So French in so many ways (it is said to have the purest French language in the world!) yet remaining endearingly Swiss by peat bogging, watches, and all things wintery, Neuchâtel has many sides to it. Care to discover them? Here are 14 things to do to get you through any time of the year.
1. Mountain coaster Féeline
What is a mountain coaster? It is a gravity-driven amusement ride with bobsled-like cars on tracks installed on a mountain. The most famous in the region of Neuchâtel and one of the most famous in the world is the one at Robella summer/winter bobsled ride. With the village of Buttes below and a plethora of thrill-giving elements down the rail, everything is taken in. And once at the finish line, there is a devilish desire to start all over again.
Mountain coaster Féeline
2. Via Ferrata Noiraigue
With a length of 550 meters (1,804 feet) and usually open only half the year (July 1st to December 31st), this circuit is adequate, especially for those who have not yet experienced anything similar, but would still like to enjoy the goose-pimple-giving views. Allow 3.5 hours to complete, starting from Noiraigue.
Via Ferrata Noiraigue
3. Watchmaking
What is Switzerland most famous for, apart from winter sports, chocolate, and cheese? Indeed, watches. In this area of the country, the history of watchmaking is illustrated and explained. There is the International Museum of Horology in La Chaux-de-Fonds dealing with the study of time, timekeeping, and timekeeping devices. And then there is Château des Monts in Le Locle, showcasing a collection initiated back in 1849.
Website: International Museum of Horology
Website: Château des Monts in Le Locle
4. Underground mills of Le Col-des-Roches
400 years ago, a cave factory unique in Europe was set up to harness the underground streams. The underground mills were used extensively until the 19th-century, then they were transformed into abattoirs and subsequently closed. Nowadays, they have been restored by volunteers and visits are possible.
Le Col-des-Roches
5. Horseback riding
Horse country welcomes you! The multitude of trails comes with a variety of offers: accompanied rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, or simply multi-day activities just exploring the scenery on the back of a horse.
Horseback Riding
6. Creux du Van
Although very crowded, it is still great to walk to this natural rocky cirque. Are you in for even nicer surprises? In 1965, they introduced ibexes in the area. As of 2009, there were 17. Fingers crossed you can spot at least 1 or 2!
Creux du Van
When the sun pierces the clouds...
As soon as it gets warmer, new activities and experiences can be enjoyed! Scroll down to find your favorite!
7. Hiking
One of the best routes to follow is through the Areuse Gorges. Remember that it can be treacherous and slippery. The hike from Noiraigue to Boudry takes about three hours; and then, one can take a tram/bus to Neuchâtel.
Areuse Gorges
8. Mountain biking
Several routes, for all levels, and allegedly providing the most beautiful mountain bike circuit of the entire canton: 5 stages starting and ending in Neuchâtel, via Chézard, St.-Martin, La Chaux-de-Fonds, and La Brévine. You will cycle along castles, with the Swiss Midlands and the Alps constantly watching over.
Mountain Biking
9. Peat bogging
Bogs are special wetlands formed by the accumulation of peat (a deposit of dead plants). I’ve made my way through boggy terrain usually to the North (in Scotland, there is also a bog factor listed whenever you go hiking), so having to deal with it in Switzerland was an interesting surprise. Bogging can be a challenge for you to avoid getting wet, so come prepared.
10. Roller skating
Inline skating and roller skating are great traditions in this part of Switzerland! There are clubs, competitions, meetings, and disco nights on roller skates organized regularly. You wouldn’t have guessed it, would’ve you?
When ice is queen...
The cold and the snow are typical conditions for Swiss mountains. Can the temperatures be overturned by the fun hidden in the following 4 pastimes?
11. Snowboarding & skiing
Bugnenets-Savagnières is the norm. A snowbus connects the resort to Neuchâtel via Val-de-Ruz. There are two ski schools on site and an equipment hiring office. 30 km (18 mi) of runs: 4 black, 5 red, and 5 blue.
Bugnenets-Savagnières
12. Cross-country skiing
The winter wonderland of the Neuchâtel Jura hosts cross-country skiing trails at their best. Many runs are flat, thus addressed to beginners, and include frozen lake circuits. Another advantage? They are not crowded at all; you will thus get a feeling of accomplishment when you’re done.
The Jura
13. Ice skating
At wintertime, idyllic Lake Les Taillères turns into a natural skating rink and the perfect ice skating conditions are well-known. Make sure, however, that the ice is thick enough to allow activities on it. Patinoire du Littoral is the official venue in Neuchâtel for organizing competitions or simply enjoying a day/night out with friends. Be careful – it turns into a roller/inline skating rink once the winter’s gone.
Lake Les Taillères
14. Snow-shoeing
Apparently, the Juras are a snow-shoeing paradise. With a heavenly landscape in store and several marked trails, snow-shoeing tours are a glitzy business: sparkling wine at their start, fondue and mulled wine at their completion. Light on equipment and flexible in terms of times of day, snow-shoeing is an activity extremely easy to learn.
Neuchatel By Snowshoe
Another type of ending
After reading my extensive list, happy travels to Neuchâtel! May luck and the views be on your side! I may have failed to mention many of the peculiar aspects of the region, like its famous wines from grapes grown on the banks of Lake Neuchâtel, or the knack for preparing absinthe – which was actually born here, back in the day. I rest assured though that the avid travelers will fight to discover the missing pieces of the puzzle, just like in a real and interactive game.