Town

The city of Biel

As the largest bilingual city in Switzerland, Biel offers a unique atmosphere, combining urban life, cultural diversity, and innovation.

Zentralplatz, Biel
Zentralplatz, Biel. © Tourismus Biel Seeland | Stefan Weber
Biel – Switzerland’s Largest Bilingual City

Located on the shores of Lake Biel, Biel combines urban life, cultural diversity, and innovation. As Switzerland’s largest bilingual city, it offers a unique atmosphere where German and French coexist harmoniously. This cultural blend shapes daily life and also inspires the city’s thriving art and music scene, which can be experienced at institutions such as the Kunshaus Biel, the P32796Neues Museum Biel (NMB), as well as in numerous galleries and concert venues.
 
Biel’s bilingualism has its roots in the watchmaking industry. In the mid-19th century, many Jura-based watchmakers found work in the city, bringing the French language along. Today, Biel remains home to major brands such as Omega and Swatch. The Cité du Temps, which houses the museums of both brands, offers fascinating insights into the history of these world-renowned watchmakers.
 
Often perceived as an industrial city, Biel surprises visitors with its charming Old Town, where small shops, cozy restaurants, and lively markets create an authentic atmosphere. Every month, First Friday transforms the streets into a vibrant stage for art, music, and culinary delights. But Biel is not only about history—it also holds an unexpected architectural gem. While the Old Town reflects medieval charm, the New Town is characterized by numerous Bauhaus buildings, a feature that remains largely unknown. In fact, Biel has the highest concentration of Bauhaus-style architecture outside of Tel Aviv, making it a captivating destination where visitors can immerse themselves in both history and modernity.
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.
 
 
Discover Biel
From CHF 25.- Urban visits, Bienne

Discover Biel’s street art through a guided tour featuring iconic murals and contemporary creations.

From CHF 15.- Urban visits, Bienne

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.

Book your tickets for a guided tour of the old town of Biel on First Friday, every first Friday of the month.

From CHF 25.- Urban visits, Bienne

Explore the industrial history of Biel, from the Alpha foundry to the Omega headquarters, passing through the automobile industry and bicycle manufacturing.

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).

From CHF 36.- Urban visits, Bienne

Discover the old town of Biel by following Gizmo, a curious and observant cat. A fun treasure hunt for all the family.

 

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.



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Taste Biel
From CHF 89.- Food & Drinks, Bienne

Wine tasting and hiking – an offer that enables you to experience the delightful world of the Lake Biel/Bienne wine-growing region.

From CHF 49.- Food & Drinks, Bienne

Discover Biel's regional delicacies on Nourritour, a unique culinary walk through the old town.

From CHF 59.- Food & Drinks, Schafis

Domaine Andrey invites you to enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience. On the menu: tapas and exceptional wines with a breathtaking view of Lake Biel!

From CHF 68.- Food & Drinks, Douanne

Enjoy a delicious cheese fondue during a cosy boat trip, surrounded by the wintry backdrop of Lake Biel.

From CHF 85.- Food & Drinks, Douanne

Boat trip on Lake Biel and Lake Neuchâtel, where you will enjoy a delicious fish menu.

From CHF 55.- Food & Drinks, Douanne

Come aboard Captain Oli's boat for a delicious meal and a magnificent evening on Lake Biel.

From CHF 40.- Food & Drinks, Bienne

This delicious brunch, featuring oriental specialities, will take you on a culinary journey.

From CHF 95.- Food & Drinks, Bienne

Discover the culinary specialities of three renowned Biel/Bienne restaurants in one evening.

From CHF 100.- Food & Drinks, Bienne

Learn to cook delicious Syrian dishes and then taste your own creations.

From CHF 60.- Food & Drinks, Douanne

Enjoy a delicious cheese fondue during a cosy boat trip, surrounded by the wintry backdrop of Lake Biel.

   

Discover exciting special and permanent exhibitions.



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gift voucher

Biennebon

The gift voucher for shopping and leisure in Biel.



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Manifestations