The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Neuchâtel

The Neuchâtel region offers a wide variety of dog-friendly hiking trails. You can find over 40 routes suitable for you and your canine companion, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging mountain paths.

Spring, summer, and autumn are generally ideal for hiking with your dog in Neuchâtel. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while summer offers lush greenery and opportunities for lakeside dips. Autumn provides stunning fall colors. Winter can be beautiful, but some higher trails may be covered in snow, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Yes, Neuchâtel has plenty of easy dog-friendly trails. Out of the available routes, 14 are classified as easy, perfect for a relaxed walk with your dog or for those with less hiking experience. An example is the Gorges de la Poëta-Raisse et le pont de Vert — boucle depuis Boudry, which offers a pleasant, shorter loop.

The dog-friendly trails in Neuchâtel are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.56 out of 5 stars from over 3,800 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from serene lake paths to dramatic gorges, and the clear signage that makes navigating with a dog enjoyable.

Absolutely! Lake Neuchâtel, as the largest lake entirely within Switzerland, offers numerous picturesque and dog-friendly hiking opportunities along its shores. Many trails provide stunning views of the lake, often passing through charming villages and offering spots for your dog to cool off.

Yes, the Neuchâtel region is famous for its dramatic gorges and waterfalls, many of which are accessible with dogs. You can explore the wild beauty of the Areuse Gorges, for instance, on routes like La chute de la Verrière via les gorges de l'Areuse — depuis Boudry. The Saut du Doubs Waterfall is another spectacular natural feature you might encounter on trails along the Doubs River.

The spectacular natural rock amphitheater of Creux du Van is a popular destination, and yes, it is generally accessible with dogs. Trails like the Creux du Van – Creux du Van loop from Le Soliat offer breathtaking panoramic views. Please keep your dog on a leash, especially near the cliff edges, as the area is also a nature reserve home to ibex and chamois.

Many dog-friendly trails in Neuchâtel are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For example, the In the Areuse Gorge – Gorge of the Areuse loop from Boudry is a great option for a circular walk with your dog.

Switzerland's excellent public transport network makes many hiking trails in Neuchâtel easily accessible. For instance, Chaumont, offering numerous trails and panoramic views, is easily reached by funicular from Neuchâtel. Many trailheads in areas like Boudry or Noiraigue are also well-connected by train or bus, allowing for car-free adventures with your dog.

Hiking with your dog in Neuchâtel offers opportunities to discover various landmarks. In the gorges, you might encounter impressive structures like the Saut de Brot stone bridge or the Pont de Vert. The region also features unique natural monuments such as the Rock tunnel on the hiking trail and fascinating caves like the Bear Cave.