Biel

Biel (or in French: Bienne) is situated in the west of Switzerland at the foot of the Jura. Its location on Lake Biel, the old town and the watch museums make the charming city a popular destination for excursions.

Sightseeing in Biel is extremely varied. Start your whistle-stop tour on “Zentralplatz” with the town’s shopping streets. From here, you can stroll through the old town and the city park to the origins of the watch industry. You’ll find exciting architecture all over – including the Congress Centre and the Maison du Peuple. With the lake and the Jura, Biel creates a pleasant connection to nature. End the day on Strandboden by the lakeshore or stroll through the Taubenloch Gorge with its fascinating industrial history.

Biel’s old town is a real gem, which was awarded the Wakker Prize by the Swiss Heritage Society. Here, you will find charming cafes and shops with regional specialties. The three historic fountains are well worth seeing. The weekly market takes place every Saturday around the Fountain of Justice. Also on Saturday, there is the “Nourritour”, a culinary journey through the old town.

Biel is one of the world’s most important watch centres. On your foray through the watch district, you will constantly come across illuminated signs from Rolex and other top brands. The Cité du Temps connects the Swatch campus with the Omega campus. Their museums show how fashion relating to watches has developed and how cult objects are born. The Omega Speedmaster on Buzz Aldrin’s wrist was the first on the moon, for example.

Biel’s local mountain is the Bözingenberg. At the other end of Lake Biel lies St. Peter’s Island – which is actually a peninsula: from Erlach, you can reach its protected zone with the former monastery. Enjoy a three-lake cruise through Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Murten, or explore the winegrowing villages of Twann, Ligerz and La Neuveville on the Vine Trail.

In Biel itself, there is no reduction card available. If you go on a trip to the Jura, with the Jura Pass you benefit from free use of public transport and discounts on numerous activities when you stay for just one night or more.