Biel

Biel/Bienne is a city in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It lies at the northeastern end of Lake Biel where the Aare River exits the lake, near the Jura foothills. The city sits on the border between German-speaking and French-speaking regions and is officially bilingual, with German as the predominant language and French widely spoken among residents and in public life.

With a population of about 55,000, Biel/Bienne is the third-largest city in the canton and the administrative center of the Biel/Bienne district. The urban area consists of a well-preserved medieval old town adjacent to a modern district. The town's historic core features timber-framed houses, arcades and a lakeside promenade.

Historically, Biel/Bienne developed as a center of trade and crafts in the Middle Ages and later became a hub for the Swiss watchmaking industry. Today its economy is diversified, including manufacturing, services, logistics and research.

Transportation remains central to its role in western Switzerland; Biel/Bienne railway station connects to Bern, Neuchâtel and other major lines, and the city is accessible by road via the A6 corridor. The lake and river provide recreational opportunities and contribute to tourism and quality of life.

Education and culture are supported by several institutions and venues, including campuses of the Bern University of Applied Sciences and local museums and theaters. Biel/Bienne is known for its bilingual character, multicultural community, and its place as a regional center in the Seeland region.