7 Things To Do In La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland

1. International Clock Museum

This museum is a must see. If you are going to the big city, you should visit the museum dedicated to the watch making industry and history. And that is the Musée International d'Horlogerie (MIH), with more than 4,500 collection pieces, 2,700 watches and around 700 wall clocks in the exhibition. Many famous and watch companies, and some not so famous, started in La Chaux de Fonds. It makes sense that a museum of such importance was set up in this city. The history of timekeeping is a big part of its history and when visiting the museum, guests can become an active part of it in the present. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm It is only closed on Mondays. The entrance fee for adults, it’s about 15 USD, but for children of 12, it’s just the half. The museum is prepared for visitors from all around the world and offers guided tours in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Dutch. If you are curious, you should check it out!

Musée International d'Horlogerie (MIH)

Address: Rue des Musées 29, 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland

Website: Musée International d'Horlogerie

2. Bois du Petit-Château Zoo

This is not an ordinary outdoor activity, but after a day of watch making history, your children are going to love it. The Bois du Petit-Château is the city forest of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Imagine a magical forest full of animals. That is what you’ll find, except for the magic. But you will see about 250 animals, from the different species the city has hosted for over 100 years. There are also some features to make your visit more comfortable like picnic spots, playgrounds for the kids and an incredible vivarium with a big collection of fish, amphibians and reptiles. And for the animals, this is a sanctuary for health and good living in the wild nature. Another plus is that the zoo has no entrance fee! No paying for tickets to get in. Just make sure to be on time. It won’t be too hard because it’s open every day from 8 am to 6 pm.

Bois du Petit-Château Zoo

Address: Alexis-Marie-Piaget 82

Website: Bois du Petit-Château Zoo

3. Le Corbusier's "Maison Blanche"

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Visit a landmark of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The world famous architect, Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, who became known by the name Le Corbusier, built the stunning Maison Blanche (White House) for his parents in the hills of his native town. This was his home and laboratory from which he continues creating architectural masterpieces for five decades all over the world.

The Maison Blanche is a sample of the best architecture of the 20th century. It’s one of a kind since Le Corbusier’s was inspired by many styles and made a mix for this project between neoclassic style and Art Nouveau. With your visit, you can also spend some time in the beautiful gardens that surround the house. The Maison Blanche is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm.

Maison Blanche

Address: 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland

Website: Maison Blanche

4. Art Nouveau walk

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For architecture fans, this is a city that will blow your mind. One great option for building lovers is to explore the “Art Nouveau chaux-de-fonnier,” mixing the nature of the Jura mountain, with houses and buildings made with ironwork, stained glass windows and stairwells. You can choose among exploring yourself with the help of a brochure you can easily get from the tourism offices or book there a guided tour for experts to go with you, explaining the many secrets of the city along the way.

Art Nouveau walk

Address: La Chaux-de-Fonds

Website: Art Nouveau walk

5. Fine Arts Museum

There’s also a big attraction in La Chaux-de-Fonds for art enthusiasts. The Fine Arts Museum hosts a big exhibition of Swiss and international art from the 19th and 20th centuries. But the building itself, it’s a masterpiece that goes perfectly together with the work of art, adding the perfect lighting and depth. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. The adult ticket for admission is only 15 USD and you can spend the day walking around beauty and talent from the last two centuries.

Musée des beaux-arts

Address: Rue des Musées 33, 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland

Website: Musée des beaux-arts

6. Robosphere

Although many of the attractions in La Chaux-de-Fonds are more for adults, the city doesn’t forget about the kids, and this is one place they will never forget! In this museum, the incredible world of robots is accessible to the general public to become one with the best technology. The exhibition is oriented to three target groups: the general public (that can access the world of robots and learn all about them with educational and recreational activities), professionals and enthusiasts who can attend the presentations and experimentation rooms and a documentation center with all the information anyone could ever want about robots. Here, you can also find a gift shop, a robotic buffet and restaurant. It’s one of a kind.

Robosphere

Address: Les Cornes-Morel 15, 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland

Website: Robosphere

7. Escape Now

After spending the day walking on history, you can become part of a story. Have you ever tried escape games? You have to find the puzzle or solve a crime in a short period of time, while you are locked in a room with your group of friends and family. This is the sort of activity that will make your imagination run wild.

Escape Now

Address: Rue du Parc 31, La Chaux-de-Fonds

Website: Escape Now

Be one of the privileged guests

La Chaux-de-Fonds might not be the most popular destination, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not prepared for visitors. On the contrary, as you can see, this is a wonderful city of the world to get to know, very different to others and with very specific attractions to keep you busy. Have a unique holiday in Switzerland and learn a lot about this region and it’s history. Become a part of it.