Neuchâtel: Exploring Switzerland in Spring

June 10, 2026

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Lakeside views, medieval streets, and an unexpected adventure – Neuchâtel

Some of the very best travel moments are the ones you never plan.

After leaving Morges, we were slowly making our way back toward Annecy, still taking in the beauty of the Swiss landscape around us. We were about an hour and a half from home when we saw a sign for Neuchâtel. My daughter and I looked at each other with that unspoken question: Should we do it?

There was still plenty of daylight left, and we had both heard how beautiful the city was. So, with a quick “YOLO — you only live once,” we suddenly found ourselves exiting the highway ramp with a renewed burst of energy and curiosity.

The moment we entered the city, we knew we had made the right decision.

First Impressions of Lake Neuchâtel

We were immediately greeted by breathtaking views of the lake surrounded by mountains. The city wrapped itself along the shoreline, with a long boardwalk stretching beside the water and neighborhoods gently climbing the hillside above.

Everything seemed painted in shades of blue, the sky, the water, and the sunlight reflecting across the lake. The homes stacked along the hillsides gave the city a warmth and charm that felt both elegant and relaxed at the same time.

Wanting to get as close to the lake as possible, we searched for parking and somehow managed to find a spot only about 50 meters from the water. It even happened to be so easy to park in, which felt like a small miracle in itself. We joked that the parking angels were clearly with us that day.

A Mediterranean Feeling in Switzerland

At first, we began walking along the boardwalk, which seemed to stretch endlessly in both directions. The atmosphere immediately felt different, relaxed, warm, and full of life. People were strolling along the wide sidewalks, enjoying the sunshine and the lake air.

What surprised me most was how Mediterranean the city felt. Between the waterfront, the outdoor cafés, and the slower pace, it almost felt as though we had somehow drifted much farther south.

Eventually we found the center of town, a beautiful square surrounded by medieval buildings, cafés, and little shops. We settled into an outdoor lunch and simply enjoyed the feeling of being there, with no plans and nowhere we urgently needed to be.

Climbing to the Castle

After lunch, we wandered onto a cobblestone pathway lined with several flights of stairs leading up toward the castle at the top of the hill.

The climb was well worth it.

At the top, we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views overlooking the lake and the city below. Nearby, there was a small park, a dog area, and a passionate bocce ball game taking place. It was one of those ordinary but memorable scenes that somehow captures the spirit of a place.

By the end of the afternoon, we both agreed that Neuchâtel deserved a return visit. There were still so many winding streets, hillside homes, and hidden corners left to explore.