| Quick Facts: | Lake Neuchâtel |
|---|---|
| Countries: | Switzerland |
| Catchment area: | 2.670 km² |
| Surface area: | 218.3 km² |
| Max. width: | 8.2 km |
| Max. length: | 38.3 km |
| Surface elevation: | 429 m |
| Max. depth: | 152 m |
| Average depth: | 64.2 m |
| Water volume: | 13.77 km³ |
| Primary outflows: | Canal of Thielle |
| Primary inflows: | Thielle (Orbe River) Arnon Areuse Seyon Canal de la Sauge Mentue |
Lake Neuchâtel is the largest lake that is found entirely within Switzerland. It is called Neuenburgersee in German. The lake is situated in the western part of the country, bordering on the cantons of Neuchâtel, Bern, Fribourg, and Vaud. It is about 24 miles (39 km) long and 5 miles (8 km) wide and has an area of 92 square miles (238 sq km). The maximum depth is 502 feet (153 meters).
The Thièle (Zihl) River, which flows in and out of the lake, carries its water into the Lake of Biel (Lac de Bienne), 3 miles (5 km) to the northeast, and thence by a canal into the Aar River, which connects with the Rhine. There is steamer service between Neuchâtel, Yverdon, and other lake ports.
