Neuchâtel to Thun: A Scenic Swiss Road Trip Guide

Did you know that the A1 highway between Neuchâtel and Thun was built directly over a Roman road that once connected Aventicum (Avenches) to the alpine passes? Today, this 85-kilometer drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes without stops, but the scenery warrants a full day.

The route traverses three cantons: Neuchâtel, Vaud, and Bern. You'll witness the transition from the Jura vineyards to the pre-alpine foothills of the Bernese Oberland.

Depart Neuchâtel with Lake Neuchâtel on your left; after 15 km, the vineyards of La Côte appear. At Murten, the medieval castle and lake dominate. Continuing east, the landscape flattens into the Swiss Plateau (mosaic of fields and forests).

• Geographical shift: Pre-alps emerge near Münsingen with the Stockhorn and Niesen peaks visible before Thun.
• UNESCO site: A 15-minute detour south from Avenches leads to the Roman ruins of Aventicum (UNESCO tentative list).

Local commerce: At Kerzers market (Saturday), buy Möhli (carrot cake) and Bündner Nusstorte. In Thun, the weekly market on Rathausplatz offers Bernese handicrafts and cheese.

• Best stops: Ins (viewpoint over Lake Biel), Mühleberg (medieval mill), and Oberhofen Castle (on Lake Thun).

Safety: The A1 has good crash barriers and emergency phones every 2 km. Beware of fog near Lake Neuchâtel in autumn. Winter tires mandatory Nov-Apr.

• Pet-friendly: Rest stop “Raststätte Grauholz” has a dog relief area and paths. In Thun, the Schadau Park allows leashed dogs.
• Family: The “Murten Historama” (interactive museum) and the “Elephant Park” at Bern Tierpark are ideal for children.

Fatigue management: Stop at “Rastplatz Wifliswil” (benches, shade) or “Münsingen Raststätte” (café with mountain views). Recommended nap spot: parking at “Schloss Hünegg” (quiet, scenic).

• Hidden off-route: The abandoned village of “Golaten” (5-min from A1 exit Kerzers) with its 12th-century church ruins.

The drive follows the A5 briefly, then the A1 east to Bern, then the A6 south to Thun. Major interchanges: Neuchâtel-Vauseyon, Bern-Wankdorf, and Thun-Süd.

• Fuel costs: Approximately 15 CHF for a compact car (petrol 1.80 CHF/L, consumption 7L/100km).
• Fuel stations: Every 15-20 km along the A1; AGIP, Shell, Coop. Cheaper off-highway at Bern-Brünnen.
• Toll: No tolls on this route; Swiss vignette required for highways (40 CHF/year).

Road quality is excellent (asphalt, good markings). Night illumination is present on A1 but dim on A6 after Bern. Use headlights even in daytime tunnels.

• Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on expressways, 50 km/h in towns.
• Check traffic via how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities before departure.