Top 12 things to see in Biel

Altstadt (Old Town)

Stadttheater:

This is the current opera and theatre of Biel. The offer numerous shows and ballets so if you do stay in Biel for longer than a day then it could be a good idea to watch a show in the evening. The building is a simple, pink building located in Place du Bourg.

Rathaus:

The Hotel de Ville was built between 1530-1534 in Gothic and pre-Renaissance architecture.

Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen:

The fountain of Justice is the oldest stone fountain in Biel. In 1535 a stone base replaced the wooden base. This fountain underwent many renovations and is a symbol of the jurisdiction of the city.

Stadtkirche:

The Stadtkirche is the city church, known for its modest and simple interior. I find it a quaint little church situated in a medieval looking square.

Vennerbrunnen:

This fountain represents the Banner carrier and it is located in the Place au Ring. It was the original works of Peter Pagan de Nidau, but like the other fountains, it underwent renovations and was altered by various other sculptors. This Banner Carrier used to symbolize the right of the city to deploy its own troops in order to protect the Lord Bishop of Basel in the eventual case of war.

Engelsbrunnen:

This fountain represents an angel protecting a lamb from the devil. This is supposed to symbolize the victory of good over evil.

Pasquart Biel:

This museum holds numerous temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. It is known to be one of Switzerland’s finest. You will be exposed to modern photography, art masterpieces and original cinema. Adults pay 11 CHF whilst students pay 9 CHF. Opening times are from 12-6 PM Wednesdays and Fridays, 12-8 PM Thursdays, 11 AM-6 PM Saturday and Sunday and closure on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Neues Museum Biel:

The Neues Museum is said to be one of the top museums of Biel. It is a museum of history, art and archaeology portraying exhibitions on the cultural and historical aspects of the region over a wide range of years. You will discover watchmaking, textiles and wire works as well as the history of cinema and the road to its invention. The art exhibition holds some beautiful collections of the brothers Karl and Robert Walser, Biel-born artists. Prices start at 4 CHF for students and 8 CHF for adults, however a guided tour is available upon reservation for 110 CHF. Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday 11 AM-5 PM.

Location: Seevorstadt, 52.

Museum of Art and History, La Neuveville:

This museum represents centuries of Swiss History and Art. You will find the Arms room, the arms of the Bourgeoisie, the Grand Hall holding trophies from the Bourgogne war. This Museum holds numerous permanent and temporary exhibitions. The entry is free of charge and the opening times are from April- October only on Sundays 2. 30 PM - 5. 30 PM!

Location: Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, 11.

Vineyard museum of the Lake of Biel:

This museum is located on the shore of the Lake, and is a museum dedicated to the arts of wine making. You will get a full portrayal on the way wine is grown, the tools used and the equipment required for the process. At the end of the tour you get to taste some of the most exquisite wine of the region. Do not forget to book a guided tour to get a thorough understanding of the museum. The entry price is 6 CHF and it is open from May to October, from 1. 30 PM to 5. 00 PM.

Museum Omega:

The Omega museum is probably one of the most important museums of Biel and it is based just in front of the Omega Headquarters. You will get a better understanding about the company and the way in which Louis Brandt founded his business in 1848. Furthermore you will see numerous collections of beautiful watches that have made an impact in history. The entry to the museum is free and the opening times are Tuesday – Friday 10 AM - 6 PM and Saturday 11 AM-5 PM.

Location: Rue Jakob-Stämpfli, 96.

Centre Muller:

The Müller Centre is a museum dedicated to the rarities of collected machines. You will be exposed to the insights of the industrialization period and the development of machinery.

Prices cost 5 CHF for students and 8 CHF for adults, however entry is only available upon appointment, so to make an appointment ring: 032 322 36 36.

Location: Wydenauweg, 34.

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