Old Town

Biel

Find ancient fountains and buildings and enjoy the pleasant mix of language and culture in this French/German spot in Switzerland.

The Old Town of Biel/Bienne is a charming 800-year-old Swiss neighborhood. Stroll around its Ring and other squares while listening to locals intermixing French and German languages. The German town of Biel was founded near Lake Biel in the early 13th century, with French residents calling the village Bienne. After centuries of wars, plague, witchcraft and typhus, the Swiss town was officially given the name of Biel/Bienne.

Look for the Old Town’s interesting fountains repainted in original bright colors. Engelsbrunnen is an angel cuddling a lamb, protecting it from a bright green devil. Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen features a brightly painted statue of blind Lady Justice holding a scale.

In the Ring, find Venner Brunnen, the Fountain of the Banner Carrier, constructed in the mid 1500s. Dine al fresco at a restaurant here. Gaze up at five-story pastel buildings, some with stepped rooflines. Peek inside the Temple Allemand, completed in 1470.

Attend opera, comedy, dance, symphony or children’s entertainment at Stadttheater/Théâtre Municipale. TOBS is the Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn or Theatre Orchestre Bienne Soleure and presents plays, opera, symphonies and dance. Enjoy intimate performances at the Théâtre de Poche in a vaulted cellar.

Once the center for the city’s craft guilds, today the Old Town has boutiques featuring jewelry, artworks and musical instruments. Visit a brewery, coffeeshop, cakeshop or other restaurants and bistros.

Come in November for the Ring’s annual truffle market. Artisans hold markets here monthly, and flea markets occur twice monthly during warm weather.

Follow the tree-lined Seevorstadt to Lake Biel. Along the way, stop at Museum Schwab and Centre PasquArt. See the headquarters of the Swatch Group. Biel is a major Swiss watchmaking center.

Old Town is about a 5-minute drive north of the center of Biel/Bienne in the canton of Bern. Park along its eastern side. Alternatively, enjoy interesting city views by taking the Leubringenbahn funicular that leaves from the Bahnhof/Gare. Continue on the funicular toward the Jura Mountains.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Old Town

Prize by Radisson, Bern City
Prize by Radisson, Bern City
2 out of 5
VIKTORIASTRASSE 21, Bern
The price is €130 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
€130
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
Stay at this hotel in Bern. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (406 reviews)
"Great and comfortable room. Staff are friendly and there is a free parking which was very helpful. It is also close to the old city."

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2025

Prize by Radisson, Bern City
Stay KooooK Bern City – Online Check In
Stay KooooK Bern City – Online Check In
3 out of 5
Zeughausgasse 26, Bern, BE
The price is €156 per night from 21 Feb to 22 Feb
€156
includes taxes & fees
21 Feb - 22 Feb
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bern. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and rainfall showerheads. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (384 reviews)
"Very nice place!"

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2025

Stay KooooK Bern City – Online Check In
Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel
Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel
3 out of 5
Zeughausgasse 41, Bern, BE
The price is €163 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
€163
includes taxes & fees
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bern. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (888 reviews)
Excellent Stay
"We felt welcomed from the moment we walked through the door. The room was comfortable and well appointed. The free breakfast was very European and delicious. Transportation around the city was free to hotel guests and easy to use. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay."

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2025

Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel
Los Lorentes Residences
Los Lorentes Residences
4 out of 5
Murtenstrasse, 147, Bern, BE
The price is €126 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
€126
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bern. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (234 reviews)
"The only thing I didn’t like was their check in process on a tablet that wasn’t user friendly. Other than that the hotel is fantastic."

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2024

Los Lorentes Residences
Hotel National Bern
Hotel National Bern
2 out of 5
Hirschengraben 24, Bern
The price is €172 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
€172
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
Stay at this hotel in Bern. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (526 reviews)
"Excellent hotel, great breakfast, Anna at the desk speaks multiple languages, free luggage storage close to train station. My daughter and I had a great time! Oh and lots of hot water!"

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2025

Hotel National Bern
harry's home Bern-Expo
harry's home Bern-Expo
4 out of 5
25 Bernstrasse, Ostermundigen, BE
The price is €134 per night from 21 Feb to 22 Feb
€134
includes taxes & fees
21 Feb - 22 Feb
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ostermundigen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (250 reviews)
"Loved it so much we extended our stay!"

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2025

harry's home Bern-Expo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Old Town

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