As a thousand-year-old city, Neuchâtel enchants visitors with its exceptional charm, elegance and privileged location on the largest lake in all of Switzerland. The area around the castle and abbey church is particularly lovely.
Neuchâtel Castle is one of the highlights of any visit to the city (the name derives from the Latin “novum castellum”). The walkway around the outer walls, which was completely renovated in 2020, leads along the hillside to the historic buildings of the city of Neuchâtel and a series of terraced gardens. The castle is now the seat of the cantonal government and can be discovered through guided tours during the summer months.
The construction of the collegiate church dates back to the beginning of the 12th century. After almost ten years of extensive restoration, this yellow stonework of this venerable monument, which is emblematic of Neuchâtel, now shines again in all its glory above the town. From the esplanade, visitors enjoy a magnificent view of the city. The three Romanesque apses opposite the castle portal are of extraordinary beauty. Only the south tower is still preserved in its old form. The cloister, which has also been completely restored and is richly decorated with flowers in the summer, is a very peaceful place. Not to be missed inside: the Monument of the Counts and Countesses of Neuchâtel!
The site and the collegiate church are open all year round and can be visited freely. The interior of the castle can only be visited via guided tours from April to the end of September and cost CHF 5.- per person.
Further information:
https://www.j3l.ch/en/P34082/castle-and-collegiate-church
https://www.j3l.ch/en/P70244/sentry-walk
