Top things to do in Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel is considered one of the most historically pleasing cities in Switzerland. I find it incredible how such a preserved medieval heritage can also be home to one of the leading Swiss universities. I would highly recommend visiting this beautiful city, and if you do, here are a few things you must see:

Château de Neuchâtel

The castle of Neuchâtel is built upon the hill overlooking the vast Neuchâtel Lake. It was completed the first time in the tenth century, but continued to succumb to modifications throughout the years. The castle was influenced by many kings including the Habsburg and French. In 1707 it was in the hands of the King of Prussia. All this individuals changed in some way the Castle, making it the historical masterpiece it is today. This castle once accommodated Lords however is now home to the seat of cantonal government and the law courts. It is possible to visit this castle between the 1st of April and the 30th of September for free.

Eglise Collégiale

The Collegial Church is situated very close to the Château. It is a protestant church constructed in the twelfth century and completed in the thirteenth century. It was however in the nineteenth century that the church was subject to modifications by the architect Léo Châtelain. He added a néo-gothic touch to what was previously a Romanesque-Bourgogne style. In the interior of the church, you must take a look at the ceiling, which is painted in such a way to resemble a starry night sky, and the cenotaph, which dates to 1372, and belonged to the Lords of Neuchâtel. It is beautifully painted and carved with 15 statues.

Caves de Neuchâtel

Something fun to do in Neuchâtel if you would like to do something different than the usual sightseeing/museums is wine tasting in the fabulous Caves de Neuchâtel. You can book your visit from Monday to Friday (7:30-12). Neuchâtel is surrounded by 12 hectares of vines meaning that they have an enormous production of wine. In the forties, wine cellars were built in the Palace of Alexandre DuPeyrou (which is now known as the Hotel DuPeyrou). Alexandre DuPeyrou was the man who published Jean-Jacques Rousseaus works after his death. Anyway this Hotel, built in the nineteenth century, is known as the gastronomic heaven, and it is since the eighteenth century that it holds wine-tasting events.

Fontaine du Griffon

Fountains are very symbolic in Switzerland, especially in Berne. They are absolutely stunning; each and every one is different and has a whole history behind it. This one in Neuchâtel dates back to 1664. It is s a magnificent blue and gold colour and features a mythical creature similar to a falcon but with a lion’s body and paws. The falcon symbolizes the king of the air and the Lion king of the ground; it is a symbol of strength and power.

Maison des Halles

It is situated on Place des Halles. It is considered a historical sight and a landmark of Neuchâtel. It was built in the sixteenth century and this was a market hall where negotiations took place. Grain was sold on the ground floor and fabrics on the upper floor. Today, the Maison des Halles is a very original and sophisticated restaurant, which gives a lot of importance to detail and presentation. They also have a café or a bar if you want to take a break from walking around and fancy being transported back in time in this beautifully decorated location.

Botanical Garden

If it is a beautiful day and you are looking for a place to go and relax for a few hours, then the Botanical Garden is certainly a great option. It is situated in the Valley of Ermitage, on the Neuchâtel hills. There is a wide variety of vegetation, including Alpine to Mediterranean to Desert to Tropical. They preserve 3600 types of plants that grow in different habitats such as low-fertility meadows, oak forests and shrubbery. Do not forget to visit the Herb garden as well, it is one of my favourites – I always want to pick some fresh rosemary or thyme to take home!

Musée d’ Histoire Naturelle

Similar to many Natural History Museums, this one in Neuchâtel is home to some to a permanent exhibition of species, birds and insects found in Switzerland. It is located very close to the centre of the city and it costs 8CHF for adults and is free entry for children up to 16 years of age.

Ethnography Museum Neuchâtel

The Ethnography museum was opened for the first time in 1904, and it is based in Villa de Pury. The museum started with the General Charles Daniel de Meuron who, in 1795, decides to gift all his cabinet of historical objects to the town of Neuchâtel. Consequently a man named James-Ferdinand de Pury donates his villa “Villa de Pury” for the creation of the museum. This museum consists of 50. 000 historical objects relating to all continents including Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Unfortunately this exhibition is closed until February 2017 as it is undergoing renovations, however when it does re-open it will be worth a visit.

Centre Dürrenmatt

The Centre Dürrenmatt in Neuchâtel is a museum dedicated to the works of Freidrich Dürrenmatt, a Swiss playwriter, novelist and artist. The permanent exhibition in the museum portrays Dürrenmatt’s art and how it relates and combines to his literature.

Art and History Museum

This museum is situated on Esplanade Léopold-Robert 1, near the port. It is a museum that has a variety of exhibitions, both temporary and permanent. In the permanent exhibitions you must view the “Neuchâtel: une histoire millénaire”. This exhibition walks you through the history Neuchâtel has gone through since the middle ages. Also the watch exhibition is beautiful, and it contains pieces of Ferdinand Berthoug and Abraham-Louis Breguet: two prominent watch makers. Very important is also the 3 Automates created by Jaquet-Droz, his son and Jean-Frédéric Leschot between 1768 and 1774. These automates portray the writer, the musician and the designer. On the first Sunday of every month there is a demonstration of how they were created.

Extra things to do:

Take a boat across the Lake:

What is more romantic than to take a cruise along the Neuchâtel lake? In the summer there could not be a more perfect activity. It is possible to take a cruise boat from the 1st of May to the 15th of October. The cruise takes four hours and you have the possibility to visit the three lakes: Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten.

Take a train to Les Brenets:

This is something that I have done when I came to Neuchâtel. You take a train from the station to La Chaux-de-fonds. From La Chaux-de-fonds you go to La Locle from where you will take a small train to Les Brenets. This is a very adorable little village where you can go for a pleasant walk around the countryside. It is a tranquil place for a beautiful stroll in an afternoon.

“Saut du Doubs”:

Le Saut du Doubs is an incredible thing to do if you have time on your hands. It is a hike that lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes from Les Brenets and you take the route to Saut du Doubs which is clearly signposted; It has a distance of 4. 75 Km. There is also the long route which lasts 5 hours and 40 minutes which is perfect for hiking fanatics. The Saut du Doubs is a breath-taking waterfall in the middle of the forest. It is a magnificent view and something that must be experienced if you have the time.

“Creux du Vin”:

Similarly to the Saut du Doubs, the Creux du Vin is another gift from mother nature. You would take the train from Neuchâtel to Noraigue and from here start your 5H hike towards the end destination of a wonder of the world. The Creux du Vin resembles a large amphitheatre of rocks situated at a height of 160m.

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