Neuchâtel, Lake of

Neuchâtel, Lake of 

a lake in western Switzerland, at the southeastern foot of the Jura Mountains, at an elevation of 429 m. The Lake of Neuchâtel is approximately 40 km long (from northeast to southwest) and has depths to 153 m; its area is 216 sq km. The lake is joined by canal with Lake Biel, which flows through the Aare River and empties into the Rhine. The western shores are mountainous and steep; the eastern shores are gently sloping. The lake freezes during severe winters. It is navigable. The city of Neuchâtel is on the lake.