The best walks and hikes around Lac de Neuchâtel

There are over 25 hiking trails around Lac de Neuchâtel, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find a good mix of easy strolls and moderate hikes, with 15 easy routes and 12 moderate routes available.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,600 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from serene lakeside paths and dramatic gorges to picturesque vineyards and historical sites. The well-maintained trails and varied terrain are frequently highlighted.

Yes, Lac de Neuchâtel offers many easy trails perfect for families and leisurely walks. Lakeside paths, such as sections of the "Sentier du Lac de Neuchâtel," provide stunning views and are often suitable for prams. The Grande Cariçaie Nature Reserve also features accessible trails through its unique wetland ecosystem. For a specific example, the Small Dog Beach loop from Delley-Portalban is an easy option.

For more challenging hikes, head towards the Jura Mountains. The impressive Creux du Van natural amphitheater offers demanding routes, such as the "14 contours trail" from Noiraigue, which provides breathtaking panoramic views. The Areuse Gorges also feature a 12 km trail with rock-carved stairways and narrow passages that require good fitness.

Many of the routes around Lac de Neuchâtel are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Gor Mills – Seyon Gorges loop from Champ-Bougin is a popular moderate circular trail that takes you through scenic gorges.

While a bit further afield, the impressive Saut du Doubs Waterfall is accessible via family-friendly hikes starting from Les Brenets. This is the largest waterfall of the Doubs River, where water plunges 27 meters, and boat cruises on Lac des Brenets can be combined with the hike for a full experience.

The region is rich in natural landmarks and viewpoints. You can hike to the dramatic Creux du Van for its amphitheater-like rock formations, or climb Mont Vully for superb views of the "Three Lakes Country." The Areuse Gorges offer picturesque scenery along the river, and the Grande Cariçaie Nature Reserve provides unique wetland landscapes. The Esplanade du Mont-Blanc (Neuchâtel Waterfront Promenade) also offers lovely lake views.

Many trails around Lac de Neuchâtel are dog-friendly, especially the lakeside paths and forest routes. However, for physically demanding hikes like the "14 contours trail" to Creux du Van, it's advised to leave dogs at home due to the presence of livestock. Always check local signage and keep dogs on a leash where required.

Hiking around Lac de Neuchâtel allows you to explore charming old towns and historical sites. The Grandson Castle – Grandson Castle and Old Town loop from Grandson is a great option. Estavayer-le-Lac, with its picturesque old town and mighty castle, is another notable stop. The Château de Vaumarcus loop from Concise also leads past historical sites.

Yes, many hiking trails around Lac de Neuchâtel are accessible by public transport. The region has a good network of trains and buses that can take you to trailheads, especially in towns and villages along the lake and in the valleys leading to the Jura mountains. It's advisable to check local transport schedules when planning your hike.

Absolutely. The region is known for its vineyard landscapes, particularly around areas like Cortaillod and Mont Vully. You can find trails that wind through these picturesque vineyards, often offering opportunities for wine-tasting in charming local establishments.

The best time for hiking around Lac de Neuchâtel is generally from spring to autumn (April to October), when the weather is mild and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for combining hikes with lake activities, while spring and autumn provide beautiful colors and fewer crowds. Winter hiking is also possible on lower-altitude trails, but some higher routes may be inaccessible due to snow.