Tourist Places To Visit In Biel (Bienne)

The bilingual city of Biel/Bienne offers a variety of traditional, cultural and modern experiences. From picturesque landscapes to modern art exhibits, watch museums and medieval architecture, you can't but fall in love with this city. Some of the tourist places to visit in Biel/Bienne are listed below, which include a range of places that are fun for everyone - families, couples or adventurists.

The PasquArt museum is one of the most visited places in Biel/Bienne. It is an art centre that brings together photography, cinema and contemporary art through its many temporary exhibitions. Local and International artists have put up some very fine art collectives that have made the centre the talk of the town. Since the exhibitions keep changing, the museum is a place that can be visited time and time again. Also in the same premises are the Film Podium, Photo Forum, Kunstverein Biel and the espace Libre.

Everyone has heard of the famous Omega brand of Swiss Watches, but very few have really experienced what goes into the art of fine watchmaking. Visit the Omega Museum in Biel/Bienne to learn first-handed what it takes to be one of the most popular luxurious watch brands, endorsed even by royalty! The museum opened in 2019 and is an ultra-modern take on this age-old art. Guided tours are available.

Ready to dive into some pristine blue water with scenic landscapes surrounding it? Lake Biel is one of the 3 lakes surrounding Biel/Bienne. It is located at the foothills of Jura. On a clear summer evening, it is one of the best places to do a spot of swimming, boating, biking or just have a family picnic. You can also spend your time by just taking countless no. of photos! There are some cafes and restaurants nearby as well. You can also visit the 2 other big lakes surrounding Biel/Bienne - Lake Morat and Lake Neuchâtel.

Taubenloch Gorge is the only Gorge in all of Europe to be found so close to a city. It is just towards the edge of Biel/Bienne, at a distance of less than 4km from the centre. It is a stunning location and the Gorge is quite deep. It takes about 35 minutes to do the hike one way and about 1 hour to do the whole tour. The path can get quite narrow and is not advisable for people in wheelchairs, but otherwise, it is quite an easy hike to complete. The gorge can be reached by public transport.

Biel/Bienne's old town is filled with many fountains - the Fountain of Justice is one of them. These pretty architectures make for a fun trail within the old town. This is one of the most interesting statues of the lot and was built in 1543. The sculpture represents Justice with its scales and sword and the 4 heads below represent the forms of government - theocracy, monarchy, autocracy and republic. Don't forget to stop by and taking loads of pictures here at the fountain of justice!

Another museum related to watches is the Planet Swatch museum. This too has some interesting exhibits showcasing Swatch over the years and its colourful and playful style. It also has some unique interactive installations. The museum is located in the same building as the Omega Museum and you can cover both museums in a matter of 2 to 3 hours, depending on your interest.

The medieval Nidau Castle has a history that dates all the way back to the 12th century. From being the first wooden castle in the area to becoming a stone fortification, protecting the area and being involved in a lot of battle over the years, it has witnessed a lot of change. The castle was initially surrounded by water but due to the Jura Water Corrections project in 1868, the water levels dropped and the moat became non-existent. The castle is located just 1.5km from the Biel/Bienne's city centre. It currently houses a museum which is open to the public that provides a lot of insight into Biel/Bienne and its surrounding areas (Seeland).

If you want to escape from the hustle-bustle of the city, even if just for a few minutes, you can walk right into Elfenau Park, located within the city centre. This park is a great place for families with kids or just a good place to take a walk and enjoy some quiet time. There is also a little pond with fishes and you may also stumble across some wildlife.

Another natural wonder that you can visit is Douanne Gorges. It is located about 13km from Biel/Bienne, close to the town of Twann. It is a picturesque location and a lovely hiking spot. You can come across waterfalls, get mesmerised by lush landscapes and be one with nature on this trip. Take caution if the weather has been wet as the narrow hiking path may get slippery.

A trip to the zoo is always fun! You must visit Biel zoo which is located at the foot of Bözingenberg, just 5km from the city centre. You will get to see native animals like chamois, ibexes, wild boars, deers, dwarf goats and more. Entry is open for all and is free. You can also picnic on the site. It is an activity that is especially fun for kids and people who want to spend some quality family time together.