Intro

La Chaux-de-Fonds is more closely associated with watches than perhaps any other town or city. Located at an altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level, its streets are laid out in a chessboard pattern. This successful symbiosis between urban development and the watchmaking industry has led to the city being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Chaux-de-Fonds is also the birthplace of Le Corbusier.

Owing to its unique urban landscape, La Chaux-de-Fonds has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Following a major fire at the end of the 18th century, the streets were laid out in a rectangular grid to suit the needs of the watchmaking industry, resulting in today’s unmistakable chessboard pattern. La Chaux-de-Fonds and its neighbour Le Locle are symbols of a strategic alliance between urban development and the watchmaking industry.

Absolutely everything here revolves around time.

Not far from the centre of La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the former auction hall, is the information centre where visitors can learn all about the international significance of the city’s urban landscape. The centre is the ideal starting point for immersing yourself in the world of watches and clocks. 
More information: Watchmaking information centre

With more than 4,500 items in its collection, the Musée International d’Horlogerie (MIH) is one of the world’s most important museums for watch lovers. The museum is dedicated to the history of timekeeping, and also highlights the technical, artistic, social and economic aspects of watchmaking through the ages. The museum shows the world of watches in all its diversity.
More information: Musée International d’Horlogerie

The “Watchmaking Industry” tour focuses on the extraordinary architecture of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Experienced guides take visitors on a journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site.
More information: Watchmaking industry

To round off your stay in the watchmaking capital, we recommend a trip to the “Le Garde Temps” workshop, where a local watchmaker opens his doors to visitors. Under his expert guidance, you can put together your very own watch. No-one leaves his studio without their very own self-made timepiece.
More information: “Le Garde Temps” workshop

More information about La Chaux-de-Fonds as a destination:
La Chaux-de-Fonds
Three-Lakes region, La Chaux-de-Fonds

General information

Show Technical information content
Season
All year
Time required
4 to 8 hours (full day)
Suitable for children with age
10 to 13 years, 14+ years
Suitable for
Groups, Individual, Couples
Weather
Indoor
Category
Culture, Urban

Overview

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Overview
La Chaux-de-Fonds
Jura & Three-Lakes
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Travel information: La Chaux-de-Fonds

Current Offers

  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Scavenger hunt - Les Barons

    On the trail of your watchmaking ancestor who had his watch stolen... Will you be able to find the... from CHF 10
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    valid: 13.12.2024 - 22.12.2024

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  • La Chaux-de-Fonds Food Tour La Chaux-de-Fonds

    1st stop: a cheese platter with a glass of wine at the Maison du Fromage Chez Sterchi. 2nd stop: a... from CHF 55
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    valid: 14.12.2024 - 06.06.2025

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  • Le Locle Watch manufacture "Zenith" public tour in Le Locle

    Experience a guided tour through the watch manufacture of the luxury brand "Zenith" in Le Locle. You... from CHF 50
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    valid: 17.01.2025 - 05.12.2025

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  • Les Bois Entrance to the Ski Museum

    After returning to the origins of skiing on the ground floor, visitors are invited to climb up to... from CHF 6
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    valid: 13.12.2024 - 30.04.2025

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  • Auvernier Wine Tasting 3 or 5 wines

    We offer the option of either 3 or 5 cuvées of your choice. The wine tasting takes place in our... from CHF 15
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    valid: 12.12.2024 - 31.07.2025

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    valid: 12.12.2024 - 01.08.2025

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  • St-Imier New Moon Nights

    Thanks to our 355 mm main telescope and other instruments, this visit of the observatory, which... from CHF 27
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    valid: 10.05.2025 - 10.10.2025

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  • St-Imier Adventure of the Universe

    Thanks to our 355 mm main telescope and other instruments, this visit of the observatory, which... from CHF 27
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    valid: 04.04.2025 - 18.10.2025

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