Why I Heart Neuchâtel

Always aiming higher, her goal is to one day be General Manager of a luxury boutique hotel providing a home away from home feeling for her guests and a dream working environment for employees. Fenja places great value in a sense of community and has found it in her own temporary home away from home in Neuchâtel. Here are her highlights and recommendations for this beautiful Swiss city.

The minute I arrived to Neuchâtel I was taken with the old town with all the beautiful buildings and narrow streets. The lake is just breathtaking and the city has so much flair with a laid-back atmosphere that I was instantly impressed.

When someone comes to visit, the first place I take him or her is definitely the lake. On a sunny day, you can see the mountains in the distance, take a walk along the shore or even swim. The restaurants and bars are the place to be and there is no type of cuisine you can’t find.

The best view in the city is from the Château but if you want a breathtaking view of the mountains, the lake and the city all at once, you should take the Funicular Chaumont to the top then hike back down to Neuchâtel through the forest.

As soon as the sun comes out, you can find the Neuchâtel locals having a coffee at one of the lovely cafés on Place des Halles or gathering the whole family for a picnic at the lake.

Most people don’t know that Neuchâtel is famous for watch-making, chocolate and winemaking.

A great night out in Neuchâtel starts at the Student Bar at IHTTI where you will definitely meet all your friends and fellow students. Afterwards, we move to Inside Box to enjoy the chic but relaxed atmosphere before hitting the dance floor in Para or Rudolphe.

The best place to go on a student budget is the Thai restaurant on Rue des Chavannes for great food and good portion sizes. For a night out on a budget, you can enjoy some drinks by the lake or join your colleagues in the Student Bar. And don’t forget the view from the balcony at IHTTI is free!

If I had an unlimited budget, after waking up in my hotel room directly on the lake in Hotel Palafitte, I would enjoy a healthy breakfast. Afterwards, I would drive to St. Blaise to treat myself to a couple of hours of stand-up paddling on the lake, simply enjoying the peace and quiet and the beautiful nature. After the obligatory shopping trip to the beautiful hidden boutiques all around Neuchâtel, I would enjoy my afternoon coffee on the terrace of the Beau-Rivage hotel before treating myself to a lovely dinner at their restaurant and a digestive walk along the lake.

The place to go in the summer is for a barbecue by the lake or rent a boat for a view of Neuchâtel from the water. The really brave ones can go for a swim in the lake too!

The place to go in the spring is all around the lake! Grab the first ice cream of the season and enjoy all the beautiful spring flowers, the stunningly clear waters, the first rays of sunshine and the beautiful mountain range in the background.

The place to go in the autumn is the Fête des Vendanges! During the festival, the lakeside and the town centre of Neuchâtel are filled with food and drink stalls, attractions and party tents. It’s the place to be for everyone from the Canton to try the new wines but also have a crazy party weekend.

The place to go in the winter is ice-skating at the Maladière Shopping Centre while enjoying a hot chocolate to warm up.

The local specialties not to be missed are Neuchâtel sausages, local wines and the chocolates from Chocolaterie Walder.

At first glance Neuchâtel seems to be tiny, but once you know your way around you will discover so many great restaurants, bars and shops. If you look a little further, you will discover beautiful spots all around the city and many museums and theatres.

When I leave I will miss the sunny days that I spend with my friends at IHTTI.