Intro

The series of “Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps“ comprises a selection of 111 of the almost 1,000 known archaeological pile dwelling stations in the six countries surrounding the Alps. (Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy and Slovenia). Of these, 56 are discovered in Switzerland.

The series is made up of remains of prehistoric pile dwelling settlements from the period 5000 to 500 BC. Although they lay dormant beneath numerous layers of sediment, it’s possible to "view" this natural phenomenon thanks to the iPhone or Android “Palafittes Guide” application. And there’s plenty of interesting information worth reading on the app. At many locations, the app shows you what treasures from the past slumber under your feet - or in front of you - at the bottom of the lake. Remnants from the pile dwellings and lakeside dwellers who once lived here. In addition to a map of the sites from the lacustrine age you also find lots of useful information and texts on topics such as tradition, settlements, scientific methods and the importance of the prehistoric pile dwellings as world cultural heritage.These settlements are found under water, by lakes and rivers and in wetlands. Pile constructions provide exceptional conditions for the preservation of organic materials such as wood, textiles as well as plant and bone remains.

The five pile dwellings on Lake Biel are among the finest prehistoric sites in the world. And amazingly enough, despite them having laid dormant beneath many layers of sediment since time eternal, thanks to the iphone and Android “Palafittes Guide“ App, one can actually "view" them today. The valuable App provides a wealth of interesting facts and information worth reading!

In addition, numerous special exhibitions, museums, private collections and archaeological parks provide visitors an opportunity to immerse in history and reconstructed pile dwellings of times long gone by.

Booking Information

Show Technical information content
Additional information

Experiences in the World Heritage

Attractive offers associated with Switzerland’s natural and cultural treasures.
13 places are on the roster of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Convince yourself of the uniqueness of these places by visiting them.
More information about the offer:
Book online

Discover the surroundings

Contact

UNESCO World Heritage in Switzerland
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)31 544 31 15
ourheritage.ch
Show Route

Swiss Coordination Group UNESCO Palafittes
Petersgraben 51
4051  Basel
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)61 261 30 91
info@palafittes.org
palafittes.org

Laténium
Espace Paul Vouga
2068  Hauterive NE
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)32 889 69 17
latenium@ne.ch
latenium.ch

Overview

Hint

Overview
Hauterive
Jura & Three-Lakes
Show on map

Contact

UNESCO World Heritage in Switzerland
Phone  +41 (0)31 544 31 15
ourheritage.ch
Show Route

Contact

Swiss Coordination Group UNESCO Palafittes
Petersgraben 51
4051 Basel
Phone  +41 (0)61 261 30 91
palafittes.org

Contact

Laténium
Espace Paul Vouga
2068 Hauterive NE
Phone  +41 (0)32 889 69 17
latenium.ch

Book online

Travel information: Hauterive

Current Offers

  • 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
    Offer details


    valid: 03.07.2025 - 28.09.2025

    Learn more about Boat Trip Neuchâtel - Yverdon-les-Bains Ticket
  • 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
    Offer details


    valid: 04.07.2025 - 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
    Offer details


    valid: 03.07.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Neuchâtel interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone
  • Neuchâtel Mountain bike: Neuchâtel Bike, 4 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Costs for luggage pick-up at the train station... from CHF 729
    Offer details


    valid: 03.07.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about Mountain bike: Neuchâtel Bike, 4 days
  • Muntelier Wine Cruise Ligurian Lake (10.10.25 – 12.10.25)

    You experience an exclusive weekend on the ship. It sails across the three lakes in the Three-Lake... from CHF 200
    Offer details


    valid: 10.10.2025

    Learn more about Wine Cruise Ligurian Lake (10.10.25 – 12.10.25)
  • Murten/Morat Boat trip between Murten and Neuchâtel ticket

    This boat trip takes you between Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel across the canal. The one-way trip... from CHF 29
    Offer details


    valid: 03.07.2025 - 26.10.2025

    Learn more about Boat trip between Murten and Neuchâtel ticket
  • Murten/Morat Public guided city tour – The Original

    Find out why Murten is a bilingual town and why it is a Calvinistic stronghold inside a mostly... from CHF 15
    Offer details


    valid: 24.08.2025 - 12.10.2025

    Learn more about Public guided city tour – The Original
  • 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
    Offer details


    valid: 04.07.2025 - 19.12.2025

    Learn more about Food Tour La Chaux-de-Fonds
  • Murten/Morat Fribourg Fondue Round, 5 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Fribourg fondue in Gruyères Daily luggage... from CHF 19
    Offer details


    valid: 03.07.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about Fribourg Fondue Round, 5 days