Top 10 Lakes around La Chaux De Fonds

The region around La Chaux-de-Fonds features several notable lakes. These include the expansive Lake Neuchâtel, the high-altitude Lac de Joux, and the unique seasonal Lac des Taillères. Additionally, you can explore Brenets Lake, known for its scenic boat tours and proximity to the Saut du Doubs.

Lake Neuchâtel, the largest lake entirely within Switzerland, offers a wide array of activities. During warmer months, you can enjoy swimming, sailing, water skiing, pedal boating, and stand-up paddling. The shores are excellent for hiking and cycling, with opportunities to observe wildlife. Boat cruises are also available, and popular beaches include Plage d'Auvernier and Beach Serrières. You can also find a scenic viewpoint with a bench overlooking the lake.

Lac des Taillères, located in the Vallée de La Brévine, is known for its serene natural beauty and seasonal transformations. In summer, it's popular for swimming and windsurfing. However, its most unique feature is in winter when it often freezes over, becoming a large natural ice-skating rink, offering a distinct 'Siberian' experience. It's fed by subterranean springs and surrounded by pastures and pine forests.

Lac de Joux, the largest body of water in the Jura massif, is an outdoor activity paradise year-round. In summer, the water can reach up to 24 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for swimming. Other popular summer activities include hiking, biking (a 23 km circular route is available), windsurfing, paddleboarding, water skiing, and canoeing. In winter, when conditions allow, the lake completely freezes over, becoming Switzerland's largest outdoor ice-skating rink.

Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Brenets Lake is family-friendly, offering boat tours and easy walks. The Pond on the Ronde River is a charming, peaceful spot with a fire pit, perfect for relaxation. Additionally, the Viewpoint with bench overlooking Lake Neuchâtel is accessible and offers a pleasant stop for families.

The lakes region offers diverse natural features. You'll find wooded cliffs and the impressive Saut du Doubs near Brenets Lake. Lac des Taillères is surrounded by pastures and pine forests. Lac de Joux is known for its stark beauty, unspoiled nature, and sandy beaches. Lake Neuchâtel boasts diverse biodiversity, including protected bird habitats, and scenic shores.

The area around La Chaux-de-Fonds and its lakes is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as those along the Doubs River or around Lac de Biaufond. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes like the 'View of the Doubs – Saut du Doubs Waterfall loop'. For running, there are trails like 'La Rasse et la Ronde'. You can explore more options in the hiking, MTB, and running guides for the region.

Yes, near Lac de Moron, you can experience a unique section that includes two small tunnels. This offers an interesting and distinctive element to a tour in the area, with visitors noting the darkness inside the first tunnel as a memorable detail.

Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic views and the tranquility. The hike to the Viewpoint of La Ronde and the Doubs is highly regarded for its exceptional vistas. The peaceful atmosphere of the Pond on the Ronde River is also a favorite for relaxation. Many enjoy the combination of physical activity and the reward of breathtaking natural landscapes.

The best time to visit depends on the activities you're interested in. Summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming, boating, hiking, and cycling, with warmer temperatures. Autumn offers beautiful foliage for hiking. Winter (December to February) provides a unique experience, especially at Lac des Taillères and Lac de Joux, which transform into natural ice-skating rinks when frozen. Spring brings fresh greenery and pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploration.

While specific establishments are not detailed in the guide, the region around Lac de Joux and Lac des Taillères (in the Vallée de Joux and Vallée de La Brévine, respectively) offers amenities. The towns and villages surrounding these popular lakes, such as Le Pont near Lac de Joux or La Brévine near Lac des Taillères, typically have cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options to cater to visitors.

Yes, boat tours are a popular activity. On Brenets Lake, you can take relaxing excursion boat tours from April to autumn, which can be combined with a hike along the lakeshore. Lake Neuchâtel also offers boat cruises, providing a different perspective of the lake and connecting to Lake Biel and Lake Murten. Lac de Joux offers lake cruises during its peak season.