Town
Biel/Bienne is Switzerland’s largest bilingual town. German and French have equal rights here. This town is also the cradle of Swiss watchmaking.
Zentralplatz, Biel. © Tourismus Biel Seeland | Stefan Weber
Biel, the largest bilingual city in Switzerland, is situated directly at Lake Biel.
Besides events of national and international significance, Biel offers a host of other cultural highlights as well. TheNeues Museum Bieland thePasquartare two important museums near the lake. In 2004, Biel was awarded the Wakker prize by the Swiss Heritage Society for its exemplary townscape protection.
Most visitors imagine Biel to be an industrial town, and they are surprised to find that it has a well-preserved medieval centre. Thishistorc partof town invites to go on a stroll through the charming alleys and along the picturesque squares and terraces with the pretty little shops.
In Biel, you will hear people converse in German and in French. In the largest bilingual city of Switzerland, all streets and official buildings are signposted in both languages. The mixture of German and French-speaking inhabitants makes Biel an especially charming place.
This bilingualism is a result of the watchmaking industry. In the middle of the 19th century, Biel became Switzerland’s most important watchmaking centre. The numerous watchmakers from the Jura who found work in Biel brought the French language with them. To this day, renowned brands such as Omega and Swatch are headquartered in Biel.
Good to know
Good to know
- An intact old town with a beautiful town hall, gothic town church dating from the 15th century, various fountains and beautiful signposts.
- Pasquart – a very attractive art museum for contemporary sculpture, graphic art and photography; renovated in 2000 and extended with a new building designed by Basle architects Diener & Diener.
- The architecturally impressive Congress Centre offers excellent facilities for major international congresses, meetings and seminars.
- After Tel Aviv, Biel is one of the cities with the highest concentration of Bauhaus style buildings in the world.
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Biel / Bienne. © Tourismus Biel Seeland | Stefan Weber
Biel's old town. © Tourismus Biel Seeland | Stefan Weber
Harbor promenade, Biel/Bienne. © Tourismus Biel Seeland | Stefan Weber
Cité du Temps. © Switzerland Tourism
Albrecht-Haller-Strasse, Biel/Bienne. © Tourismus Biel Seeland | Stefan Weber
Discovering Biel
Gourmet Tour: Insights into Biel's gastronomy
From CHF 95.- Food & Drinks, Bienne
Discover the culinary specialities of three renowned Biel/Bienne restaurants in one evening.
Historical guided Tour of Biel's old Town
From CHF 15.- Urban visits
With its little alleyways, pretty façades and dignified guild houses, Biel’s old town is the gem of the city. Set out on a journey of discovery into its fascinating past.
Nourritour: a culinary walk
From CHF 49.- Food & Drinks, Bienne
Discover Biel's regional delicacies on Nourritour, a unique culinary walk through the old town.
ArchitekTour
From CHF 25.- Urban visits, Bienne
Discover the lesser-known side of Biel/Bienne's architecture. This tour takes you on an exploration of modernity (Bauhaus).
ManufakTour
From CHF 25.- Urban visits, Bienne
Equipped with a handbook, you can discover the character and craftsmanship of the city of Biel/Bienne for yourself at your own pace.
Famous for its charming alleys, beautiful facades and venerable corporate houses, the old town is a privileged place in the heart of the city of Biel.
More infosBrunch in and around Biel/Bienne
Winter Bruch by Dock4
Brunch, Biel/Bienne
Come and enjoy a good brunch!
Lokal Brunch
Brunch, Biel/Bienne
At Lokal, special dishes are created from selected and local ingredients.
Barrique Brunch
Brunch, Biel/Bienne
Enjoy every Sunday a gourmet buffet at the restaurant la Barrique.
Les Caves Brunch
Brunch, Biel/Bienne
A rich offer für all brunch lovers.
Farel Brunch
Brunch
A healthy start to the day.
Péniche Brunch
Brunch, Nidau
Start a nice Sunday morning with a brunch at the restaurant La Péniche and enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Biel.
Museum
Museum
Discover exciting special and permanent exhibitions.
More infos gift voucher
gift voucher
The gift voucher for shopping and leisure in Biel.
More infosManifestations
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Festivity, Festival
Festival du Film Français d'Helvétie
Biel/Bienne
Sat, Sun
Festivity, Festival
Erlacher Läset-Sunntige
Erlach
Sat, Sun
Festivity, Festival
Erlacher Läset-Sunntige
Erlach
Friday
Festivity, Festival
First Friday
Biel/Bienne
Sat, Sun
Gastronomy, Tastings
Ligerzer Läset Sunntige
Ligerz
