Laténium – Archaeological Park and Museum
In Hauterive, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the Laténium is the largest archaeological museum in Switzerland. It takes you back 50,000 years of history, and an outdoor park extends the visit facing the lake.
Laténium – Archaeological Park and Museum photo gallery
Practical information
Esplanade de l'Holocène, 2068 Hauterive
Hauterive · Neuchâtel
The Experience
Imagine a walk through time, from prehistory to today. This is what the Laténium offers, with a permanent exhibition of around 3000 objects from excavations, mainly in the canton of Neuchâtel. The route is designed for families: game and puzzle notebooks, educational games, and multimedia content turn the visit into an adventure. Outside, a vast archaeological park by the lake, with its reconstructions of lake houses, allows children to run and explore.
What to do on site?
- Explore the permanent exhibition and its 3000 objects, from prehistory to modern times.
- Follow the family route with question notebooks, games, and puzzles (from 6 years old).
- Enjoy the outdoor archaeological park, its lake houses, and its playground by the lake.
- Participate in workshops and activities offered regularly (simulated excavation, ancient craft techniques).
- Organize an archaeological birthday: jewelry, amulet, mosaic, clay, or painting workshops, followed by a snack at the Café du Laténium (by reservation, check the conditions).
For what age?
The museum can be visited at any age, and the outdoor park is suitable even for the youngest. The family game route is designed for ages 6 and up. Ideal therefore for families with children from 6 years old, without excluding younger ones who will especially enjoy the park and the playground.
Practical information
- Address: Esplanade de l'Holocène, 2068 Hauterive (NE)
- Ages: from 6 years for the game route; park suitable for the youngest
- Prices: adults 12 CHF, students/AVS/AI 4 CHF, children under 16 free. Free entry every first Sunday of the month.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM. Closed on Mondays, as well as December 25 and January 1. Open on Easter and Pentecost Mondays.
- What to bring: good shoes for the outdoor park; plan to protect yourself from the weather, as the park is outdoors by the lake.
How to get there
The Laténium is located in Hauterive, just a few minutes from Neuchâtel. Access is possible by public transport; a paid parking lot is available on site. Consider combining the visit with a walk along Lake Neuchâtel.
Good to know
Entry is free for everyone every first Sunday of the month: a great opportunity for a family outing. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and children under 16 enter for free all year round. For birthdays and workshops, it is better to book in advance at the reception.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Laténium?
How much does the entry cost and are there any free admissions?
Is Laténium suitable for children?
Can we organize a birthday or a workshop at Laténium?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Nearby activities
Looking for a free outing where the kids can climb and slide while you enjoy the view of the lake? The playground at the Port de Saint-Blaise welcomes you by the water, just steps away from the boats, featuring a zip line, swings, and a large sandbox.
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Want a day by the water, near Neuchâtel, without spending a dime? The Hauterive beach welcomes you on the north shore of the lake, just a stone's throw from the Laténium: large lawn, gravel beach, playground, and raft. A true playground for families.
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What if a simple playground became a pirate adventure by the lake? In Hauterive, the playground at the Plage unfolds its grand ship-castle facing Lake Neuchâtel, with slides, climbing nets, and a large lawn. Enough to keep the children occupied for a good part of the day, for free.
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Want a day by the water, with no entrance fee and space for the kids? The Plage de Saint-Blaise, on the north shore of Lake Neuchâtel, welcomes you with its lawn, shaded trees, and small gravel beach. A classic for families from the Neuchâtel coast.
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