Knowledge & culture

Discover Biel

The bilingual city on Lake Biel

Biel stands for exciting contrasts: tradition and modernity, city and nature, German and French. This diversity shapes the life and atmosphere of Switzerland's largest bilingual city. Between the lake, the old town, and modern architecture, Biel has many faces—authentic, open, and unmistakable.By any measure, Biel is worth a visit - whether you come for its architecture, culture, history or gastronomy.

Discovering Biel is like embarking on a journey through different eras and cultures. In the old town, narrow streets and historic facades tell tales of centuries past, while the culinary discovery tour nourritour combines regional specialties and fascinating stories. Themed city tours focusing on architecture, art, or bilingual identity are also well worth taking.

A highlight of any visit is a boat trip on Lake Biel – whether to St. Peter's Island or simply to experience Biel from a new perspective. The city reveals itself in ever-changing ways – lively, enjoyable, and surprisingly diverse.

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Urban Golf in Biel

Auf dem ersten Bieler Urban-Golf-Parcours können Sie auf spielerische Art in einer urbanen Umgebung eine neue Variante des Golfs erleben. 

Urban Golf ist eine Variante des klassischen Golfs und wird im öffentlichen Raum gespielt. Ausgestattet mit einem Golfschläger, Bällen und einer Spielkarte, verwandeln Sie das Gelände und Gegenstände jeglicher Art in einen kreativen Parcours. Der Parcours in Biel führt Sie an den See und entlang einer der schönsten Promenaden der Stadt. Urban Golf kann jeder spielen, auch ohne Golf-Erfahrung. Ein einzigartiges Erlebnis ist garantiert!

Preis: CHF 15.- pro Person

Biel Old Town

Behind the modern façade of the watchmaking city lies a surprisingly well-preserved medieval old town. Cobblestone streets, fountains, and historic buildings create a special atmosphere where history and the present meet.

Biel's old town is authentic and diverse: small boutiques, galleries, and studios alternate with restaurants, theaters, and cozy cafés. On Saturdays, the colorful fruit and vegetable market on Burgplatz brings the streets to life – a meeting place for locals and visitors alike.

First Friday offers a special experience: on the first Friday of every month, the old town comes to life. Between 6 and 10 p.m., boutiques, delicatessens, and antique shops open their doors, the culinary offerings are diverse, and numerous concerts and a rich cultural program transform the old town into a lively meeting place – Biel at its most enjoyable and creative.

Guided tours of Biel

Street art meets precision watchmaking – and all in two languages. The city thrives on its exciting contrasts: French and German, historic and modern, industrial and creative. On a guided tour, you will discover Biel from new perspectives and learn more about its eventful history, architectural diversity, and artistic creativity. Let yourself be guided through the cobbled streets, discover hidden courtyards, colorful facades, and impressive Bauhaus buildings – inspiring discovery tours full of contrasts that show Biel from its authentic side.

Nourritour a culinary stroll

Held every saturday, the nourritour is a culinary walk through the old town of Biel. The tour has seven diffent stops, which allow you to taste regional products, some of which are even home made. Duration: 3 hours.

Recommended reading Customer magazine “gazette”

Have you heard of the BLS customer magazine «gazette»? In the winter edition 2019/20, we published an intersting report on Biel.Our tip: Definitly read it! 

By the way: You can read the «gazette» online or subscribe to future printet editions free of charge.

How to get there

Travel comfortably to Biel by train. In approx. 5 minutes on foot from the station you can reach the "Paradice" opposite the Biel Congress Centre.

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