Neuchâtel is a charming city west of Bern on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. The unique yellow sandstone buildings make the city quite different to any other in Switzerland, and the place has a very laid back feel with many pavement cafes to relax in. We took a slow stroll around town and visited the big cathedral that overlooks the town.
| Location: | Western Switzerland |
| Address: | Parking: Parking du Port, Place du Port 7, 2001 Neuchâtel |
| Car: | 1hr30 from Zurich |
| Train: | 1hr45 from Zurich |
| Services: | cafes and shops in city center, playground in Jardin Anglais |
| More Info: | www.neuchateltourisme.ch |
Getting There
By car: Drive to Neuchatel and parking in one of the parking areas, like Parking du Port. Street parking is also available but only for a limited time.
By train: Take the train to Neuchatel. The train station sits on a hill above the city. The city center is about 1 km. You can walk about 15 mins or take a tram. A small underground funicular can take you down to the university, about 10 minutes pleasant walk through the Jardin Anglais (with 2 children’s playgrounds, one for older kids, one for younger ones – a good place to let the kids get rid of some of the pent up energy after the train journey!) to the main centre.
Impressions
The city center is full of little surprises and fun details like this fountain on the right. Place des Halles, centre of the old town and with a big food market on a Saturday morning and surrounded by cafes is a great starting point and also a good place to get a coffee/lunch.
From there a number of small streets take you to Rue du Chateau and on to the castle and cathedral on top of the hill, from where you get great views over the lake (and, I’m told, on very clear days over the alps).
There are a lot of steps up to the cathedral. But you can access this area by pushchair as you can follow the road round and avoid the steps.
Lots of areas to explore.
The courtyard was quiet and pretty.
We liked the big open park outside the cathedral for my son to run around.
Nice view of the town and lake from up there.
We finished off the day with a walk along the lakeside promenade and an ice cream before heading home.
Overall I would highly recommend Neuchâtel – it is very laid back compared to some other cities in Switzerland, and the old town and chateau area is beautiful. If you have more time there is also a cable car ride up to Chaumont, from where it is said on a clear day you can even see the Matterhorn! We’ll save that trip for next time.
One Response
Oh thank goodness, this post is from another member. For a moment there I thought it was from you Tanya. I’m already so impressed by all the excursions you go on, and I feel so bad about just loafing around Zurich most weekends, that this would have been just one more nail in the coffin of my envy. (Hmm, I guess I’m waxing over-dramatic, but this weekend was particularly dull). Gary… Is that Adi’s Gary? Thanks for contributing! You two do a lot of travelling too, I’m impressed!