Join InterNations

The world's largest expat community

What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Neuchatel Lake

  • Connect with fellow expats in Neuchatel Lake

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Neuchatel Lake

  • Andrey Vasilyev

    I was able to connect with other expats in Zurich who enjoy cycling as much as I do and organize weekly rides.

Relocating to Neuchatel Lake

About the City

Close to the French border in Switzerland lies the charming Neuchatel Lake. Of the lakes that lay entirely in the country, Neuchatel is the largest and, though it is 38 kilometers long, it is only eight kilometers wide. In the French speaking part of Switzerland and situated in the region of Romandy, the city of Neuchatel is located to the north of the lake, and rests on its banks. Neuchatel is not a large town, with only 33,000 inhabitants.

It therefore has the delightful charm unique to these small Swiss-French towns, though over a third of the inhabitants are foreign nationals. While French is the main language, German and Italian are also spoken. Neuchatel Lake is overlooked by a beautiful old château and medieval cathedral.

The Climate in Neuchatel Lake

The area surrounding Neuchatel Lake has a continental climate with mild to warm summers and cold winters. The summers run from May through to September where the highest temperatures reach around 24°C. The winters can be very icy, and between December and March the temperatures can get below freezing, and at night are very low.

The area also receives rainfall all year round, though this is at its highest in the early summer. During the summer months, the breeze off Neuchatel Lake is very welcome to cool the heat from the sun, but in the winter, this wind can become an icy, and staying in sheltered areas will protect you from the cold. Snowfall is not uncommon during the coldest months, whilst the edges of the lake may freeze.

Finding Accommodation

Accommodation in Neuchatel and the surrounding area can be very expensive, as the scenery makes this a very desirable place to live. As with any town, getting away from the center will result in a drop in prices, but the whole area is very exclusive, so be prepared for the fact that the place you are living in may be smaller than what you are used to.

Usually your employer will help you to find accommodation, and the transport links into the city are good enough that you can commute from a smaller town further away from the lake, as the area directly surrounding the lake is the most expensive. If at all possible, wait until you arrive in the country before securing a place to live, because you will be able to gain a much better understanding of what you are getting for your money.

Above the lake, above the clouds, let's be trendy and meet at the top of Beaulac Hotel, at the waves, where a section has been booked for Internations. DJ, finger food, cocktails and friends...what el
Hello, InterNations Neuchâtel team! I hope you are all doing well and ready for a new rendez-vous, this time in a special place, like all our proposals of course! 😃 So we can’t wait to meet you at
Dear all, we wish all of you a wonderful year. We would like to invite you at the Cerf (second floor) to celebrate together. As usual, finger food, wines, beers, soft drinks will be available to make
Hello Neuchâtel Lake Community, I hope you are all well and ready to experience the most beautiful month of the year with your family, friends and loved ones! We, because we adore you and always wa

See all upcoming events for expats in Neuchatel Lake

Our Global Partners