Lengnau combines traces of a long history with trails by the water and through the forest. The municipality—also known as Lengnau bei Biel and, in French, Longeau—is located in the Biel/Bienne administrative district of the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. When planning a stay, visitors can choose from several points of interest: historic village details, two differently designed experience trails, and excursions along the Leugene.
Village History in Tangible Traces
The region around Lengnau BE was already settled in the Stone Age. A short section of Roman wall, discovered during excavations for the water reservoir at the Lochbach spring, points to settlement during Roman times. In 997, Lampertus donated a piece of land in Lengnau to Einsiedeln Abbey. In 1228, the place was mentioned under the name “Lengieuwa” in connection with a church or chapel dedicated to Saint Germanus.
The Reformed church and the rectory stand on a terrace slightly elevated above the village center. Below them is the Lehnmühle—a mill granted as a fief. The church’s history dates back to a Romanesque chapel from 1318. It was renovated and extended to the west between 1630 and 1644/45. A small single bell cast in 1666 has been preserved in the tower. To this day, it may be rung to signal municipal assemblies; this is believed to have been its original purpose.
Two Experience Trails, Two Different Formats
The Lengnauer Gschichtli-Wäg runs along the village stream and the Moosbach. It starts at the head of the Dorfbach, west of the Moos sports ground, and ends at the Moosbach before the railway underpass. Ten panels with QR codes make the stories along the trail accessible; they can be accessed and listened to free of charge. Anyone interested in the town’s history will find a format here that combines stories with a specific route.
“Marmot Luzzi: Lost!” focuses on puzzles and tasks. The 3.2-kilometer circular trail has no major climbs and starts at the “Alter Zelgweg” car park. Visitors solve tasks and puzzles at eight stations. The letters they collect spell a solution word, which can be used to earn an orientation expert diploma. A smartphone app guides you from one adventure to the next; check its availability in advance. If local access conditions have changed, check the access information on site.
The differences make it easier to choose: the Gschichtli-Wäg links two streams with stories on panels, while “Marmot Luzzi: Lost!” offers a specified circular route length and a puzzle-based format. This lets you choose according to whether you would rather listen to stories along the way or solve tasks.
The Leugene and Lengnau Forest
The Leugene is a typical Swiss Plateau watercourse, around eight kilometers long. Its pleasant, easy-to-walk paths offer opportunities for simple circular hikes, bike rides, and short mountain-bike tours. The Leugene itself is also a habitat for amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies, butterflies, and numerous wild plants. A stay can therefore include both outdoor activity along the watercourse and the chance to discover its diverse habitats.
The Wurzelweg in Lengnau Forest has a different character: it passes over roots, by streams and natural ponds, and across small wooden bridges. Along the way, there are water features, a sound installation, and a tree-trunk locomotive. The trail starts at the forestry office and is well signposted. Unlike the paths along the Leugene, this outing is defined by forest passages and the trail features described above.
Getting There and Planning Your Stay
Lengnau is connected to the public rail and bus network. The SBB station in the village offers train connections every half hour to Biel, Bern, Zurich, and Grenchen. Check the timetable for your travel date if you are planning to arrive by train and bus. Another specific leisure tip is the 20-meter swimming pool at the Kleinfeld indoor swimming pool, which is also open to the public.
These different local attractions and leisure activities can help guide your choice of hotel: village history, the puzzle trail, paths along the Leugene, and the Wurzelweg each offer a distinct focus. You can plan your stay in Lengnau around your interests without having to follow one fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Kirchlindach, Muri Bei Bern, Le Fuet, Zimmerwald, Gasel, Wohlen Bei Bern, Bern, Stettlen
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