Lake levels reduced by 2.7 meters

Between 1868 and 1891, the levels of the lakes of Morat, Neuchâtel, and Bienne were lowered by approximately 2.7 meters. This was part of a large-scale water management project aimed at reducing flooding and improving land use in the region.

Aar River redirected and canals built

To achieve the water level reduction, the Aar River was diverted toward Lake Bienne, and dozens of kilometers of canals were dug. This massive engineering effort involved significant excavation and construction.

Prehistoric remains uncovered

As the water levels dropped, prehistoric settlement remains were exposed. These included remnants of ancient villages that had been submerged for centuries, sparking a wave of interest and activity among local residents.

Lake fever and archaeological finds

The canton of Neuchâtel referred to this period as a "lake fever," as people eagerly searched for artifacts in the newly exposed areas. Finds such as bone and deer antler objects were collected, resold, and sometimes imitated, leading to an active local and international trade in these items.

Subsidence of the Great Marsh

The Great Marsh, a large wetland area, experienced significant subsidence after the water level reduction. The peat soil, no longer saturated with water, compacted and sank by about 2.5 meters, equivalent to the height of an apartment ceiling.

Floods return and a second correction

Floods returned in the mid-20th century, prompting a second correction from 1962 to 1973. This project deepened and widened the canals and further reduced the water levels of the three lakes, costing 152 million francs.

Creation of a natural reserve

The lowering of the lake levels also had environmental benefits. On the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, a strip of sand was exposed and later transformed into a natural reserve. This 3,000-hectare area, nearly a third the size of Paris, is now a habitat for wildlife and a recreational area for hikers.

Project not fully completed

Despite the extensive work, the project was never fully completed. Navigation required higher water levels, and additional works were planned even before the initial project was finished.