The small valley is just a stone’s throw from the centre of Neuchâtel. It is a 15-minute walk from the railway station. If you travel part of the way by bus, the journey takes around 10 minutes. Visitors who are already in the city centre should take the small funicular railway and walk the rest of the way (around 5 minutes).

The Neuchâtel Botanical Garden is a hidden gem, impressing visitors with its idyllic location above the city in the picturesque Vallon de l’Ermitage and the impressive variety of plants on display. As well as native and exotic plants, various natural habitats such as rough pastures and oak forests also thrive here. Narrow paths meander through themed gardens and greenhouses, past fruit orchards and vines to the herb garden and biotopes. The Botanical Garden is open daily, and entrance is free of charge. However, if you’d like to learn more about the plants that grow here, it’s best to book a guided tour.

Right in the middle of the garden, visitors can also find a pretty villa with a small café, temporary exhibitions and other interesting information. Enjoy a moment’s reflection while sitting outside in the glorious sunshine and sipping a glass of cordial made with fruit from the Botanical Garden. Or simply pause for a moment and take in the stunning nature all around you.

Just above the Botanical Garden is the Neuchâtel Dürrenmatt Centre. The museum houses Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s paintings together with his literary works, in a building designed by Mario Botta. He built the museum as an extension to the artist’s former residence. It was a little known fact prior to the museum being opened that Dürrenmatt enjoyed painting as well as writing, since he mainly developed this passion in private. The centre also organises temporary exhibitions, events and concerts. Workshops aimed specifically at children and schools round off the programme. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The son of a pastor, Friedrich Dürrenmatt was born in 1921 in Emmental in the canton of Bern. He moved to the peaceful Vallon de l’Ermitage at the age of 31, and lived there until his death in 1990. He produced the majority of his artistic and literary works in this region, including the famous play “Der Besuch der alten Dame” (The Visit), which was even turned into a Hollywood film.

In 2021 the Neuchâtel Dürrenmatt Centre is celebrating the 100th birthday of the Swiss writer, painter and universal thinker. Numerous events will be taking place, the permanent exhibition will be given a facelift, and there will opportunities to visit the archive. In honour of this anniversary, rooms will also be opened that have previously not been made accessible to visitors. These include Dürrenmatt’s personal library, which houses over 4,000 works of world literature, and as part of a guided tour, his office, which is located in the second villa next to the main building. From here, visitors can enjoy a view stretching from the Finsteraarhorn to the Blüemlisalp and as far as Mont Blanc.

Visitors may like to hike up to the limestone Roche de l’Ermitage where they can enjoy watching the sun set. The rock is situated in the forest just above the Dürrenmatt Centre. With its caves and crevices, it is a popular spot for locals, and boulderers sometimes use it to train. A set of stylish stone steps – perfect for photo shoots or as a filming location – lead up to the lookout point with its impressive view over the city of Neuchâtel, the lake and the Alps. A lovely spot to while away some time, perhaps with a picnic or aperitif as the sun goes down – what could be better?