How to spend top weekend in Neuchatel - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

View the Old Town from a Height

Neuchatel has a castle of the same name. It was built in the XII-XVII centuries on a rock. It is used as an office building of the cantonal government from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. You can reach it on foot from the central part of the city by the old castle stairs. You will be able to enjoy the panorama of the Old City standing on the rampart near the entrance to the castle. You can contact one of the office staff to get permission for a 45-minute free tour of the halls of the architectural landmark accompanied by a guide.

View the City from the Observation Deck of the Prison Tower

The medieval tower, located near the Neuchatel Castle, is the oldest building in the city. It was part of the fortress wall. The tower served as a prison until 1850. You can go inside to see a small historical collection and go up to the observation deck. A magnificent panoramic view of the roofs of houses made of tiles, the Old Town, the lake with the same name, green meadows, and Alpine mountains opens from there. The attraction is open to the public from 8 am to 6 pm on any day of the week from April to September.

Voyage on the Lake Neuchâtel

If you take a pleasure boat at the city's Marina or rent a motorboat, you can travel along Lake Neuchatel to its opposite shore. The voyage will last 1.5 hours. Sometimes there is a chance to make a trip on a paddle steamer. The lake is connected by canals with the lakes of Murten and Biel. They are located nearby. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to go for a walk on two of them, or even on all three. You will be able to ride a bicycle in the area adjacent to Lake Neuchatel. You will also be able to participate in a hike that will take place on a specially organized tourist route. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Bike Tour to Lake Neuchâtel

The season of cycling tours in Neuchatel lasts from the first days of April to October 15. You can use the services of the Swiss tour operator "Bureau-3-Visa" and spend time in the surrounding area. You will ride a bike on your own chosen routes, based on your preferences and level of physical fitness.

For example, if you become a member of a tour group, you can take a trip to the shore of Lake Neuchatel. You will have the opportunity to admire the snow-capped peaks of the Alps during the voyage. You will be able to relax in the resort of Yverdon during the day after the end of the bike tour. It is located near Lake Neuchatel. You will be able to restore lost strength with the help of thermal springs. They contain sulfur and magnesium. You can also spend time on the sandy beach.

Ride a Funicular to the Mountains

You can go from Neuchatel on various excursions. Perhaps a ride in a funicular cab will interest you. The journey starts from the station located in the Old Town and ends at the La Coudre TN. It offers a beautiful view of the lake and the Alpine mountains. You will also be able to get to the mountain called Chaumont with the cable car. It is close to Neuchatel. The mountain has a height of 1100 meters. The Bernese Alps, the top of Mont Blanc, and the picturesque reservoirs of the Canton of Jura are visible from here. You can enjoy the landscape of the surrounding area and relax actively while in the mountains. You can go trekking in the summer months and skiing in the winter.

Tour to Saut du Doubs Waterfall

There is the Doubs River in the Canton of Neuchatel. A landslide blocked it a few centuries ago. It flows through a limestone gorge 80 meters deep through large boulders, forming a beautiful waterfall Saut du Doubs. You can take a tour of this natural attraction and enjoy the local nature. You need to take a tour ship and spend only 10 minutes on the way.