Right on the westernmost end of Lake Neuchâtel, Yverdon-les-Bains reminds me of the geography of Geneva, but the similarities end there. It is a much more industrial town and it actually reminds me of the Midwestern US where the buildings are sparse and people rely on cars to get around.
If you are from the US, you’ll recognise the decaying railway bridges, gas station restaurants, and dirty dried up rivers in the suburbs. Once you get beyond all the ugly bits, a view of the Neuchätel Lake will show up in front of you. Feel free to enjoy the view from a park that is a 20-minute walk from the center of town and sit next to the binoculars man.
Back in town, the main attraction is the Yverdon-les-Bains Castle. Just like the castles of Lake Geneva, this castle is also shaped in a rectangle with cone-shaped towers at the four corners. The theatre is another beautiful attraction with a large public place in front of it. Unfortunately, the square is full of drug users and homeless people so it does damage the reputation of the city for day travellers.
In the old town, you can expect to see a variety of shops selling everything from clothes to jewellery. Cafés and restaurants spill out onto the streets in summer, but don’t look up to people’s homes, the locals don’t take too kindly to curious souls!
