Biel

Biel/Bienne (Biel in (German), Bienne in French) is the 10th largest city of Switzerland and is located on the northern edge of the canton of Berne. Famous for watchmaking and home to Rolex, Omega and Swatch among other famous makers.

The city lies at the foot of the first mountain range of the Western Switzerland|Jura Mountains area, guarding the only practical connection to Jura in the area and on the northeastern shores of Lake Biel (Bielersee, Lac de Bienne), sharing the eastern tip of the lake with its sister city, Nidau.

The city has more than 50,000 inhabitants and the agglomeration more than 100,000.

Local Language in Biel

Biel/Bienne is one of the few places in Switzerland to be fully genuinely bilingual, with (German) as the majority language and French as the minority language, though in training, Swiss-German phrasebook|Swiss (German) is the main language, with French being second. However, (German) is very widely spoken as it's used in lots of media and is taught in schools, even in French-speaking ones. English is also prevalent.

Travel to Biel

Travel by train to Biel

• Biel/Bienne station 47.132983,7.242983 - Biel/Bienne train station Picswiss BE-98-25 Biel Bienne- Bahnhof SBB CFF - The current train station was built in 1923 in a neoclassical style. A special highlight is the 1st class waiting room with frescoes by Philippe Robert.

Biel/Bienne has connections to many Swiss city's. All the fast trains stopping here are called ICN as instead of the normal inter city trains, special tilting trains are used on this stretch. The most important connections are:

• One hourly ICN from Geneva airport (1h 40min) and main station (1h 30min) via Yverdon (35 min) and Neuchatel (15 min)
• One hourly ICN from Lausanne (1h) via Yverdon and Neuchatel
• One hourly ICN from Basel (55 min) via Delémont (30 min)
• Two hourly ICN from Zurich (1h 10min) via Olten (50 min) and Solothurn (15 min). One of these comes from Saint Gallen (2h 30min), Winterthur (1h 50min) and Zurich airport (1h 30min) while the other one passes by Aarau (45 min)
• From Berne two RE (25 min) and two S3 (35 min) hourly
• One hourly RE (40 min) and R (55 min) from La Chaux-de-Fonds
• One hourly R from Delémont (30 min) and Saint-Ursanne (45 min)

Some more regional lines connect to surrounding villages.

How to travel to Biel by car

Biel/Bienne is well connected with highways in each direction: To the east A5 starts just outside the city and connects to A1 near Solothurn, which comes from Zurich. The west A5 only continues at the end of the lake. It comes from Neuchatel and goes along the northern shore of lake Neuchatel from Yverdon where it joins A1 in direction of Lausanne. To the south A6 comes from Berne and the Bernese Highlands, while to the north A16 goes to Delémont and France.

Travel by boat to Biel

As Biel/Bienne is located at the end of Lake Biel, it can be visited by boat from other villages along the lake with a handful of trips every day. There are also special trips which come from the Lake of Neuchatel and the Lake of Murten. A third option is to take the ship along the Aare river from Solothurn. The time tables for all boat trips change by season, with no boats running along the Aare during winter. Boats still run on the lake, but with very limited trips available.

Get Around in Biel

GPS 47.1342|7.2469

Public transportation

The City has a highly efficient, clean and safe public transport system. It includes trams, buses, S-Bahn (local trains) and even boats for the lake and river. Tickets must be purchased from a ticket machine before boarding or from one of the ticket selling kiosks.

By foot

It is feasible to visit the main touristic sights of Biel/Bienne on foot. It's safe and not far.

What to See

Architecture

Biel offers quite a collection of architectural styles. The oldest buildings can be found in the historic medieval town centre (Bieler Altstadt / Vieille ville de Bienne). The newer town centre (Bieler Neustadt / Nouvelle ville de Bienne) offers international and Bauhaus styles, as well as the neoclassic style railway station. For a more modern Biel, you can head to the urban and busy squares of Zentralplatz and Guisanplatz.

• Église du Pasquart à Bienne , located at Seevorstadt - Pasquart Kirche - Biel Bienne - main French-speaking church

• Stadtkirche Biel 47.141436,7.246564 located at the historic medieval town City Church of Biel - Biel - main German-speaking church

}} Volkshaus | Aarbergstrasse 112 - GPS: 47.13444,7.24365 - The 'house of the people' was built in 1929-1932 as a headquarters to the labour union. It is also a good example of the New Objectivity (Neues Bauen) architectural style. It now houses a restaurant and a congress centre. Hotel Elite | 14 Bahnhofstrasse/rue de la Gare 47.13444,7.24433 - The hotel was also built in the Neues Bauen style and as a symbol of the bourgeoisie it gives an interesting contrast to the Volkshaus opposite is still operated as a hotel today (see Sleep section).

• Lido at Lake Biel - Strandbad Biel - Bauhaus / International Style

=== Museums === Pasquart - Seevorstadt 71-73 - GPS: 47.13873,7.23978 +41 32 322 55 86 Opening Hours: W, Friday 12:00-18:00, Thursday 12:00-20:00, Saturday 11:00-18:00 Fr. 11/9 Museum of contemporary arts, photography and cinema.

• Neues Museum Seevorstadt 52 47.13910,7.24226 ☎ +41 32 328 70 30 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11:00-17:00 Fr. 10/6 Over two buildings (Schwab and Neuhaus) this museum offers a variety of collections on art, watches, history, film and archaeology. Museum Omega - Stämpflistrasse 96 - GPS: 47.14370,7.25861 +41 32 343 91 31 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10:00-18:00, Saturday 11:00-17:00 Free - This company museum on the famous Swiss watch brand is located opposite the factory.

• Centre Müller - Wydenauweg 34 - GPS: 47.13310,7.23932 +41 32 322 36 36 Opening Hours: Opens on appointment only Fr. 8/3

An engineering museum. Castle museum Nidau - Hauptstrasse 6, 2560 Nidau - GPS: 47.12773,7.24034 While thit is in the town of Nidau, it is still just a 10 minutes walk from the station in Biel +41 31 635 25 00 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-16:00 Free - The museum explains the water corrections which took place in the Jura region.

Top Travel Tips

• Go swim in the Lake Biel (Bielersee)
• Take a look an stroll to the historic medieval town (Altstadt).
• Lake Promenade at the Strandboden.
• Do a cruise on Lake Biel.
• Go to the Taubenloch Canyon (Taubenlochschlucht) and explore the cascade.
• Pick up a bike and take a ride around the lake or the Jura mountains. If you can, take a look at the vineyards: you´re going to find many medieval constructions and some good restaurants serving fish from the lake and local soft drinks.
• During ice-hockey season visit a game of the EHC Biel.
• August 1st is the national day of Switzerland and watching the fireworks on a boat is a good experience.
• In the summer and there is a music festival at the old town.

Shopping in Biel

The main shopping neighborhood is in the middle of the city. The main shopping streets are the Bahnhofsstrasse and the Nidaugasse. Both car-free! For example: Buy a watch made in Biel/Bienne (ex: Omega, Swatch, Rolex, Candino and a lot more)

Halal Restaurants & Food in Biel

You should definitely try some of the food sourced regionally, such as the freshwater fish (especially perch and luce) from the lake Biel and the Cheese from the nearby Jura mountains and the vegetables from the Seeland region, which Biel is part of.

• Restaurant du lac Neuenburgstrasse 58 47.13069,7.22002 ☎ +41 32 322 37 77 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 08:45-23:00, Saturday 10:00-23:00 Fr. 40 for mains - The speciality of the house are the fish dishes, many of which are from the nearby lake.

• Famous white, red and rose from the vineyards at lake Biel. Or taste one of the soft drinks from the region.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Biel

Biel - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Biel, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Biel. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Biel and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Biel. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Biel. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Biel: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Biel.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Biel: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Biel, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Biel.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Biel, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Biel, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Biel and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Biel, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Biel, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Biel without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Biel is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Biel.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Biel is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Biel, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Biel Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Biel

eHalal Group Biel is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Biel. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Biel.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Biel ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Biel. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Biel, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Ramadan Celebrations in Biel

Ramadan 2025 in Biel

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Art Déco Hotel Elite @iel.com 14 Bahnhofstrasse/rue de la Gare 47.13444,7.24433 +41 32 127 77 70 Single room from Fr. 205, double room from Fr. 297 (rates from February 2009) 200m from the train station. Great hotel bar "Baramundo".

Nearby

• Téléskis Les Prés-d'Orvin - 7 kilometers in winter, 5 lifts - 47.1502,7.1714A bus leaves from Biel around 4 times a day (25 minutes) +41 32 323 93 08 Day pass Fr. 24/12 weekdays, more expensive over the weekend A small ski area close to Biel, makes a good day trip for skiing or snowboarding.

Go Next

• Berne
• Geneve
• Neuchatel
• Solothurn

{{IsPartOf|Berne Region