[Danielsan]

24 July 2025 at 11:34:46 #2768799

Hello forum folks,

Dragging my suitcase from Geneve airport after touching down around 0930 in September, I plan to leave my suitcase in a locker at the Lausanne train station. This will allow me to travel to the Lake Neuchatel area. I am looking for some advice on some areas/sights to see, as I have not yet explored this area. My interests, realizing there aren’t necessarily any cable cars in the area, basically are to see some beautiful lake side scenery, possibly even a boat on the lake as well. I’m curious as to whether the western shore of the lake is better than the eastern shore, as far as scenery is concerned. Basically, at this point, I’m contemplating taking the train up to Biel-Bienne and working my way down towards Grandson from there, possibly with some boat rides on the lake along the way. Also, are there any “must sees” along the way? Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Much appreciated.

Regards,

Danielsan

💡 Save time and get daily forum questions & answers by e-mail

[Roger Sexton]

Reply 1 of 5 • 24 July 2025 at 14:07:19 #2769632

Hello Danielsan

I am assuming that you are just looking at  a ‘day excursion’ from Lausanne.  I am assuming that you will be investing in a Swiss Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/).

The Jura mountains flank on to the north-west shores of both lakes Neuchatel and Biel/Bienne; the north-west shores are ‘better’, and more heavily populated.  (Biel is the German name for the city, Bienne is the French name.  The city is officially bi-lingual, and is best known for being the home of Omega watches.)

IC5 train leaves Lausanne at 04 and 34 minutes past each hour, and take 68/69 minutes to get to Biel/Bienne. If you sit on the right hand side of the train you will enjoy from the train the two ‘must sees’ of this region!  Firstly, if the weather is clear, you get a fantastic view across the central plain of Switzerland to the Alps.  Secondly, there are very extensive vineyards which (in September) will be ripe for harvesting!

There are boats on both lakes (included within the STP) but they are infrequent, and therefore rather difficult to slot into a day excursion.   What I would suggest is that after Biel/Bienne you have a look at the Jura mountains.  Take a train to La Chaux de Fonds (the highest town in Switzerland).  From La Chaux de Fonds go back down to Neuchatel.  The train on this line will pull into a somewhat remote country station  called Chambrelien.  It will then reverse direction and continue downhill through the vineyards to Neuchatel station which (like Lausanne and Lugano) is a bit above the level of the lake.
(The modern funicular at Neuchatel station leads down to the University.  For the city centre. catch the number 107 trolleybus.)

Best wishes
Roger

[User]

Reply 2 of 5 • 25 July 2025 at 10:59:12 #2771130

Hi Danielsan,

Nice to hear you are coming back to visit Switzerland 🙂

In addition to Roger’s helpful reply.  I guess, it also depends what sort of scenery you have a preference for.  Lake Neuchâtel is the largest Swiss lake.  As Roger mentions, you can enjoy views of the vineyards and villages on the one side and on the other it is a little more ‘green’, nature reserves, beaches.

You may find the below thread helpful too:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/community/thread/the-french-connection/

Kind regards,
Yolanda

[Danielsan]

Reply 3 of 5 • 1 August 2025 at 14:55:14 #2782045

Hello Roger and Yolanda,

Thank you for your replies. I have basically decided to just go to my hotel and leave my bag there (as per the hotel, near Cully), and continue on to Gruyères from there, via Montreux. This way, I can explore the Lake Neuchatel area bright and early the next morning and enjoy the day without being rushed in any way and go from there. Yes, I. will have the STP, as I have for my previous 3 trips, as it is unbeatable (in my opinion). I also want to explore Lausanne (the Olympic museum, etc) while there. I’ll be staying in Lavaux and looking forward to seeing the vineyards up close. Will also try to get to La Chaux de Fonds. Thanks again for your input.

Regards,

Danielsan

[Anna]

Reply 4 of 5 • 1 August 2025 at 15:49:15 #2782073

Hi Danielsan,

Great planning.  The Lavaux vineyards covers a big area and Cully is actually a good base to explore the vineyards. The classic Lavaux Wine Trail runs from Cully to Lutry, Epesses, Rivaz, Saint-Saphorin, and beyond. Details here: https://www.myswissalps.com/blog/hike-lutry-epesses/

Additionally, you can find information about Lausanne here: https://www.myswissalps.com/town/lausanne/

Regards,
Anna

[Danielsan]

Reply 5 of 5 • 1 August 2025 at 22:59:06 #2782105

Thanks, Anna. Some great info. I may do the trail from Lutry to Cully, since I will be staying at the Hotel Lavaux where it ends at Epesses. Thanks again.

Regards,

Danielsan