3 Days in Neuchâtel

I explored the highlights and attractions around the charming city of Neuchâtel during a long weekend in Switzerland.

While hiking in the Jura nature or strolling through the old town, I was able to explore the largest city in the Jura & Three Lakes region.

Besides the city's landmark, the castle and the collegiate church from the Middle Ages, there are quite a few attractions in this region that make Jura & Three Lakes a popular travel destination for tourists!

Here you will find my highlights for a weekend in Neuchâtel!

PS: How about a road trip on the Grand Tour of Switzerland (West route with Neuchâtel)?

I explored the highlights and attractions around the charming city of Neuchâtel during a long weekend in Switzerland.

The university town of Neuchâtel has 34,000 inhabitants and is located in the eponymous canton on the northern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. It is the largest lake in Switzerland, connected by waterways to Lake Biel and the small Lake Murten.

The Jura & Three Lakes region in western Switzerland is not only a paradise for water lovers but also for outdoor enthusiasts. In the adjacent Jura massif, you can explore nature on marked hiking trails, traverse gorges, and climb mountains, but also go climbing, cycling, and of course, take boat trips. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) on Lake Neuchâtel is also very trendy here!

For food lovers, the region also has plenty to offer: The well-known and popular sparkling wine Mauler is produced in this region. If you're in the mood for something stronger, you can search for the Green Fairy on the Absinthe Route.

Incidentally, the language border (what the Swiss call Röstigraben) runs through the region. In Neuchâtel, only French is spoken, while Biel is a colorful mix.

By the way: Did you know that Philippe Suchard opened his first confectionery or chocolaterie in Neuchâtel?

The city is not only known for the Centre Dürrenmatt, where paintings and drawings by Friedrich Dürrenmatt are exhibited. In the house, which has been converted into a museum, he lived until his death in 1990.

Neuchâtel hosts several annual festivals, including the most famous wine festival Fête des Vendanges, a street music festival, the NIFFF (Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival), and Festi' Neuch, which attracts more and more well-known bands and visitors.

The grounds directly on the lake shore of Jeunes Rives are particularly spectacular.

The small, shady alleys of the medieval old town radiate a special charm to me. Whether strolling on a Friday evening to the restaurant or on a Sunday afternoon after the exciting tour to Creux du Van, witnessing the sunrise. Unfortunately, most shops and restaurants are closed on Sundays. However, we discover numerous crêperies that I would love to try one after another.

But they will have to wait, as we slowly walk through the historic center up to the castle, where another breathtaking view of Neuchâtel, the lake, and the Alps awaits!

Lake Neuchâtel is the largest lake located on Swiss territory. Thanks to the direct lake location of our hotel, I feel completely 'arrived' after arriving on a late Friday afternoon. I quickly throw my things in my room and explore the lakeshore. The tranquility at the waterside makes it easy to enjoy every moment and forget the long journey on full highways.

Here you can completely unwind: whether strolling along the lake promenade with a view of a gigantic alpine panorama, jumping into the crystal-clear lake, or boarding a boat for a cruise. You can explore Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel, and Lake Murten as part of a three-lake tour.

Along the shore, there are of course a few cafes, bars, live music, and a disco boat, inviting you to linger for a cool drink in summer temperatures.

Lake Neuchâtel is a welcome vacation destination for water sports enthusiasts, bathers, cyclists, or connoisseurs. Whether you want to relax or need action, you will find what you are looking for around or on the lake. We especially let our souls dangle in the evenings and enjoyed the view of the Alps. As a water rat, of course, a daring leap into the cool water was also a must.

The locals are especially proud of their absinthe. Who invented it? The Swiss. Yes, you read that right, absinthe was first brewed here in Val-de-Travers. I was just as baffled. One reason to try the drink made from wormwood, anise, and fennel on the first evening in a sociable gathering over dinner at the Brasserie Le Cardinal. We didn't dilute our drink with ice water from the traditional absinthe fountain that is served to you.

Much better: In Neuchâtel, there are fountains everywhere that flow with drinking water. Here we helped ourselves:

If I had had more time, I would have loved to search for the origin of absinthe while hiking on the Absinthe Route "Route de l'Absinthe" (here's more info).

After a light breakfast at the hotel, we set off for the first hike in the Gorges de l'Areuse. The starting point is the small place of Noiraigues in Val de Travers. However, we start in Boudry to go uphill and better discover the photographic motifs.

In Boudry at the power plant, there is a parking lot with good signage. From here, it's only 12 km instead of the 15 km of the entire route.

The route runs through a shady forest along the Areuse river, where the valley increasingly narrows into a narrow but impressive gorge. Gigantic field towers, small bridges over the gorge, and a babbling Areuse that at any moment can turn into a roaring torrent, along with water shimmering in all shades of green and blue, offer numerous breathtaking photographic moments.

But be careful when climbing on the slippery rocks: some whirlpools can be deadly. Do not underestimate the power of the water.

My absolute highlight of the short trip was the sunrise at Creux du Van (770 m), the 'Grand Canyon' of Switzerland. The panorama is breathtaking when the view of Creux du Van unfolds! We experienced a stunning sunrise early on Sunday morning (waking up at 5 am, arrival at 6 am). The fog in the valley is mystical and dissipates with the rising sun! You can see not only the lake but also the Alps and a small stretch of Lake Geneva from up here.

The impressive rock arena lying at your feet at the steep cliff is astonishing! But be careful: don't take a step too far forward; the Jura massif here drops vertically for up to 500 meters in some places.

Many hiking trails lead to Creux du Van, including the 'Sentier des 14 Contours' (14 curves path). Since we had to be at Creux du Van in the morning for the photography workshop, this one was out of the question. Therefore, we drove to the parking lot of the

Le Soliat" (which even has a dormitory and hearty food) and walked the remaining distance on foot.

I traveled by car. From southern Germany, Neuchâtel can be reached in just a few hours via Lake Constance (Zurich) or Freiburg (possibly with a detour to Strasbourg).

Caution: In Switzerland, there is a vignette requirement! You can conveniently purchase the vignette from ADAC before your trip (currently costs 38 euros) or buy it shortly before the border at a rest area (approximately 36.80 euros).

You can fly to Zurich or Bern and then take the train to Neuchâtel.

You can travel by train directly to the Neuchâtel train station from Germany. It is very central.

During my stay, I stayed directly by the lake at the Best Western Premier Hotel Beaulac. The room had a view of the lake and the Alpine panorama in the distance.

The only downside is that there is a kind of disco boat in the harbor next door. If your room faces this direction, it could be quite loud, especially on weekends. Make sure to inquire if you stay at this hotel. The breakfast, the rooms, and the sushi restaurant on the ground floor were great. Only the service in the restaurant was not very friendly and quick.

It's definitely worth it! For me, the weekend in Neuchâtel felt way too short. I would have loved to see a lot more of Neuchâtel.

My absolute highlight was the sunrise at Creux du Van in Val Travers. The alpine panorama visible in the distance was incredibly beautiful to see in the early morning. I also enjoyed the food, the sparkling wine, and absinthe.

The Saturday market offers a great selection of fresh produce that you can enjoy during a hike as part of a cozy picnic in the Jura massif.

The prices in this region are quite reasonable by Swiss standards. Allegedly, western Switzerland is considered one of the cheaper regions in the country. So, what are you waiting for?

Leave me a comment at the end of the article! Then we can explore other attractions and beautiful places on the next visit.

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