Seeland

Seeland is a region and administrative district in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It lies in the northern part of the canton and is defined by a low-lying, lacustrine landscape that centers on three large lakes: Bielersee (Biel Lake), Neuenburgersee (Neuchâtel Lake), and Murtensee. The area is bounded by the Jura foothills to the north and the Bernese plateaus to the south, with settlement and agriculture concentrated around the lake shores.

Geography and landscape are marked by flat farmland, wetlands, and scattered forests. The lakes and their marshy margins support diverse birdlife and protected natural areas, contributing to the region’s ecological significance. Waterways such as the Aare influence hydrology and local land use, shaping settlement patterns and transport routes. The Seeland’s landscape has historically supported peat extraction, which left a lasting imprint on land use and regional culture.

Economy and people mix industry, services, and agriculture. Biel/Bienne, the region’s largest city, serves as an economic and transport hub and is notable for its bilingual character and watchmaking heritage. Smaller towns and rural communities contribute to farming, small manufacturing, and tourism, especially during the lakeside season. The region is characterized by a blend of German-speaking communities with French-speaking influences, reflecting its proximity to the bilingual linguistic area around Biel/Bienne.

Transport links are well developed, with rail and road connections to Bern, Neuchâtel, and Solothurn. The Seeland remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation, water activities, cycling, and nature tourism, anchored by the lake landscapes and their surrounding towns.