Loading information, please wait...loading
close this window
Neuchatel (EN)

notificationsEnable notifications
ExplanationsActivate notifications to be notified when new articles and deals are available. You can unsubscribe anytime. This feature does not work on iOS.
On this page:
Just a stop
Typically Swiss
Lake side
Old town
Mountain side
For the kids
Activités
Roadtrip Switzerland

Neuchatel (EN)


Published on: 06-12-2017 / Modified: 06-12-2017



Just a stop


Mid-June 2016 we started our third roadtrip in Switzerland and this time we entered the country through the North. Neuchatel was the perfect stop to cut the journey in half from Belgium to Valais further in the South. I didn't expect much from the city but Neuchatel turned out to be a nice surprise. With 33,000 inhabitants it's barely a little more than the city where I live but Neuchatel is so much better!


June 2016

Visit duration:
1 day


Typically Swiss


Small city good Switzerland
If you have never been to Switzerland and live in France or Belgium, the first thing that will surprise you in Neuchatel is probably cleanliness. Here there is no graffiti on the walls, no rubbish on the street, playgrounds for children in good condition, a city where birds can be heard more than cars and above all a really pleasant setting for a city of this size. In short, Neuchatel is not bad at all!
youtube previewyoutube preview


neuchatel photo 2


Lake side


The lake is undoubtedly the city's main attraction, with typical activities such as boat cruises, shoreline walks and a beautiful jetty that flows into the horizon and mountains in the distance. The weather wasn't very nice the day we arrived in Neuchatel, the sky was very cloudy but it didn't take anything away from the charm of the lake, the atmosphere was just different.

With a 4-year-old child, you can't escape the boat ride. The ship's staff were super friendly and my son was invited to enter the cabin with the captain of the boat without asking for anything. On the way home, evacuation drill, everyone puts on a lifejacket and ends up on deck. Nothing bad, we're still in Switzerland after all, but it was an adventure for the little one! The only downside, and it's the same everywhere in Switzerland, is that everything is horribly expensive.

neuchatel photo 5


Old town


Neuchatel is an "old" city, it already existed 1000 years ago. The historical centre is fairly well preserved, capitalism has found its way there without affecting the heritage and the whole is quite pleasant. I don't have the impression that Neuchatel is a popular shopping destination, but you can find everything you need there. The center is home to some churches and other well-preserved facades, nothing exceptional, it's just nice for a comfortable walk. If you come by car, you will see that local politics does not favour car traffic, let alone parking. You will therefore have to drive your ride to one of the covered car parks and for the price you will pay you will want to enjoy the city.

The town has a castle on its heights. This is far from a Neuchwanstein type castle, but once again the castle and its surroundings can be the object of a nice stroll.

neuchatel photo 7


Mountain side


There isn't really a mountain in Neuchatel, but when you come from flat Belgium, a big hill quickly looks like a mountain. There is a funicular that for a reasonable price (it's rare) will take you to the top of the city. The funicular railway has an observation tower that allows you to have a 360° view of the region, from there you can explore the upper part of the city, there are even two playgrounds, a classic (toboggan, swings,...) and an adventure course (paying). There is no doubt there is a way to walk a little further but we didn't have time, we stopped at the playground.




neuchatel photo 9


For the kids


At Neuchatel you have enough to keep your children busy. The boat tour and funicular ride are the attractions that children will enjoy the most. There are also playgrounds by the lake and at the top of the funicular, where you can divide your adult time with time for your children.

Activités





Like this article? Share it, it will help me a lot
I work alone so I don't have a company's budget for advertising. You are my first ambassadors and you can help me by sharing my articles on your social networks, forums, articles,...
Share on Meta/Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Val d'Anniviers
Green in summer and white in winter, the Val d' Anniviers is a typical Swiss valley that lives to the rhythm of skiing in winter and hiking in summer while respecting its natural heritage.
Lötschental Valley
A superb road that winds between the mountains, a glacial torrent of crystal clear water and a glacier, all for only 25km between several 3000m peaks!
Emosson lake and dam
From the dam you can start two (difficult) walks in the moutain or take the easy route with the nice funiculars and trains.
Neuchatel
Neuchatel is much more than just a stopover on an itinerary thanks to its lake, old town, green spaces and funicular railway.
Creux du Van (Switzerland)
The Creux du Van rock formation offers a spectacular view of the Neuchatel valley and has several easy hiking trails.
page index
Index
prices
Price
notifications
Alerts
category
Category
comments
reactions


Questions/Comments