The churchyard is the oldest and finest part of Täuffelen’s villagescape. The church and rectory, dating from 1665, form the heart of the ensemble; they are joined by a former bakehouse and a granary from the 18th century. The bakehouse was restored in 2000, remains intact to this day and is used for baking. Its doors open four times a year. If you would like to time your visit accordingly, check the specific opening days in advance.

Village Landscape and History

Täuffelen lies on elevated ground on the slope above the Grosses Moos. Tiled roofs running parallel to the slope, the picturesque church tower and a large factory define its distinctive silhouette. In many parts of the old village, trees, gardens, meadows, low walls and fences give the area a rural character.

The village’s history also goes back a long way: Täuffelen and Gerolfingen are considered to be of Celtic origin and are mentioned in documents dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. Four pile dwellings were built on the shore of Lake Biel during the Stone Age. Before 1846, Täuffelen was purely an agricultural village.

The lower village of Gerolfingen deserves a closer look, too. It comprises multi-purpose and residential buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, with hipped roofs and ründen. Unbuilt meadowland with numerous fruit trees forms the setting for this historic part of the village.

Aare Delta and Lakeshore

The “Aare Delta on Lake Biel” nature reserve covers 199.5 hectares; its designation as a protected area was completed in 2026. The area includes the Aare’s river mouth delta, a gravel island and the offshore lake area. In Täuffelen-Gerolfingen, it also includes shallow-water zones, wetlands, floodplain habitats and parts of the Strandboden.

The protection regulations are intended to safeguard and enhance nature without unnecessarily restricting traditional recreational activities. Numerous lakeside, woodland and field paths around Täuffelen make up a local recreation area with opportunities for cycling and jogging. Path conditions and local access rules may change; check them before setting out on your planned route.

There is a place to swim in Lake Biel at the Strandboden. It also has a beach volleyball court and a barbecue area with tables. Facilities may not always be available, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

Walking Tours and Other Activities

The self-guided treasure-map walk takes you through Täuffelen-Gerolfingen, past impressive buildings, paintings and viewpoints. Walking time alone is one to one and a half hours; the total duration is two to two and a half hours. Keep these two figures distinct when planning time for the walk. After a short climb, you’ll reach a playground where you can rest and have a snack.

For a longer hike, “With Lake Biel at Your Back” leads from Gerolfingen to Studen. The route is 11.7 kilometres long, takes about three hours and is suitable for families. The two options therefore differ considerably in the time they take: the walk through Täuffelen-Gerolfingen on the one hand, and the longer hike between Gerolfingen and Studen on the other.

Another swimming option is the indoor pool at Täuffelen Upper Secondary School. Its pool measures 16 2/3 × 8 metres and has a movable floor that can be set at different heights. The pool is open to the public at times set by the Regional Education Commission. Check the current schedule before your visit.

Getting Around Lake Biel

Aare Seeland mobil runs along the southern shore of Lake Biel, from Biel via Täuffelen to Ins. On the Biel/Bienne–Täuffelen–Ins railway line, passengers can see Lake Biel or St. Peter’s Island. The section of the Biel–Täuffelen–Ins railway in Gerolfingen opened in 1916. For planning your day, it’s worth checking the timetable.

Discover more destinations: Jens, Sutz-Lattrigen, Ligerz, Studen, Twann, Mörigen, Ipsach, Nidau.

Back to the main travel overview: Nidau.