The canton of Neuchâtel is steeped in culture and history. Its natural landscapes and unrivalled beauty will recharge your batteries for a weekend, or for a longer stay. Hôtel Beaulac Neuchâtel has put together a list of places to visit in the canton of Neuchâtel, so that Neuchâtel no longer holds any secrets for you!
We hope you enjoy reading it.
Looking for a place to stay in the canton of Neuchâtel? The Hôtel Beaulac Neuchâtel offers top-quality rooms overlooking Lake Neuchâtel. Book your room here.
Neuchâtel's historic city center
Neuchâtel’s historic city center is steeped in history. Start your visit on Rue du Pommie. The buildings and stores on this street will anchor you in Neuchâtel culture, taking you back to a time when architecture was much more than an art form!
Then off to Place Pury, in the heart of Neuchâtel. This square is the gateway to a number of lively little streets. A stop on rue du Neubourg, transformed into an open-air gallery by street art inspired by John Howe, co-designer of the sets for The Lord of the Rings – no less!
The history of Neuchâtel can also be seen on the façades of Place des Halles, notably in the famous Maison des Halles, which dates back to the Middle Ages.
The Collegiate Church & Castle of Neuchâtel
Immerse yourself in the medieval history of the canton of Neuchâtel with the Collegiate Church and Château de Neuchâtel. Rewind time by taking the castle stairs to the very top.
Up there, a breathtaking view of the entire city of Neuchâtel and its lake awaits you as a well-deserved reward. A visit to the Collegiate Church will surprise you with the majesty of its organ and 17th-century architecture.
Practical info: the château can be visited from June to September
The quays of Lake Neuchâtel
The quays are the perfect place in Neuchâtel to relax and enjoy a stroll in harmony with nature. Don’t hesitate to make your way to the Utopie footbridge. Admire the lake from a new angle. Or head for the Quai Ostervald. Or head for the Quai Ostervald. The giant bench is a great place to take a break and admire Lake Neuchâtel.
Stroll along the esplanade Léopold-Robert, where garden sheds line the path, to add even more color to your stay! If you’re staying at the Hôtel Beaulac, you’ll be able to get there in the blink of an eye, as the hotel is right on the esplanade.
Museum of art and history
First, you can discover more about the archaeology, fine arts and local history of the canton of Neuchâtel at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire. This museum is housed in a historic Neuchâtel building. It displays works of art (ancient and contemporary paintings) and archaeological exhibits specific to the Neuchâtel region.
Secondly, another archaeological must-see is the Laténium. This is Switzerland’s largest archaeological museum. It is not located in Neuchâtel itself, but on the outskirts of the city, in Hauterive. Its exhibits range from prehistory to medieval times. The Lathénium also has an outdoor archaeological park, featuring reconstructions of historic settlements. Time travel guaranteed!
For those interested in natural history, the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle de Neuchâtel is a must. This museum fascinates young and old with its exhibitions on fauna, flora and geology. The museum boasts an impressive collection of mammals, birds and insects, as well as temporary exhibitions on various subjects related to nature and science.
Finally, the Musée d’Ethnographie de Neuchâtel (MEN) invites you to discover different world cultures. The museum displays its collections of ethnographic objects from all five continents. Promoting understanding and respect for diverse human cultures and traditions through its exhibitions and educational programs is, above all, the MEN’s main mission.
Hôtel Beaulac’s not-to-be-missed special offer: Staying at Hôtel Beaulac Neuchâtel entitles you to free admission to all museums in Neuchâtel and the canton of Neuchâtel. Ask for the card directly at the hotel reception desk.
Neuchâtel Botanical Park
The Neuchâtel Botanical Park is designed to combine biodiversity and education. Located close to downtown Neuchâtel, you can enjoy an experience focused on botany and species conservation. The park covers several hectares, with plants from different climates and regions of the world. They are organized into different thematic sections.
These include greenhouses with tropical and subtropical species. You’ll also find rare and endangered plants. Finally, don’t forget to visit the alpine garden to find out more about mountain species.
The absinthe house
Visit the village of Môtiers, still in the canton of Neuchâtel. This is where you’ll find the House of Absinthe. Learn all about the history of what we here call “the green fairy”. This spirit is very well known, but we’re sure you don’t know all its secrets (yet). La maison de l’absinthe is an interactive museum and interpretation center in the Val-de-Travers region. This is where absinthe was born in the 19th century. From the secrets of its manufacture and artisanal distillation to the history of its prohibition and recent legal revival, you’ll have plenty to talk about!
The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the tasting. You can taste different absinthes, learn how to prepare them according to the traditional ritual with sugar and cold water, and appreciate the nuances of taste and aroma that make absinthe what it is today.
Cascade du Saut du Doubs
On the natural border between Switzerland and France, the Saut du Doubs waterfall is a natural wonder. The water cuts a path through the Jura limestone before plunging 27 metres below. The site is accessible via a number of hiking trails, and hikers can discover several waterfalls and basins along the way.
A special feature : in winter, the waterfall can be transformed into an ice sculpture!
This site is classified as a Grand Site National. It’s a real treat for the eyes, ears and soul. However, please use your common sense and kindness to respect the site and its eco-system.
International Watchmaking Museum, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Discover a beautiful tribute to the art of timekeeping at the Musée International d’Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Yes, if you’re in Switzerland, now’s a good time to enrich your local culture. And what could be better than watchmaking? This institution is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its watchmaking heritage. It boasts the world’s largest collection of timepieces.
Technological evolution and the aesthetics of time measurement will be on show. Visitors can admire different timepieces from different eras. For example, you’ll find pieces from the ancient Egyptian clepsydra, cuckoo clocks, Swiss chronographs and today’s high-precision watches.
Skiing in the canton of Neuchâtel
In winter, the canton of Neuchâtel becomes a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts. The La Brévine region, nicknamed “the Siberia of Switzerland”, offers ideal conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in a magical snow-covered landscape.
For detailed information on winter sports in the canton of Neuchâtel, please refer to the article here: Winter sports and skiing in Neuchâtel
To conclude
The canton of Neuchâtel invites you to take part in a wide range of activities and discoveries. This Swiss canton is a place rich in history, culture and heritage, with landscapes and nature that guarantee a return to your roots.
For travelers staying at the Hôtel Beaulac in Neuchâtel, don’t hesitate to ask reception for all the information you need to discover Neuchâtel and the Neuchâtel canton, and we’ll give you a precise answer.
If you are not yet staying at the Hotel Beaulac Neuchâtel, you can make a reservation here, directly on the home page of our website: Book a room at the Hotel Beaulac Neuchâtel
