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  • Neuchatel Castle
    Neuchatel Castle Photo: Bogdan Lazar, Adobe Stock
  • Luftbild der Altstadt von Neuenburg
    Luftbild der Altstadt von Neuenburg Photo: Sabine, Adobe Stock

Neuchâtel

Set on the northern shores of its namesake lake, Neuchâtel offers a unique blend of French-speaking charm, medieval heritage, and easy access to outdoor adventures. Known for its golden-hued old town, this lakeside city is also a fantastic base for active travelers eager to explore Switzerland’s Jura mountains, rolling vineyards, and scenic trails. Whether you’re drawn by history or hiking, Neuchâtel has plenty to offer.

3.7  (13 Ratings and reviews)

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Attractions in Neuchâtel


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Maps and trails
Hiking Trail · Biel-Seeland
From Chaumont to La Neuveville
Premium content Difficulty moderate closed
Distance 17.3 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 257 m
Descent 912 m

A route for connoisseurs! It is not too long, has few inclines, starts with a coffee at Chaumont, and surprises with some inviting maitery farms.

No ratings (yet)
from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Thematic Trail · Canton of Neuchâtel
From Chaumont on the Sentier du Temps to Neuchâtel
Premium content Difficulty T1 difficult
Distance 8.7 km
Duration 2:45 h
Ascent 119 m
Descent 716 m

A short downhill walk in the morning on the "Sentier du Temps" and a leisurely stroll through Neuchâtel in the afternoon – a day at Lake Neuchâtel ...

No ratings (yet)
from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Hiking Trail · Lac de Neuchâtel
From Neuchâtel to St-Aubin
Premium content Difficulty T1 difficult
Distance 20.1 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 31 m
Descent 57 m

This relaxing lake and vineyard hike in western Switzerland leads from Neuchâtel to Saint-Aubin.

No ratings (yet)
from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Hiking Trail · Canton of Neuchâtel
Over the Sentier du Temps to Chaumont
Premium content Difficulty T1 moderate
Distance 5.8 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 610 m
Descent 3 m

The Sentier du Temps is a path for reflecting on time and the development of life on Earth. Along the way, there is also the Centre Dürrenmatt and ...

No ratings (yet)
from Fredy Joss,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Urban Walk · Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel city hike
Premium content Difficulty moderate
Distance 3.5 km
Duration 1:30 h
Ascent 101 m
Descent 56 m

Neuchâtel is the capital of the canton of Neuchâtel. The town lies on Lake Neuchâtel and surprises with charming alleys, squares, fountains, and ...

No ratings (yet)
from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Hiking Trail · Canton of Neuchâtel
From Neuchâtel to the Latenium
Premium content Difficulty T1 easy
Distance 7.3 km
Duration 2:00 h
Ascent 54 m
Descent 99 m

This pleasant lakeside walk on Lake Neuchâtel leads from Neuchâtel to the Laténium in Hauterive.

No ratings (yet)
from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Hiking Trail · Grand Chasseral region
From Chaumont through history to Neuchâtel
Premium content Difficulty easy
Distance 6 km
Duration 1:45 h
Ascent 1 m
Descent 575 m

From the Chaumont observation tower, you have a spectacular view of the Alpine chain, the city of Neuchâtel and the three lakes Biel, Murten and ...

No ratings (yet)
from Hanka Hurabova,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Road Bike · Lac de Neuchâtel
Loop around the Murtensee
recommended route Difficulty moderate Open
Distance 63.8 km
Duration 3:20 h
Ascent 305 m
Descent 279 m

Accessible parcours to discover the beautiful region of Neuchâtel by bike, offering stunning views, charming villages, and scenic routes suitable ...

No ratings (yet)
from Emma Rietsch,   Outdooractive Editors
Mountain Bike · Grand Chasseral region
Neuchâtel Bike no 56 (Neuchâtel-Dombresson)
recommended route Difficulty S1 moderate Stage 1
Distance 43.2 km
Duration 4:30 h
Ascent 950 m
Descent 682 m

The MTB route "Neuchâtel Bike no 56" has been signposted since spring 2005, is about 220 km long, and has a total ascent of almost 4900 m.

No ratings (yet)
Outdooractive Editors
recommended route Difficulty S1 difficult Multi-day route
Distance 223.1 km
Duration 23:50 h
Ascent 4,282 m
Descent 4,288 m

The Neuchâtel bike route leads from Neuchâtel to its natural sights such as the Creux du Van and the Saut du Doubs. 

No ratings (yet)
Outdooractive Editors
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Discover the region

A historic city with lakeside charm

Neuchâtel’s old town, with its honey-colored sandstone buildings, is a delight to explore on foot. Stroll up to the Château de Neuchâtel and the Collegiate Church for panoramic views, then wander down through the lively streets lined with boutiques and bistros. Along the lakefront, the Esplanade du Mont-Blanc invites you to relax by the water, with wide-open views and easy access to walking and cycling paths. The city also boasts fascinating museums, including the Laténium, Switzerland's largest archaeological museum.

Museum · Hauterive (NE)
Laténium
Hauterive (NE)
No ratings (yet)

from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren

Your gateway to Jura trails and vineyards

Beyond the city, Neuchâtel’s surroundings are a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Explore the terraced vineyards of Auvernier and Cressier, or head into the Jura hills where panoramic trails and peaceful forests await. Highlights include hiking up to Chaumont or to the Creux du Van, a spectacular natural rock arena, or cycling through the Val-de-Travers, home of absinthe and hidden gorges. The lake offers options too: paddleboarding, sailing, and lakeside cycling routes make it easy to stay active while soaking up the scenery.

Excursions into nature and tradition

Neuchâtel is perfectly placed for day trips across the Jura Arc. Discover the picturesque town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, a UNESCO site known for its watchmaking heritage, or visit the Areuse Gorge for a refreshing hike along waterfalls and stone bridges. For a slower pace, take a boat trip to the charming village of Estavayer-le-Lac or explore the Trois-Lacs region by bike. With so much variety nearby, Neuchâtel offers a balance of culture and nature that’s hard to beat.

Old small stone bridge over river at Gorges de l'Areuse, Switzerland
Photo: olyasolodenko, Adobe Stock

Plan your next adventure

Neuchâtel is your starting point for discovering the beauty of Western Switzerland - from lakeside relaxation to active Jura adventures. Find top routes and experiences on Outdooractive and start planning your trip today!

Trip planning


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Getting there

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Reviews

  • September 05, 2020
    Christoph Handschin 
    September 04, 2020
    Abwechslungsreich, landschaftlich sehr schön, aber anstrengend, hatte wohl den falschen Tag erwischt, musste ziemlich beissen. Die Navigation war vielfach recht verwirrlich, vor allem beim Start in Neuchatel.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Christoph Handschin, Community
    Photo: Christoph Handschin, Community
    Photo: Christoph Handschin, Community
    Photo: Christoph Handschin, Community
    Photo: Christoph Handschin, Community
    Photo: Christoph Handschin, Community
    Written September 05, 2020
    Mountain Bike
    Tête de Ran I
  • October 31, 2019
    Christoph Handschin 
    October 11, 2019
    Tolle Tour nach einer stressigen Woche im Büro, Natur pur. Tolle Aussicht, hammer Abstieg.
    ...Show more
    Written October 31, 2019
    Mountain Bike
    St-Blaise Bike no 742
  • August 26, 2019
    christian kramis
    August 25, 2019
    Landschaftlich eine super Tour. Vom Choumaunt zum Chasseral sind leider einige Weg nicht mehr aktuell. Velo-Fahrverbot und geschlossene Pfade haben zu einigen extra Höhenmeter geführt. Genen den Schluss haben wir die Route verändert und sind runter nach Friedliswart gefahren. Diese Abfahrt ist mit vielen Spitzkehren gespickt - aber super. Von dort fuhren wir direkt nach Biel
    ...Show more
    Written August 26, 2019
    Mountain Bike
    Chaumont-Chasseral

Destinations in Neuchâtel


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