A FRIEND’S GUIDE TO SWITZERLAND

Your smoothest
journey to Neuchâtel.

Your weekend programme, venues and easy routes — plus trains, tickets and local tips for our international friends from Club 41, Round Table and Ladies’ Circle.

GENEVA → BASEL → ZURICH → NEUCHÂTEL • SEE YOU IN SWITZERLAND • GENEVA → BASEL → ZURICH → NEUCHÂTEL
Samuel, International Relations Officer of Club 41 Switzerland
YOUR SWISS IRO
“It would be a tremendous pleasure to welcome our whole international family to Switzerland.”

Dear friends from Club 41, Round Table and Ladies’ Circle around the world, I am delighted that you are considering joining us in beautiful Neuchâtel. This shared weekend brings together the Club 41 Switzerland AGM, the Round Table Switzerland Half Yearly Meeting (HYM) and the Ladies’ Circle Switzerland Half Year Meeting. I hope this little guide makes your journey easy and enjoyable. If you have any questions, please do get in touch with me. I look forward to seeing you by the lake — until soon in Neuchâtel!

SamuelInternational Relations Officer
Club 41 Switzerland
Warm evening light in Neuchâtel's golden-stone old town
GOLDEN HOUR IN THE OLD TOWN
01

Vineyards, Jura hills
and a lake full of light.

Neuchâtel is wonderfully compact: a historic old town tumbles towards the lake, while vineyards and wooded Jura slopes begin just beyond the city.

Autumn vineyards above Lake Neuchâtel
VINEYARDS ABOVE THE LAKE
Lake Neuchâtel and its promenade in a warm evening glow
02

Three organisations.
One weekend of friendship.

Club 41 Switzerland hosts its AGM alongside the Round Table Switzerland Half Yearly Meeting (HYM) and the Ladies’ Circle Switzerland Half Year Meeting. The shared programme brings our whole family together for meetings, meals and memorable evenings — all in the heart of Neuchâtel.

On the list? One more step.

If you can see your name on the official list of registered participants, your registration has been received.

Your registration is confirmed once payment has been received. If you have not paid yet, simply transfer the amount indicated during registration to the account below.

You do not need to wait for a separate written confirmation: once your payment has been received, you are all set. We cannot wait to welcome you to Neuchâtel!

Pay by bank transfer

IBAN
CH30 0076 6000 1048 7264 3
Account holder
Club 41-6 Neuchâtel
Bank
Banque Cantonale Neuchâteloise
Check the participant list

Where to be. When to be there.

All times are local Swiss time. “From” indicates the beginning of a service or event, not a fixed appointment. TBC = to be confirmed.

Find venues & plan your route

Friday · 23 October

  1. From 17:00
    Registration
    Hôtel Beaulac

    Pick up your registration before the evening shuttle.

  2. From 18:45
    Shuttles to Welcome Party
    Hôtel Beaulac → Carrosserie Stamm

    First departures from the hotel. Confirm the boarding point and subsequent departures at registration.

  3. From 19:00
    Welcome Party — Formula 1 Night
    Carrosserie Stamm, Cortaillod

    F1-themed outfits welcome.

  4. From 23:00
    Return shuttles
    Carrosserie Stamm → Hôtel Beaulac

    The final shuttle time has not been announced; check with the organisers.

Saturday · 24 October

  1. 09:00
    Ladies’ Circle HYM
    Hôtel Beaulac
  2. Time TBC
    Round Table Switzerland HYM
    Hôtel Beaulac · 4th floor

    Starting time to be confirmed.

  3. 09:15
    Club 41 Switzerland AGM starts
    Restaurant Les Jeunes Rives

    Allow time to walk from your hotel before the meeting.

  4. 09:15–09:45
    International part of the AGM
    Restaurant Les Jeunes Rives

    International guests join the opening half-hour.

  5. 09:45
    Leave for the international programme
    Jeunes Rives → Place du Port

    Walk together to the tourist train. Allow approximately 5–8 minutes.

  6. 10:00–approx. 11:30
    Tourist train & Tour du Fantastique
    Departure / return: Place du Port

    City tour and museum visit with the international guests.

  7. 12:30
    Club 41 Switzerland Banner Exchange
    Hôtel Beaulac · 4th floor

    For the Swiss national president and the local table president.

  8. Afterwards
    Regions Lunch
    Hôtel Beaulac · 4th floor

    Follows the Swiss Banner Exchange; no separate starting time announced.

  9. Afternoon
    Free time — discover Neuchâtel
    Neuchâtel

    Explore the old town or relax by the lake before the evening programme.

  10. 18:00
    International Banner Exchange
    Waves Rooftop · Hôtel Beaulac

    Exchange banners and gifts with Julien Wildhaber, Samuel Niederberger, Reto Luginbühl and Patrick Oliva. Separate from the Swiss exchange at 12:30.

  11. 19:00
    Gala Evening — Black Tie
    Waves Rooftop · Hôtel Beaulac

    Black Tie dress code; an elegant, social apéritif-style evening.

Sunday · 25 October

  1. 09:00–12:00
  2. From 12:00
    Individual departures
    Your onward destination

    Allow extra time for the uphill journey back to the station.

Your key Saturday appointments: AGM 09:15 · tourist train 10:00 · lunch after the 12:30 Swiss Banner Exchange · international banners 18:00 · gala 19:00.

These four Swiss representatives will be at the International Banner Exchange to receive and exchange banners and gifts with our international friends.

  • Julien Wildhaber

    National President

  • Samuel Niederberger

    IRO

  • Reto Luginbühl

    IRO 2

  • Patrick Oliva

    President, Club 41 Neuchâtel

FRIDAY NIGHT

Formula One Night

Friday night is all about Formula One!

Expect a relaxed and fun evening with a strong F1 theme — and yes, special, creative or slightly crazy outfits are definitely welcome. Drivers, mechanics, team bosses, grid crew… be creative!

Food will be simple, local and delicious. A butcher will be on site serving jambon à l’os, together with potato gratin and other good things.

The idea for Friday is simple: arrive, meet everyone, have fun and get the AGM weekend properly started.

SATURDAY MORNING

AGM, HYM & International Programme

Saturday morning is meeting time: the Club 41 AGM, the Round Table HYM and the Ladies’ Circle Half Year Meeting take place as part of the same Swiss family weekend.

The Club 41 AGM starts at 09:15 at Restaurant Les Jeunes Rives. Its international opening session runs until 09:45.

We then walk together to Place du Port for the 10:00 tourist train and Tour du Fantastique visit, returning at approximately 11:30.

The Swiss Banner Exchange is at 12:30 on the 4th floor of Hôtel Beaulac, followed by the Regions Lunch. The afternoon is free to explore.

Please keep an eye on the international chat for meeting-point details and last-minute updates.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Black Tie, but Different

Saturday evening is our Gala Night, and the dress code is Black Tie.

But this will not be a traditional gala dinner with fixed seating plans, round tables and everyone staying in the same place all evening.

We’re trying something different.

Think of it as a large, elegant apéritif-style evening with Asian specialities, sushi and plenty of opportunities to move around, meet people and spend time with old and new friends.

So yes: dress for a Gala Night — but expect a much more social and dynamic evening.

Less sitting. More mingling. More encounters.

It’s a slightly different concept, but that’s part of the idea:

Adopt, Adapt, Improve.
OFFICIAL AGM HOTEL

Hôtel Beaulac

Esplanade Léopold-Robert 2, 2000 Neuchâtel

Please mention “AGM CLUB 41” when booking. The special AGM arrangement is available by contacting the hotel directly.

  1. 1Click the button
  2. 2Complete your details
  3. 3Send your email
  4. 4Receive confirmation

Your weekend on the map.

Select a numbered venue or choose your start and destination. Most city venues are a short walk apart; Friday’s party is in Cortaillod, served by event shuttles.

Loading map… You can already use the route planner and venue list.

Plan your next move

Walking / transfer estimate

15–20 min (uphill to station, downhill to hotel)

Open route in Google MapsOpen route in Apple Maps

Walking times are approximate planning estimates, not live routes. Open navigation for street-by-street directions; allow extra time with luggage or for uphill sections.

Hôtel Beaulac / Waves Rooftop

Esplanade Léopold-Robert 2, 2000 Neuchâtel

Registration, HYM meetings, Regions Lunch and banner exchanges. Waves Rooftop: international exchange, gala and Sunday brunch. Meeting rooms: see programme below.

From the station to Hôtel Beaulac

Fun’ambule · line 110

3 min ride + approx. 6–8 min walk
  1. At Neuchâtel station, follow signs for Fun’ambule / Université.
  2. Take the funicular down to Neuchâtel-Université (FUNI).
  3. Walk towards the lake, then west along the waterfront to Hôtel Beaulac.

Allow around 15–20 minutes overall, including access and waiting. Convenient when you prefer to avoid the downhill walk.

Line 110: timetable & service updates

Bus alternative

About 15–25 min including waiting and walking
  1. Follow signs to gare nord on the north side of the station.
  2. Take bus 106, 107 or 109 towards Place Pury (normally platform B; check the display).
  3. Get off at St-Honoré and walk towards the port and Hôtel Beaulac, around 5–8 minutes.

Check SBB Mobile or transN for your exact departure and any changes.

Check live bus connections

Walking or taxi

Walk approx. 15–20 min · taxi time varies

The station is above the city: the walk to the lake is downhill, and the return walk is uphill. Some routes include stairs; with heavy luggage, choose the funicular or ask for a taxi.

Give the driver this address: Hôtel Beaulac, Esplanade Léopold-Robert 2. If you need step-free access, confirm a suitable route with the hotel or transport operator.

Walking directions to the hotel

Fun’ambule maintenance is scheduled to end on 19 October, before the AGM weekend. Check the operator’s service updates before travelling. Journey estimates include no guaranteed departure times. transN service updates

03

Choose your own
adventure.

Saturday morning’s international programme includes a tourist train and the Tour du Fantastique. For your free afternoon or an extended stay, here are three more ways to discover our region. Check journey times before choosing an excursion so you are back for the 18:00 banner exchange.

Adventure. History. Fantasy. Pick your favourite — or try all three! 🇨🇭
Hikers overlooking the spectacular cliffs of the Creux du Van
ADVENTURE🥾
FOR HIKERS & OUTDOOR LOVERS

Creux du Van

The Grand Canyon of Switzerland

Ready for some fresh mountain air?

The Creux du Van is one of Switzerland’s most spectacular natural landmarks: a huge natural rock amphitheatre with cliffs rising around 200 metres above the valley.

From the top, enjoy breathtaking views across the Jura, the Swiss Plateau and — on a clear day — all the way to the Alps. Keep your eyes open: you might even meet some ibex along the way.

OUR RECOMMENDATION

Take the train from Neuchâtel to Noiraigue and start the classic circular hike from there. The route climbs through the forest via the famous Sentier des 14 Contours before reaching the spectacular rim.

Distance
approx. 14 km
Walking time
approx. 4–5 hours
Ascent
approx. 600 m
Difficulty
Good physical condition required
Equipment
Hiking shoes strongly recommended
Best season
Spring to autumn

This is the most active of our three suggestions — but the view is absolutely worth the effort.

HOW TO GET THERE
Noiraigue railway station

2103 Noiraigue, Val-de-Travers

From Neuchâtel, take the train to Noiraigue and start the hike directly from the village. Public transport is strongly recommended.

The Laténium archaeological museum beside Lake Neuchâtel
HISTORY🏺
FOR HISTORY & CULTURE LOVERS

Laténium

50,000 Years of History by the Lake

Travel through 50,000 years of history at Switzerland’s largest archaeological museum.

The Laténium stands directly on the beautiful shores of Lake Neuchâtel and tells the story of the people who lived in this region from prehistoric times onwards.

The famous nearby archaeological site of La Tène gave its name to an entire period of European Iron Age culture. Outside, explore the archaeological park with full-scale reconstructions and original remains in a wonderful lakeside setting.

It is an excellent choice for a relaxed half-day excursion.

GOOD TO KNOW

Laténium — Parc et musée d’archéologie
Esplanade de l’Holocène, 2068 Hauterive

Museum: 10:00–17:00, Tuesday to Sunday
Archaeological park: free access, open year-round

Please check the official website for current opening hours and admission information.
HOW TO GET THERE

From Neuchâtel railway station, take the Fun’ambule funicular towards the university and lake, then bus 101 towards Marin. Get off at “Laténium”.

For a pleasant alternative, travel to St-Blaise-Lac railway station and walk approximately 20 minutes along the lakeshore.

Fantasy art inside the historic Tour du Fantastique in Neuchâtel
FANTASY🐉
FOR FANTASY, ART & TOLKIEN LOVERS

La Tour du Fantastique

Step Into Another World

Right in the heart of Neuchâtel’s historic old town, a medieval tower and the city’s former prison have been transformed into something completely unexpected.

Welcome to the Tour du Fantastique, a new cultural attraction dedicated to fantasy art and imaginary worlds.

Its inaugural exhibition celebrates internationally renowned artist John Howe, famous for helping shape the visual universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Discover more than 250 drawings and paintings across four floors.

Before you leave, stop at the Café Fantastique and its spectacular terrace overlooking Lake Neuchâtel.

GOOD TO KNOW

Rue J.-de-Hochberg 3
2000 Neuchâtel

Tuesday–Wednesday: 10:00–18:00
Thursday: 10:00–20:00
Friday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00
Monday: Closed

Please check the official website for current opening hours and tickets.
HOW TO GET THERE

The tower is in Neuchâtel’s historic centre — approximately 15 minutes on foot from the railway station and 12 minutes from Place du Port.

It is close to Neuchâtel Castle and the Collégiale, making it easy to combine with an old-town walk.

THREE EXPERIENCES. ONE BEAUTIFUL REGION.

Whether you prefer hiking boots, ancient history or imaginary worlds — take some time to discover Neuchâtel. You might just want to stay a little longer. 🇨🇭

04

Three airports.
One easy destination.

Swiss public transport is designed to connect. Pick your arrival airport and we’ll show you the simple route to Neuchâtel.

GVANE
ESTIMATED JOURNEYaround 1 h 15–1 h 30

The simplest arrival: the station is directly beneath the terminal and direct services to Neuchâtel are available.

  1. 1

    Follow the signs to the railway station inside the terminal.

  2. 2

    Take a direct train to Neuchâtel when available; otherwise change at Genève-Cornavin or Lausanne.

  3. 3

    Sit on the right after Lausanne for occasional lake views.

Check your live connection on SBB.ch
05

Two apps.
Zero guesswork.

SBB
TRANSPORT · ESSENTIAL

SBB Mobile

Your timetable, platform updates and tickets for trains, buses, trams and boats—all in one place.

  • Look for the % symbol for limited Supersaver fares
  • Standard tickets give more flexibility after a flight
  • Save the trip for live platform notifications
Get SBB Mobile
☼METEO
SWISS
WEATHER · OFFICIAL

MeteoSwiss

Switzerland’s official local forecast, rain radar and weather-warning service.

  • Add Neuchâtel to your saved locations
  • Use the precipitation animation before going out
  • Enable alerts for sudden weather changes
Get MeteoSwiss
THE SAVER FARE RULE

Cheaper often means less flexible. A Supersaver Ticket is bound to the selected connection. After a flight, a regular ticket may be worth the peace of mind.

TIP 41
06

Pack for four
seasons in one day.

Late October by Lake Neuchâtel can be crisp, mild, rainy — and occasionally all three before lunch. Layers are your best friend.

01

A light waterproof

A compact rain jacket beats a heavy umbrella on breezy lakefront walks.

02

Warm layers

Bring a sweater or fleece plus a scarf for cool mornings and evenings.

03

Comfortable shoes

Neuchâtel’s old town is beautiful, hilly and paved with historic stone.

04

Type J adapter

Swiss sockets differ from much of Europe. Slim 2-pin Type C plugs usually fit.

05

A small day bag

Useful for a bottle, extra layer and anything collected during the AGM.

06

Travel documents

Passport or ID, insurance details, booking confirmations and your return plan.

07

Small details.
Big difference.

₣
CURRENCY

Swiss francs · CHF

Cards are widely accepted; keep a little cash for small purchases.

FR
LOCAL LANGUAGE

French

“Bonjour” and “merci” go a long way. English is common in travel settings.

J
POWER

230 V · Type J

Bring an adapter. Slim European Type C two-pin plugs also fit.

112
EMERGENCY

One number for help

112 works for general emergencies; ambulance 144, police 117, fire 118.

Join the international
guests’ WhatsApp group.

Whether you are joining Club 41, Round Table or Ladies’ Circle, come along for practical updates, last-minute information, spontaneous plans and easy conversation before and during our shared weekend.

JOIN THEINTER­NATIONAL
CHAT
08

You may be
wondering…

Practical answers from friends who know their way around.

If your name appears on the official participant list, your registration has been received. It is confirmed once your payment has been received by bank transfer. You do not need to wait for a separate written confirmation. See Registration & payment above for the participant list and bank details.

Julien Wildhaber, National President; Samuel Niederberger, IRO; Reto Luginbühl, IRO 2; and Patrick Oliva, President of Club 41 Neuchâtel. They will be there to exchange banners and gifts on Saturday 24 October at 18:00, at Waves Rooftop in Hôtel Beaulac.

Usually not. Seat reservations are uncommon on domestic Swiss trains. Simply board with a valid ticket and choose a free seat.

A standard point-to-point ticket offers flexibility if your flight is late. If your arrival time is predictable, a train-specific Supersaver Ticket can cost less. Always check the conditions before buying.

Yes. Neuchâtel is the French name and the one used on most signs and timetables; Neuenburg is the German name.

Yes, especially at airports, stations and hotels. In Neuchâtel the local language is French—a friendly bonjour is always appreciated.

Cards are widely accepted, but a small amount of Swiss francs is useful for minor purchases. Switzerland uses CHF, not the euro.

For a standard ticket, take the next suitable service. Supersaver Tickets are tied to a specific connection, so check the SBB app or ask railway staff if disruption caused the missed connection.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Let the journey
be part of the story.

Club 41, Round Table and Ladies’ Circle look forward to welcoming you to Neuchâtel — by the lake, among friends, in the heart of Switzerland.

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