Things to Do in Biel/Bienne

Two of Biel's ten historic public fountains dating from the 16th century. The Römerbrunnen has a Roman soldier statue; the Zähringerbrunnen stands by the town church.

🕐 Open 24/7

💡 Bring an empty bottle — these fountains run with fresh drinking water from the local aquifer.

A well-preserved medieval centre with cobbled streets, fountains, and guild houses. The town hall square and the 15th-century St. Benedict's Church are highlights.

🕐 Open 24/7

💡 Walk the 'Bieler Gasse' – the main street – for free street art and hidden courtyards. The tourist office offers free maps at the old town entrance.

A self-guided walking route through the city marked by plaques and watch-themed installations. Links key sites of the watchmaking industry, including old factories and workshops.

🕐 Open 24/7

💡 Download the free audio guide from the city website. The trail takes about 90 minutes – start at the old town fountain and follow the blue signs.

A well-preserved medieval centre with narrow streets, Gothic fountains and colourful facades. Has both German and French signs reflecting the city's bilingual character.

🕐 Open 24/7

💡 Look for the painted guild signs above the arcades on Obergasse.

A small archaeology museum with a notable collection of Celtic and Roman artefacts, including finds from the nearby La Tène site. Housed in a 19th-century villa close to the old town.

🕐 Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00; closed Mon

💡 Permanent collection is free; temporary exhibitions cost a small fee. Check for free guided tours on the first Sunday of the month.

A natural history and ethnography museum in a former monastery, with exhibits on local wildlife and indigenous cultures. Free on the first Sunday of each month.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00

💡 Combine with a stroll around the adjacent lakefront park for a full afternoon.

A public footpath along Lake Biel's north shore, with views of the lake and the Jura mountains. Benches and small beaches allow for rest and swimming.

🕐 Open 24/7

💡 Follow the path east to the Strandbad for a free public swimming area in summer.

A large public lido on the shores of Lake Biel with a sandy beach, grassy lawns, and clear water for swimming. Basic facilities include changing cabins and a kiosk.

🕐 May-Sep: daily 09:00-20:00; closed Oct-Apr

💡 Entry is around 5 CHF, but the adjacent lake promenade is free and offers public benches with great views. Go early on summer weekends to avoid queues.

An arts centre in a former watch factory showing contemporary visual art, photography, and design exhibitions. Rotates shows every few months.

🕐 Tue-Fri 12:00-18:00; Sat-Sun 11:00-18:00; closed Mon

💡 Free entry to the gallery spaces; the cinema and some special events cost. The cafe has cheap coffee and a terrace with a view of the Jura hills.

A contemporary art centre in a converted 19th-century villa, hosting rotating exhibitions of Swiss and international artists. Free entry for exhibitions on Friday afternoons.

🕐 Wed-Sun 14:00-18:00, Fri free entry from 14:00

💡 Check the website for artist talks or opening vernissages which often include a free drink.