, Lausanne, and the Val-de-Travers valley, where absinthe originated.
