Lake Neuchâtel

Lake Neuchâtel (Lac de Neuchâtel) is the largest lake lying entirely within Switzerland, stretching along the foot of the Jura mountains in the west of the country. Germans call it the Neuenburgersee. It anchors the Jura and Three Lakes region (Trois-Lacs), with vineyard slopes, lakeside towns, beaches and nature reserves along its shores.

How big is Lake Neuchâtel?

The surface covers roughly 218 km². The lake runs about 38 km in length and up to around 8 km in width. Its greatest depth is about 152–153 m, and it holds some 14 cubic kilometres of water. On a clear day the Alps line up along the far horizon.

Which cantons share the shoreline?

Four cantons touch the water. The canton of Neuchâtel has the longest stretch at around 86 km, followed by Vaud (about 74 km) and Fribourg (about 53 km). Bern reaches the lake only at the north-eastern tip, in the Seeland area. French is spoken on most shores, with German heard near the language border.

What is there to see?

• Neuchâtel – the cantonal capital on the north shore, with its castle and a lakeside old town.
• Yverdon-les-Bains – the town at the southern end, known for its thermal baths.
• Estavayer-le-Lac – a medieval old town on the Fribourg shore, with Chenaux Castle, a marina and two beaches.
• Grande Cariçaie – Switzerland's biggest reed area, a mix of marshes, shallows and woodland along the south shore just east of Yverdon. The Pro Natura centre at Champ-Pittet is the usual starting point.
• Vineyards – the Jura-facing slopes on the north shore are planted with vines.

What are the Three Lakes?

Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel (Bienne) and Lake Murten (Morat) are linked by canals: the Thielle joins Neuchâtel to Biel, and the Broye connects it with Murten. Boat cruises can take you between the three lakes. The area is known as Trois-Lacs in French and Drei-Seen-Land in German, and has its own walking route, the Chemin des Trois-Lacs. Stage one, from Yverdon to Estavayer, is about 22 km and takes around 5.5 hours, passing Champ-Pittet, the reed reserve, Yvonand and Cheyres.

How can you spend time at the lake?

In summer people swim, sail, take boat trips and stroll along the promenades. Outside the season, cycling or walking along the shore, visiting wine growers and birdwatching in the Grande Cariçaie reserve all work well. From the north shore it is a short trip up into the Jura, where trails offer views back down over the water.

How do you get there?

Neuchâtel, Yverdon-les-Bains and Estavayer-le-Lac all have railway stations, with regional and long-distance trains from Bern, Lausanne and Zurich. Passenger boats serve harbours on Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel and Lake Murten, and cycle routes run around the shoreline.

Frequently asked questions

Is Neuchâtel a lake or a city? Both. The lake gave its name to the canton and its capital, which sits on the north shore.

How many cantons border the lake? Four: Neuchâtel, Vaud, Fribourg and Bern, the last only along a short stretch.

Is it the biggest lake in Switzerland? It is the largest lake located wholly inside Switzerland. Lake Geneva and Lake Constance are bigger but are shared with neighbouring countries.

Where is the best place for nature? The Grande Cariçaie reserve on the south shore, near Yverdon-les-Bains and Estavayer-le-Lac.