Monruz Beach in Neuchâtel: the peaceful cove by the lake

A peaceful lake corner east of Neuchâtel

Nestled to the east of the city, in the Monruz district, this small beach is one of Neuchâtel's best-kept secrets. You can reach it on foot by following the shores of the lake from the Piscines du Nid-du-Crô, along a pleasant nature trail. Here, there are no crowds or noise: just a lawn by the water, a shaded cove, and stone steps that gently descend into the lake. It's the perfect spot when you're looking for a quiet swim, away from the hustle and bustle of busier beaches. Families who appreciate tranquility find their happiness here.

What your children will discover

Your children will discover a true piece of nature by Lake Neuchâtel. The large lawn gives them space to play, picnic, or simply roll in the grass between swims. The small pebble beach and stone steps make entering the water easier, and the cove shaded by trees provides a welcome shelter on sunny days. It's also an opportunity to observe the lake up close, with its flurry of birds and boats in the distance.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

People come to Monruz to enjoy the lake without pressure. You can spread your towel on the lawn, have lunch at one of the picnic tables, light a grill for a family barbecue, and then cool off in the water. The atmosphere is peaceful and friendly, light-years away from the hustle and bustle of urban beaches. Good to know: like all Neuchâtel beaches, swimming is not supervised. So always keep an eye on the little ones and respect basic safety rules.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old (always under adult supervision, swimming is not supervised).
• Duration: half a day to a full day, depending on your desire.
• Price: free, public beach with open access.
• Reservation: none, you come when you want.
• Stroller/Accessibility: to be confirmed (access to the water is via stone steps).
• Transport: accessible by public transport or on foot along the shores of the lake from the Nid-du-Crô.
• What to bring: towels, sunscreen, hat, picnic supplies, water shoes for the pebble beach.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the lake water is pleasant.

Parents' tips

• Always keep children in sight: swimming is not supervised.
• Bring water shoes, the beach is pebbly and access is via stone steps.
• Settle early in the shaded cove on hot days, the shady spots are popular.
• Combine the outing with a walk along the shores from the Nid-du-Crô, it's very pleasant with children.
• Bring something to grill: the grills and picnic tables on site are great for a family meal.

Useful information

• Address: Route des Falaises, 2000 Neuchâtel (Monruz district, east of the city).
• Official site: check the water quality and practical information with the City of Neuchâtel (neuchatelville.ch).
• Hours: open access (public beach outdoors).
• Access: by public transport, or on foot from the Piscines du Nid-du-Crô along the lake. Facilities on site: changing room, showers and toilets, grills and picnic tables.

Want more outings? Find all our activities in Neuchâtel.

Why we recommend it

Because Monruz promises a quiet swim, just steps from the center of Neuchâtel but sheltered from the crowd. Its lawn, shaded cove, and picnic facilities make it a perfect stop for a relaxing day with family, without spending a dime. A true little haven of tranquility by the lake.

In two words

The Monruz Beach is a public and free cove east of Neuchâtel, ideal for a peaceful family swim by the lake.