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Laténium
This impressive modern museum and adjacent archaeological park, 3km northeast of Neuchâtel on the waterfront in Hauterive, is the largest of its kind in…
Getty Images/AWL Images RM
Neuchâtel
Snuggled up against the foothills of the Jura Mountains, Neuchâtel is the jewel in the crown of its eponymous lake – an attractive medieval waterfront city with a rich history and a delightful Old Town.
Neuchâtel is a key base for explorations into the Fribourg and Jura region, including the pretty Val-de-Travers. The sandstone elegance of its compact Old Town, with a score of interesting galleries, museums and attractive period architecture, can be easily explored on foot, although be warned: Neuchâtel's hills will give your calves a workout.
A diverse student population ensures that Neuchâtel isn't just about the past – the town has a youthful, relaxed vibe. Be sure to end your day on the waterfront, where the locals go to play.
Explore Neuchâtel
- LLaténium
This impressive modern museum and adjacent archaeological park, 3km northeast of Neuchâtel on the waterfront in Hauterive, is the largest of its kind in…
- MMusée d’Art et d’Histoire
The museum is notable for three clockwork androids made between 1764 and 1774 by watchmaker Jaquet Droz. The Writer can be programmed to dip his pen in an…
- OOld Town
The Old Town streets are peppered with 18th-century mansions and decorative fountains. Heading uphill along Rue du Château, walk through the medieval city…
- ÉÉglise Collégiale
The interior of the largely Gothic Église Collégiale is a mix of Romanesque elements (notably the triple apse). Facing the main entrance is a statue of…
- MMt Chaumont
Soak up views across the three lakes to the Alps from Mt Chaumont (1160m), a ride on bus 7 from Neuchâtel to La Coudre then a 12-minute funicular ride up…
- FFontaine de la Justice
One of two fanciful fountains featuring gold-leaf galore that can be found in Neuchâtel's Old Town (the other is the Fontaine du Banneret). It features a…
- PPrison Tower
Heading uphill along Rue du Château, walk through the medieval city gate to view the Tour des Prisons, Neuchâtel's oldest structure, with foundations that…
- FFontaine du Banneret
This elaborate, ornate fountain features a banner-wielding knight standing atop a pillar with lots of gold-leaf detail. The Fontaine de la Justice is of…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Neuchâtel.
See
Laténium
This impressive modern museum and adjacent archaeological park, 3km northeast of Neuchâtel on the waterfront in Hauterive, is the largest of its kind in…
See
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire
The museum is notable for three clockwork androids made between 1764 and 1774 by watchmaker Jaquet Droz. The Writer can be programmed to dip his pen in an…
See
Old Town
The Old Town streets are peppered with 18th-century mansions and decorative fountains. Heading uphill along Rue du Château, walk through the medieval city…
See
Église Collégiale
The interior of the largely Gothic Église Collégiale is a mix of Romanesque elements (notably the triple apse). Facing the main entrance is a statue of…
See
Mt Chaumont
Soak up views across the three lakes to the Alps from Mt Chaumont (1160m), a ride on bus 7 from Neuchâtel to La Coudre then a 12-minute funicular ride up…
See
Fontaine de la Justice
One of two fanciful fountains featuring gold-leaf galore that can be found in Neuchâtel's Old Town (the other is the Fontaine du Banneret). It features a…
See
Prison Tower
Heading uphill along Rue du Château, walk through the medieval city gate to view the Tour des Prisons, Neuchâtel's oldest structure, with foundations that…
See
Fontaine du Banneret
This elaborate, ornate fountain features a banner-wielding knight standing atop a pillar with lots of gold-leaf detail. The Fontaine de la Justice is of…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Neuchâtel
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