bienne

Biel/Bienne is a city in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, located on the northern shore of Lake Biel at the confluence with the Aare. It is the second-largest city in the canton after Bern and serves as a major urban center in the region. The municipality is officially bilingual, known by its German name Biel and its French name Bienne (Biel/Bienne in bilingual form). German is the predominant language in daily life, but French-speaking influence is strong due to proximity to the French-speaking cantons.

Geographically, the city sits on a plateau between the lake and the Jura mountains, with the Aare river running through the urban area. The historic center preserves a medieval to early modern street fabric, and there is a lakeside promenade that is popular with residents and visitors.

Biel/Bienne has a long tradition of watchmaking and precision engineering, which helped shape its economy from the 18th century onward. Today, the city hosts a mix of manufacturing, technology, education, and services, and it serves as a regional hub for the Biel/Bienne metropolitan area.

Transport links are strong, with Biel/Bienne as a railway hub connecting Bern, Neuchâtel, and the Jura region. The city also offers a port on Lake Biel and an extensive public transport network.

Education and culture are supported by institutions including campuses of the Bern University of Applied Sciences and various vocational schools. Notable cultural venues include the historic old town and museums that explore the city’s industrial and cultural heritage.