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Intro

The shores of Lake Neuchâtel are characterised by vines, sandy beaches and reed belts. Discover the unique natural landscape on a boat trip or canoe tour. Visit Neuchâtel and Estavayer-le-Lac with their castles or Yverdon-les-Bains with its thermal baths.

Lake Neuchâtel at a glance

This is Lake Neuchâtel

Lake Neuchâtel is situated in the west of Switzerland, in the Jura & Three-Lakes region. The largest lake to be entirely in Switzerland is a popular destination thanks to its charming towns and wine-growing villages, its nature reserves and its sandy beaches.

Discover Lake Neuchâtel

Begin your journey of discovery in Neuchâtel. In the old town, you can enjoy a wonderful stroll and then the ambience in a café. Your boat tour – one of the most beautiful ways to discover Lake Neuchâtel – will begin at the harbour. And even more beautiful still: you can combine the boat trip with a bike tour. Or drive up the Chaumont and enjoy the views of Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel and Lake Murten from the panorama tower.

Vineyards and wine-growing villages on the northern shore

The area around Lake Neuchâtel’s northern shore is characterised by vineyards and wine-growing villages such as Boudry or Auvernier. In Boudry, a visit to the castle with its vine and wine museum is well worthwhile. Sticking to roughly the same topic, you can also go on a panoramic hike through the vineyards. Another highlight on the northern shore is the Laténium, Switzerland’s largest archaeological museum, featuring prehistoric pile dwellings.

Nature reserve and sandy beaches on the southern shore

East of Yverdon-les-Bains, together with its thermal centre, lies the Grande Cariçaie. Explore the nature reserve on beautiful footpaths or as part of a canoe tour. You can deepen your knowledge of the fauna and flora at the Pro Natura Centre in Champ-Pittet. Take a detour to Estavayer-le-Lac, the pretty medieval town with the Château de Chenaux. In summer, the sandy beaches are an ideal place for swimming and water sports. The highlight here is Switzerland’s longest water skiing lift.

Around Lake Neuchâtel

Experience an uninterrupted three-lake cruise across Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel and Lake Murten. The lakes are connected by the Zihl and Broye canals, so you do not even have to disembark. A popular destination on Lake Murten is the Murten’s old town, with its imposing circular wall. Other top excursion destinations include the wild Areuse Gorge or the imposing Creux du Van natural rock arena in the Jura.

Experience Lake Neuchâtel for less

With the Neuchâtel Tourist Card, public transport, admission to museums and numerous leisure activities such as bike rental are free of charge when you stay for one night or more.

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Lake Neuchâtel
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Experiences & Activities

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  • Hôtel du Théâtre 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud

    Learn more about: Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud Hôtel du Théâtre
  • Hôtel-Restaurant la Maison du Prussien 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel-Restaurant la Maison du Prussien
  • Hôtel Palafitte 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel Palafitte
  • Beau-Rivage Hotel 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes Beau-Rivage Hotel
  • Grand Hotel des Bains & Centre Thermal

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud

    Learn more about: Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud Grand Hotel des Bains & Centre Thermal
  • B&B Hotel Lully 3 Lakes 3 Stars

    Lully FR, Region of Fribourg

    Learn more about: Lully FR, Region of Fribourg B&B Hotel Lully 3 Lakes
  • Hôtel Touring au Lac 3 Stars

    Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel Touring au Lac
  • Hôtel des Arts 3 Stars

    Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel des Arts
  • Hôtel Alpes et Lac 3 Stars

    Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes

    Learn more about: Neuchâtel, Jura & Three-Lakes Hôtel Alpes et Lac
  • Hôtel de la Source 3 Stars

    Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud

    Learn more about: Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud Hôtel de la Source
  • Yverdon-les-Bains Via Francigena, 11 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Pilgrim's Pass Costs for... from CHF 19
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    valid: 14.06.2025 - 28.09.2025

    Learn more about Via Francigena, 11 days
  • Neuchâtel "Beat the groom" in Neuchâtel: action-packed stag party

    You will experience an action-packed city rally in Neuchâtel to see the groom off into marriage in a... from CHF 299
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    valid: 29.05.2025 - 07.05.2026

    Learn more about "Beat the groom" in Neuchâtel: action-packed stag party
  • Neuchâtel Self-guided tour

    With a fully informative brochure in your hand, set off to discover the treasures of the old city.... from CHF 10
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    valid: 09.05.2025 - 31.12.2025

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  • Neuchâtel Boat Trip Neuchâtel - Yverdon-les-Bains Ticket

    This boat trip takes you along the entire length of the 38 km long Lake Neuchâtel. The one-way trip... from CHF 45
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    valid: 16.05.2025 - 28.09.2025

    Learn more about Boat Trip Neuchâtel - Yverdon-les-Bains Ticket
  • Tourisme neuchâtelois, Neuchâtel Neuchâtel Tourist Card

    How about taking a boat across Lake Neuchâtel or the little-known Lac des Brenets? Or why not...
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  • Neuchâtel Trans Swiss Trail: Neuchâtel - Langnau i.E., 6 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for luggage... from CHF 115
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    valid: 09.05.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about Trans Swiss Trail: Neuchâtel - Langnau i.E., 6 days
  • Neuchâtel Urban Escape Game Mission astrophone

    Come and experience an escape game with a difference in the heart of the city and take on a critical... from CHF 87
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    valid: 09.05.2025 - 30.12.2025

    Learn more about Urban Escape Game Mission astrophone
  • Neuchâtel Tourist train of Neuchâtel

    Why not board Switzerland's first e-train to explore the charms of the thousand-year-old city?... from CHF 6
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    valid: 11.05.2025 - 22.09.2025

    Learn more about Tourist train of Neuchâtel
  • Neuchâtel Neuchâtel interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone

    Explore the city of Neuchâtel together with friends or family. Solve puzzles, have fun and learn a... from CHF 11
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    valid: 09.05.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Neuchâtel interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone

Travel information: Lake Neuchâtel