The Gletterens lake dwelling village is a prehistoric archaeological site on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, featuring reconstructed stilt houses. Here you can discover the daily life of the region’s first farmers and craftspeople, through a park, a museum and a trail.
Themed museums
Main highlights
- Life-size reconstructed stilt houses built using traditional techniques
- Archaeology museum with pottery, polished stone tools, bronze jewellery and textiles
- 2 km educational trail along the lake, with information panels and interactive sound stations
Overview
Discovered in the 1980s, the Gletterens lake dwelling village is one of Switzerland’s major archaeological sites. Excavations have uncovered the remains of several successive villages, inhabited between 3800 and 800 BC. The lakeside environment preserved organic objects that would usually have been destroyed by time.
The site is part of the Prehistoric Pile Dwellings listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Research has made it possible to reconstruct the lives of these communities, who already practised farming, animal husbandry and crafts.
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Things to see and do
The archaeological park features life-size reconstructions of lake dwellings. These stilt houses, built using traditional techniques, show how the inhabitants adapted to changes in the lake’s water level. Craftspeople in period costume demonstrate weaving, pottery and woodworking.
The archaeology museum displays the site’s main finds : decorated pottery, polished stone tools, bronze jewellery and textile remains. One section presents the underwater excavation techniques used to explore the site.
A 2 km educational trail runs along the lakeshore and offers views over the excavation areas. Panels explain how the landscape evolved, as well as prehistoric wildlife and plant life. Interactive stations play reconstructed sounds of village life.
Practical information
Access : free parking at the site entrance. Public transport serves Gletterens from Payerne and Estavayer-le-Lac.
Visit duration : allow at least 3 hours to see the whole site.
Accessibility : the site is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility, including the museum and part of the trail.
On site : archaeological park, museum and educational trail.
Visitor tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the lakeside trail. Weekend guided tours provide detailed explanations from archaeologists.
During school holidays, educational workshops introduce children to prehistoric techniques.
Nearby attractions
- The Avenches Roman Site and Museum showcases Aventicum, the former capital of Roman Helvetia.
- The Payerne Abbey Church is the largest Romanesque church in Switzerland, with an interactive tour.
- Chenaux Castle, built in the 14th century, retains its walls and imposing keep.
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