In Biel/Bienne, watchmaking culture and medieval history meet Lake Biel and the Jura. The city lies in western Switzerland at the foot of the mountains, combining the lake and Jura with an urban setting. Explore the region’s diverse stories in museums, wander through the old town or take in views of the Three-Lakes Region from a high-altitude trail.
Watches, art and the history of Biel
The Cité du Temps houses Planet Swatch and the OMEGA Museum under one roof. The two independent museum areas span two floors and use interactive technologies. At the OMEGA Museum, immersive films, presentations and interactive experiences take you through the brand’s past, present and future. Exhibits cover topics such as space travel, Olympic timekeeping and diving in the sea. OMEGA’s role as the official timekeeper of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is also covered in an area devoted to the company’s history; the Apollo 17 watch worn by Gene Cernan is on display, too.
The Kunsthaus Biel Centre d’art Bienne offers a different perspective on art. Its program combines experimental contemporary projects with historical exhibitions and presentations from the collection. The architecture also creates a contrast: a historic 19th-century building meets a modern white cube. The Neues Museum Biel ranges in focus from botanical and zoological watercolors in the Robert Collection Foundation to works by Karl and Robert Walser. A permanent exhibition tells the story of Biel’s industrial history through watches, textiles and wire drawing; you can also visit a meticulously recreated historic apartment there.
At the Centre Müller, more than 150 machines from the 19th and 20th centuries are displayed in reconstructed workshops. Life-size figures appear to be working at their former workstations, bringing the working world of the past to life. Meanwhile, the old town’s historic center retains its medieval character. Galleries, antique shops and small stores sit alongside restaurants, theaters and cafés. A fruit and vegetable market is held in Burgplatz several times a week, and a culinary discovery tour also takes you through the old town.
Gorge, high-altitude trail and animal park
The Taubenloch Gorge makes for an easy and impressive walk through wild nature. Families can also enjoy the virtual quiz “Riddles in the Taubenloch.” From Biel railway station, you can reach the gorge by bus to the Taubenloch stop or by train to Frinvillier. The ViaBerna stage describes a longer route: it leads from the Jura heights between Magglingen and Evilard through the gorge and the built-up area of Bözingen, follows the Schüss and continues through Biel, ending at the station via the lakeshore.
The trail to Bözingenberg makes for a short but intense hike. Tourismus Biel Seeland describes the summit views as taking in the Three-Lakes Region and the Alps on the horizon. Restaurant Bözingenberg serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. Biel Animal Park is also located at the foot of Bözingenberg, outside the city. Covering nine hectares, it provides a natural habitat for around 80 animals. Visitors can observe mostly native species and learn more about them. The park has a playground, picnic areas and sanitary facilities; certain animals can be fed with food available at the park.
By Lake Biel and in the city
Strandboden lies right on the shore of Lake Biel. A large lawn invites you to relax or play ball, and there is also a playground. A cruise on the lake runs from Biel to Erlach and back; the one-way trip takes about one hour and 20 minutes. The region’s prehistoric past can also be explored by the lake: five pile-dwelling settlements in the Lake Biel area date back between 3,000 and 7,000 years and have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Explore the prehistoric sites with the “Palafittes Guide” iPhone app.
For another glimpse into everyday city life, head to the Stadtpark, with its playground and meadows for communal recreation. Biel/Bienne offers a range of discoveries side by side: exhibitions on art, industry and watches, a walk in the gorge, trails in the Jura and time by the lake. You can choose which ones shape your stay according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Biel, MĂĽnster, Wangen, Schwarzenburg, Fraubrunnen, Interlaken, Saanen, Aarwangen.
Back to the main travel overview: Bern.
