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

In Ortlieb, the top boutique option is Hôtel du Lac, a charming lakeside hotel with panoramic views of Lake Neuchâtel and elegant French-country decor. Located just steps from Saint-Maurice Church and scenic walking paths, it offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking authenticity. Another standout is Les Terrasses d'Orly, featuring modern amenities and private terraces perfect for savoring sunrise over the water. Both hotels provide access to vineyards and traditional Swiss village life.

The city center of Ortlieb is the ideal district for staying, offering easy access to Lake Neuchâtel, Saint-Maurice Church, and local cafés and shops. This area blends convenience with authentic Swiss charm. For tranquility, consider lodging along Rue du Lac (Lake Road), where you can enjoy morning mist rising over the lake and evening serenity beneath starlit skies—perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a slow-paced getaway.

Ortlieb hosts the annual Ortlieb Music Festival in summer, drawing international performers and music enthusiasts. Visit the Neuchâtel Historical Museum to explore the region’s rich watchmaking heritage and lake ecology. Locals still speak the regional French dialect and celebrate traditional festivals like the autumn Wine Festival, where you can taste fresh Chasselas wine and immerse yourself in genuine Swiss rural culture.

Lakeside hotels such as Hôtel du Lac feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering uninterrupted views of Lake Neuchâtel, allowing guests to enjoy sunrise and sunset from their rooms. Many suites include private balconies perfect for morning coffee with a view. The hotel also provides guided boat tours and hiking excursions, blending natural beauty with leisure—ideal for experiencing true "Swiss lakeside living".

Yes, Ortlieb is highly family-friendly. The town boasts child-friendly lakeside trails and parks like Parc de la Promenade, complete with playgrounds and shaded areas. Several hotels, including Hôtel du Lac, offer family suites and organized kids’ activities such as craft workshops. Nearby, the Neuchâtel Lake Water Park is a popular summer destination, making it an ideal choice for families seeking outdoor fun and relaxation.

Ortlieb is famed for its fresh lake fish dishes, especially trout and carp soup, served at restaurants like Le Bistrot du Lac. The region produces excellent Chasselas grapes, so try local red and sweet wines. Don’t miss the weekly farmer’s market, where you can sample artisanal cheeses, honey, and traditional bread—perfect for tasting authentic regional flavors.

From Ortlieb Train Station, walk about 10 minutes to the city center and main hotels, passing by Saint-Maurice Church and the lakeside promenade. For luggage-heavy travelers, take local bus line No. 12, which runs frequently and reaches downtown in just 5 minutes. Consider using the Swiss Travel Pass for free public transport and discounted entry to attractions, enhancing your journey efficiency.

Ortlieb shines at night with serene lakeside strolls along the illuminated promenade, reflecting lights on calm waters. Some venues like La Maison des Arts host intimate live music events blending jazz and folk. During winter, the Saint-Maurice Square Market transforms into a festive hub with twinkling lights, serving hot chocolate and handmade gifts—creating a warm, European village atmosphere.

Ortlieb sits beside Lake Neuchâtel, renowned for its clear waters and lush shoreline forests. In spring, the area bursts with cherry blossoms and tulips, perfect for photography. Summer brings opportunities for boating, fishing, and cycling around the lake, passing landmarks like Ortlieb Bridge and Valdes Cottage, where history meets nature in a harmonious setting.

The Saint-Maurice Church is Ortlieb’s most iconic structure, built in the 18th century with Gothic Revival spires and stained-glass windows showcasing intricate craftsmanship. Next to it, the Town Hall blends classical and modern architecture, housing exhibits on local watchmakers. The former Old Mill Site (Ancienne Moulins) has been converted into a cultural space hosting art exhibitions and lectures, offering insight into Ortlieb’s industrial past.