Top region in Switzerland for the MICE restart: Neuchâtel

Why Neuchâtel? On the one hand, you can find peace and inspiration in nature here: just a few minutes away from the conference room, lakeside promenades, forests, and the Jura Mountains invite you to take a break in the fresh air. On the other hand, Neuchâtel is known as the cradle of the precision industry – the home of watchmaking. This heritage conveys a climate of innovation and craftsmanship that can be creatively incorporated into corporate events. For example, the Musée International d'Horlogerie (International Watchmaking Museum) in La Chaux-de-Fonds not only offers exhibitions on the subject of timekeeping, but also a conference and seminar room for events for up to 280 people. Between meetings, participants can marvel at fascinating exhibits on the history of timepieces, creating unique added value in terms of content.

Last but not least, the canton of Neuchâtel is conveniently located. Neuchâtel can be easily reached from cities such as Bern, Lausanne, or Zurich in 1–2 hours by train or car. Nevertheless, the region is still considered an insider tip, far away from the mass tourism of the big cities. Event organizers enjoy the combination of easy accessibility and the relaxed, authentic atmosphere of the Three Lakes Region (Lakes Neuchâtel, Biel, and Murten).

A MICE event in Neuchâtel can be combined with unforgettable supporting activities that both strengthen team spirit and establish a connection to the region. Wine lovers in particular will get their money's worth: the wine-growing villages around the lake – e.g. Auvernier, Cormondrèche, or Boudry – invite you to wine tastings and cellar tours.

One possible program for a team event is a guided hike “between lake and vines,” for example from Neuchâtel via Auvernier to Colombier. First, you explore the old town of Neuchâtel (with its beautiful lakeside path), then take the local train to Auvernier and hike through the vineyards to Colombier. On the way, you can take a break at Auvernier Castle – wine cellar tours with tastings of the regionally famous Œil-de-Perdrix (a typical Neuchâtel rosé wine) are available by appointment and provide insights into 400 years of winemaking tradition. A joint wine tasting in a rustic yet elegant atmosphere lightens the mood and encourages informal exchanges between participants.

The region also has something special to offer in terms of cuisine. Freshly caught fish from Lake Neuchâtel is ideal for a conference lunch – such as perch, as served at the Le Poisson restaurant in Auvernier. For an unusual aperitif after a meeting, visit the trendy Moonshiners cocktail bar in Neuchâtel's old town, which opened in 2023. Creative signature cocktails take center stage here, and the owners celebrate the art of mixology with great passion. Such shared culinary experiences remain in the participants' memories and strengthen the sense of community.

In addition to wine, the canton of Neuchâtel also has a mystical side thanks to the Val-de-Travers, home of the cult drink absinthe. An excursion to this green valley – including a visit to an absinthe distillery and tasting – can be an exciting addition to the program for incentive groups. The combination of nature (for example, a walk through the Areuse Gorge) and legendary spirits culture appeals to many senses and exemplifies the diverse character of the region.

Those who prefer more active pursuits can use the autumn months for outdoor team activities: a boat trip on Lake Neuchâtel with views of the Alps, a bike ride along the lake shore, or even a hike to the spectacular Creux du Van (a natural rock basin in the region) are all options. The weather is often stable and mild in September/October – perfect for getting back into the swing of things after the summer break. This is also when the Neuchâtel Wine Festival, the Fête des Vendanges, takes place every year. Over a long weekend at the end of September, the city of Neuchâtel is transformed into a cheerful open-air festival to celebrate the start of the grape harvest. More than 50 groups parade through the streets in colorful processions, and there are stalls everywhere selling regional wine and specialties. For a company holding an event during this time, a visit to the wine festival could be the perfect finale – an immersion in local tradition and joie de vivre that will leave a lasting positive impression on participants.

To get back on track after the summer break, you need not only an appealing supporting program, but above all the right conference venues. The canton of Neuchâtel offers a range of unique seminar hotels and event venues that impress with their quality of service and special flair. Three examples illustrate the diversity on offer, from historic ambience to modern design:

• Hotel Beau Rivage, Neuchâtel: Located directly on the lake promenade of the city of Neuchâtel, the Beau Rivage is a traditional 5-star hotel with views of the lake and the Alps. It offers several fully equipped seminar rooms and banquet halls for conferences for up to 250 people. The elegant atmosphere and waterfront location create an inspiring environment – ideal for kick-off meetings where fresh ideas are needed. Tip: During breaks, step outside to let your gaze wander over the sparkling lake – it works wonders for the creativity of the participants.

• Hôtel Palafitte, Neuchâtel: If you are looking for a truly extraordinary location for a kick-off event, you will find it at the Palafitte. This hotel is unique in Europe – it consists of pavilions standing directly on stilts in Lake Neuchâtel. Each participant stays virtually “above the water” and enjoys a direct view of the lake from their private terrace deck. Two state-of-the-art seminar rooms are available for meetings; for exclusive events, the entire hotel with its 38 pavilions can even be used privately. Capacities of approx. 5 to 90 people allow for workshops in an intimate setting as well as slightly larger seminars. The atmosphere at Palafitte is inspiring and relaxing at the same time – just right for developing new strategies with a clear head after the summer break. Not to be forgotten: the hotel's cuisine (at the La Table du Palafitte restaurant) is among the best in the region and spoils guests with seasonal, regional dishes in a panoramic restaurant above the water.

• Montmirail Seminar Center, Thielle: Montmirail, a seminar hotel in a historic 17th/18th-century country estate, is ideal for retreats or workshops in a peaceful setting. Run by a community (Communität Don Camillo), this place exudes a particularly inspiring atmosphere. Surrounded by meadows and forests near the Biel-Neuchâtel Canal, groups of up to 60 people can work here undisturbed. Five seminar rooms with modern technology and 36 cozy rooms are available. Montmirail is ideal for multi-day retreats, training courses, or kick-offs where focus and team building are paramount. The seclusion, coupled with the charm of the carefully renovated old walls, creates a setting where time seems to tick a little slower – ideal for delving deep into project topics, but also for reviewing the day together in the evening by the fireplace or over a glass of Neuchâtel wine.

This selection could be expanded to include, for example, the Grand Hôtel Les Endroits in La Chaux-de-Fonds (a modern hotel at an altitude of 1,111 m on the outskirts of the watchmaking metropolis, where “the clocks tick differently”) or Cormondrèche Castle, which, with its park and view over the lake and vineyards, provides a prestigious event setting for up to 120 people. Unusual locations such as a winery, a ship on Lake Neuchâtel, or even a hall in the middle of the Laténium Archaeology Museum are also possible – depending on what suits the occasion and the company culture. The Neuchâtel region offers a surprisingly wide range of venues, from urban to rural and from down-to-earth to luxurious.

The Neuchâtel region has emerged as a real insider tip for a MICE relaunch after the summer break. Here, a motivating environment and professional infrastructure come together: Participants can concentrate on their work in the seminar room in the morning and recharge their batteries in the afternoon with a view of the vineyards or a stroll through Neuchâtel's old town. Organizers benefit from creative fringe programs – whether wine, watches, or nature – that make the event unique. At the same time, first-class hotels such as the Beau Rivage or the Palafitte ensure that there is no shortage of comfort and technology.

A restart event in Neuchâtel offers added value for everyone involved: employees feel valued by the special experience, and the company sets an example for new beginnings and innovation in a region that stands for exactly that. Whether it's a kick-off meeting, a strategy retreat, or a team event, Neuchâtel provides the inspiration, enjoyment, and serenity to start the fall with momentum and new ideas. 

Bienvenue à Neuchâtel – here's to a successful restart!