Attractions and Places To See in Locle - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Locle include a blend of its watchmaking heritage and natural landscapes. This Swiss city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its unique urban development and deep-rooted industrial history. The region offers diverse attractions, from historical sites to significant natural features like lakes and caves.
Best attractions and places to see in Locle
- The most popular attractions is Bear Cave, a cave that features a large rock overhang with several holes in a gorge. This grotto is located in the Combe Poëta, offering a scenic hiking trail.
- Another must-see spot is La Brévine Weather Station, a man-made monument. This location is known for recording Switzerland's lowest winter temperatures, often reaching −30°C.
- Visitors also love Brenets Lake, a lake nestled in the Jura massif. It is overlooked by wooded cliffs and consists of three basins, leading to the Saut de Doubs.
- Locle is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including caves, lakes, and man-made monuments.
- The attractions in Locle are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and 11 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
La Brévine Weather Station
Highlight • Monument
Temperatures of −30 °C are not uncommon, earning the place the nickname "Siberia of Switzerland". At the La Brévine measuring station, on January 12, 1987, −41.8 °C was recorded, the lowest temperature ever measured at an official MeteoSchweiz station in Switzerland.
For the 1991–2020 normal period, the average annual temperature is 5.3 °C, with January at −3.5 °C being the coldest and July at 14.4 °C being the warmest monthly average temperatures. On average, around 183 frost days and 36 ice days are to be expected here. There are an average of 15 to 16 summer days per year, while an average of one heat day is recorded.
The MeteoSchweiz measuring station is located at an altitude of 1050 meters.
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Brenets Lake
Highlight • Lake
You can find information on prices and departure times here: nlb.ch/index.php/de
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Le Locle Town Hall and Public Gardens
Highlight • Monument
Town hall (1913-1917) and municipal gardens - beautiful building inspired by the Heimat style, decorated on the outside with monumental frescoes by the artist Biéler and on the inside with tempera paintings by the artist Blailé. The town hall is undoubtedly the most photographed building in the mother municipality. Free visit on request at the Tourist Information Point, open every day (office 12). Don't forget to visit the "Time and Urban Landscape" area on the third floor.
Text / Source: Text / Source: Jura Trois Lacs Three Lakes Country
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The Pillory of Les Brenets
Highlight • Historical Site
Elegantly carved and with the date of 1621 engraved on the base, this column was part of the pillory of the Brenets. This pillory consisted of two columns (the second has disappeared) and was located on the sloping ground near the college.
In past centuries, the pillory is used for the execution of light punishments (drunkenness, adultery, slander ...). The convicts are tied to it by the straitjacket, the metal collar that encloses their neck, or locked in the turnstile (a kind of rotating cage). This notorious punishment exposes them to the gaze and ridicule of the public.
Blood crimes and certain robberies are punished by death, by beheading, hanging, rolling, strangulation or burning at the stake. Executions take place in public. Torture is often used to extract confessions. In the Principality of Neuchâtel, as everywhere in Europe, justice is strict.
In 1815, the King of Prussia, shocked by this system, banned torture. In 1817, he extended the right of pardon and made the death penalty much rarer. It was finally abolished in 1854. As for the Brenets' pillory, it was overturned in 1842.
Text / Source: Ville du Locle Chancellerie Communale, Le Locle
lelocle.ch/le-pilori-des-brenets/#:~:text=Le%20pilori%20des%20Brenets%20El%C3%A9gamment%20sculpt%C3%A9%20et%20portant,sur%20le%20terrain%20en%20pente%2C%20pr%C3%A8s%20du%20coll%C3%A8ge.
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Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Bear Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Lake Taillères
Highlight • Lake
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Underground Mills of Col-des-Roches
Highlight • Cave
« There is a small house right under the rock, oh I can see it clearly! Whitewashed, with blue painted window frames... We climb down the stairs to the cellar. There are sacks and boxes of flour here. You can hear a wonderful roaring sound under the floor; Down a few more steps and we have to light the lamp because it is dark here. We are now in a large water mill. Deep underground a river roars; above, no one dreams of the same thing. Oh, you will love this mill as I love it! »
Text / Source: Moulins souterrains
lesmoulins.ch/de
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Saut du Doubs Restaurant
Highlight • Restaurant
saut-du-doubs.ch
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Picnic area
Highlight • Rest Area
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Popular around Locle
Arc jurassien in Switzerland – 4 stages through the wild Jura Mountains
Cycling in the Jura & Three-Lakes Region
Waterside hiking in the Jura & Three-Lakes region
Follow France’s Doubs River through spectacular landscapes
Through forests, meadows and gorges – The Neuchâtel Bike
From the Vosges to the Jura mountains – Hexatrek, le Grand Est
Hiking in Locle
Running Trails in Locle
MTB Trails in Locle
Cycling in Locle
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Tips from the Community
For hotel guests, a boat trip to the waterfalls and back is free ... otherwise the one-way trip costs 9 sfr
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Rustic restaurant with terrace located directly on the Doubs.
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Lac des Brenets is nestled in the Jura massif, overlooked by wooded cliffs. The lake consists of three basins, ending with the impressive Saut de Doubs.
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really nice guided tour of the underground mill, also in German; it is unique and cannot be found anywhere else.
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The underground mills of Col-des-Roches are a set of mills and underground tunnels built in the 17th century to harness the power of an underground river. A point of interest on your route and perhaps an opportunity to take a break and buy tickets for later.
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If you're looking for a fun break from your run in the Swiss Jura, you can visit the Grotte de l'Ours, near Ponts-de-Martel. This is not a deep cave, but rather a large rock formation with several holes that you can explore. The cave is located in a beautiful little gorge, the Combe Poëta, and the path leading there is already an attraction in itself. You can admire the forest, streams and peat bogs all along the way.
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Lac des Taillères is a magnificent lake located in the Neuchâtel Jura, near the French border. It is also nicknamed the "Siberia of Switzerland" due to its cold winters and record low temperatures. You can admire the view of the lake, the forest and the wildflowers that line its banks as you drive around the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore in Le Locle?
Le Locle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a rich blend of industrial heritage and cultural institutions. You can visit the Watch Museum at the Château des Monts to delve into the city's watchmaking history, or explore the unique Underground Mills of Col-des-Roches, which harnessed hydropower in karst caves. The impressive Le Locle Town Hall is also a notable architectural landmark. For art enthusiasts, the Musée des Beaux-Arts hosts temporary exhibitions, and you can even take a Street Art Tour or follow the Parcours Uhrmacher to discover the city's watchmaking heritage.
Are there any unique natural features or viewpoints to visit in Le Locle?
Yes, Le Locle is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. You can visit Brenets Lake, nestled in the Jura massif, which offers scenic boat tours from April to autumn. Another unique spot is Lake Taillères, known as the 'Siberia of Switzerland' for its cold winters. For a more adventurous experience, the Viewpoint of the Via Ferrata du Tichodrome offers breathtaking panoramas of the Val de Travers.
What outdoor activities are available near Le Locle?
Le Locle is an excellent starting point for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and mountain biking trails in the surrounding Neuchâtel Jura region. For cycling, explore routes like 'Little Siberia' or the 'Arc jurassien: La Brévine Loop' as detailed in the Cycling in Locle guide. Gravel biking enthusiasts can tackle challenging routes such as 'Typical Jura countryside' or 'Areuse River – Creux du Van loop' from the Gravel biking in Locle guide. There are also running trails, including the 'Sentier des Bornes' and the 'Lac des Tailleres' loop, which you can find in the Running Trails in Locle guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Le Locle?
Absolutely! Many attractions in Le Locle are suitable for families. The Bear Cave, located in the scenic Combe Poëta gorge, is a fun spot to explore. Families can also enjoy boat tours on Brenets Lake or visit the La Brévine Weather Station, known for its extreme winter temperatures. The Le Locle Town Hall and Public Gardens offer a pleasant area for a stroll, and the Picnic area provides a great spot for a family meal amidst nature.
What is the 'Siberia of Switzerland' and where can I find it?
The 'Siberia of Switzerland' refers to the region around Lake Taillères and La Brévine, known for recording Switzerland's lowest winter temperatures, often reaching −30°C. You can find the La Brévine Weather Station in this area, which holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded at an official MeteoSwiss station. Despite the cold, the area offers scenic drives with views of the lake, forest, and wildflowers.
Can I visit a watch manufacture in Le Locle?
Yes, as a cradle of the watchmaking industry, Le Locle offers the opportunity to visit the Zenith Watch Manufacture. Here, you can witness the intricate watchmaking process, learn about Zenith's history, and explore interactive displays, providing a deep insight into this renowned craft.
Are there any challenging trails or climbs for experienced hikers?
For adventurous visitors, the Via Ferrata du Tichodrome offers a safe climbing route along natural ledges on a rocky cliff overlooking the Val de Travers. This activity requires agility and a good sense of heights. The Viewpoint from this via ferrata provides a breathtaking panorama. Please note that the via ferrata is closed from January 1 to June 30 to protect the tichodrome bird's reproduction period.
What is the best time of year to visit Le Locle?
The best time to visit Le Locle depends on your interests. For boat tours on Brenets Lake and general outdoor activities, the period from April to autumn is ideal. If you are interested in experiencing the unique cold climate of the 'Siberia of Switzerland' around Lake Taillères and La Brévine Weather Station, winter offers a distinct experience. However, some activities like the Via Ferrata du Tichodrome are closed during certain months (January to June).
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1471035" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bear Cave</a>?
The Bear Cave (Grotte de l'Ours) is a large rock overhang with several holes, located in the beautiful Combe Poëta gorge. While it's not a deep cave system, it's a fascinating natural formation worth seeing. The hiking trail leading to it is considered a highlight in itself, offering views of the forest, streams, and peat bogs.
Are there options for public transport to attractions in Le Locle?
Yes, public transport options are available. The Les Brenets Railway Station historically connected Le Locle with Les Brenets. While the train service was replaced by an electric bus in December 2023, this bus now uses the railway tunnel and part of the route, connecting to the lake. This provides a convenient way to reach the area around Brenets Lake and the Saut du Doubs.
What is the significance of the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/5017880" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Le Locle Town Hall</a>?
The Le Locle Town Hall is an impressive building located in the city's center, showcasing a blend of architectural styles. It features a broad pediment adorned with frescoes by artist Biéler and interior tempera paintings by Blailé, making it a significant cultural and architectural landmark in the city.
Can I find easy walking trails in Le Locle?
Yes, Le Locle offers several options for easy walks. A two-hour Nature Path in the Forest Reserves provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural heritage and learn about the ecosystem through didactic panels. The area around Lake Taillères also offers scenic drives and walks with views of the lake and surrounding nature. Many of the trails around the highlights are suitable for leisurely exploration.
Most popular routes in Locle
Most popular attractions in Locle
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