Lake Neuchâtel

This is Lake Neuchâtel

Lake Neuchâtel is situated in the west of Switzerland, in the Jura & Three-Lakes region. The largest lake to be entirely in Switzerland is a popular destination thanks to its charming towns and wine-growing villages, its nature reserves and its sandy beaches.

Discover Lake Neuchâtel

Begin your journey of discovery in Neuchâtel. In the old town, you can enjoy a wonderful stroll and then the ambience in a café. Your boat tour – one of the most beautiful ways to discover Lake Neuchâtel – will begin at the harbour. And even more beautiful still: you can combine the boat trip with a bike tour. Or drive up the Chaumont and enjoy the views of Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel and Lake Murten from the panorama tower.

Vineyards and wine-growing villages on the northern shore

The area around Lake Neuchâtel’s northern shore is characterised by vineyards and wine-growing villages such as Boudry or Auvernier. In Boudry, a visit to the castle with its vine and wine museum is well worthwhile. Sticking to roughly the same topic, you can also go on a panoramic hike through the vineyards. Another highlight on the northern shore is the Laténium, Switzerland’s largest archaeological museum, featuring prehistoric pile dwellings.

Nature reserve and sandy beaches on the southern shore

East of Yverdon-les-Bains, together with its thermal centre, lies the Grande Cariçaie. Explore the nature reserve on beautiful footpaths or as part of a canoe tour. You can deepen your knowledge of the fauna and flora at the Pro Natura Centre in Champ-Pittet. Take a detour to Estavayer-le-Lac, the pretty medieval town with the Château de Chenaux. In summer, the sandy beaches are an ideal place for swimming and water sports. The highlight here is Switzerland’s longest water skiing lift.

Around Lake Neuchâtel

Experience an uninterrupted three-lake cruise across Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel and Lake Murten. The lakes are connected by the Zihl and Broye canals, so you do not even have to disembark. A popular destination on Lake Murten is the Murten’s old town, with its imposing circular wall. Other top excursion destinations include the wild Areuse Gorge or the imposing Creux du Van natural rock arena in the Jura.

Experience Lake Neuchâtel for less

With the Neuchâtel Tourist Card, public transport, admission to museums and numerous leisure activities such as bike rental are free of charge when you stay for one night or more.