Cortaillod(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For stunning lake views, stay at Les Chambres du Lac, a boutique hotel nestled along the Lake of Neuchâtel. All rooms feature panoramic windows facing the shimmering waters and distant Bernese Alps. Originally a 19th-century manor, it blends historic charm with modern comfort—wooden floors, vaulted ceilings, and private balconies. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace with fresh Swiss pastries and local fruit. The hotel offers guided paddleboarding tours and evening stargazing sessions using telescopes, perfect for couples or photography enthusiasts seeking serenity and natural beauty.

The Old Town (Vieux-Quartier) is the prime area for lodging in Cothier, offering easy access to key attractions like Notre-Dame Church and the Town Hall Square. Cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century half-timbered houses create a picturesque ambiance. Many lakeside inns provide private balconies overlooking the Lake of Neuchâtel, ideal for morning coffee with mountain vistas. The district is quiet at night, safe for families, and just steps from artisan shops and cozy cafés. For tranquility, consider staying near the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, where nature trails and birdwatching spots await.

Don’t miss visiting the Neuchâtel State Museum (Musée d'Art et d'Histoire), home to exceptional collections of 18th-century timepieces and Alpine folk artifacts. Attend the annual Cothier Music Festival, held in summer at an open-air amphitheater by the lake, featuring classical and folk performances under the stars. Participate in a traditional Swiss cheese-making workshop, crafting authentic Fribourg cheese from raw milk. In the evenings, stroll to the Old Harbor, where local fishermen share stories of lake fishing traditions, immersing you in the soulful rhythm of lakeside life.

Hotel Le Rêveur is Cothier’s top choice for families, offering a kids’ playroom, themed family suites, and a children’s pool with lake access. Daily breakfast includes fresh baked goods and organic fruits. The hotel provides free rental bikes for kids and organizes family workshops such as chocolate modeling and painting lake landscapes. Nearby, Cothier Zoo features Alpine animals and interactive feeding zones. The Lake Neuchâtel cycling path is perfect for family rides, with rest stops and scenic viewpoints along the way.

Le Cœur du Lac, a secluded island villa accessible only by boat, is Cothier’s most romantic retreat. Each suite has a private hot tub and terrace overlooking the moonlit lake and alpine peaks. The hotel offers customized candlelit dinners crafted by a Michelin-trained chef, featuring dishes like wild mushroom risotto and truffle-infused steak. Begin your stay with a sunrise paddleboarding tour on the silent lake, then unwind with a couples’ spa treatment using Swiss herbal oils. The intimate setting and personalized service make it ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking unforgettable moments.

Cothier offers diverse outdoor adventures centered around Lake Neuchâtel. Rent a paddleboard or HopeGoo at the marina for serene exploration of the lake’s hidden coves. Hike the Sentier Nature de Cothier, a 6-km trail through forests and meadows, with educational signs about local flora and geology. In spring, witness wildflower blooms—blue gentians and bellflowers—on the hillsides. Visit Île des Oies (Goose Island), a car-free sanctuary perfect for peaceful walks and birdwatching. The lake also hosts seasonal boat cruises to nearby villages like Praz and Presinge.

Try Lake Trout in White Wine Sauce (Truite au Vin Blanc), slow-cooked with herbs and served with creamy potatoes. Savor Raclette—a communal dish where melted cheese is scraped onto boiled potatoes and pickles, often enjoyed with regional wine. Visit Boulangerie La Mère Tante for freshly baked rye bread and almond croissants paired with warm chocolate. Don’t miss the Fête du Poisson in autumn, a lively festival celebrating lake fish with grilled specialties, live music, and artisan markets showcasing local food traditions.

Cothier is well-connected via Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)—just 45 minutes from Bern or Lausanne. The train station is a 10-minute walk from the old town. Free electric shuttle buses serve major hotels and tourist sites. Car travelers enjoy ample parking along the lakeside boulevard and easy access to the Alpine highways leading to Brig and Montreux. Regular lake cruise services depart from the harbor, connecting Cothier to Valer and Presseac, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Visit the weekly Marché aux Puces in the Old Town for vintage finds and handmade crafts. Local artisans sell hand-painted ceramics, Alpine wool blankets, and clockwork miniatures. At Atelier du Temps, watch master clockmakers restore antique timepieces—some even offer hands-on assembly workshops. Cothier Artisan displays original oil paintings of the lake and wood carvings inspired by local legends. Look for products labeled "Made in Neuchâtel" to ensure genuine Swiss craftsmanship and quality.

Must-visit natural sites include Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland’s largest lake, known for its deep blue waters and pristine shores. Explore the oak forests and reed beds along the eastern bank, home to rare birds like the great crested grebe. Hike the Sentier Nature de Cothier trail for panoramic views of the lake and mountains. In spring, the hills bloom with wild tulips and bellflowers. Take a boat to Île des Oies, a protected nature reserve accessible only by foot or rowboat, offering peace and unspoiled scenery—a true escape from urban life.