From
Wikipedia:
Biel/Bienne is the heart of
the Swiss watch-making industry. Trademarks such as Swatch,
Omega, Rolex and many others are closely associated with the
city of Biel, The Swatch Group has its wordwide headquarters in
the tree lined "Seevorstadt", in the previous building of ASUAG.
The small but beautiful historic centre, with its gothic church
(15th century), impressive guild halls and fountains decorated
with flowers, entice one to stroll, while restaurants brimming
with character wait to greet visitors on their terraces. Leaving
the historic centre, the tree-lined "Seevorstadt" takes to the
lake and its beautiful shoreline. On the way the visitors pass
the Biel "Cultural Quarter" with the Neuhaus and Schwab Museums
and the CentrePasquArt.
The Jura mountains are easily reached by funicular from Biel. It
takes just seven minutes to reach Magglingen (where the Federal
Sports School is located) and from where numerous walking paths
start in every direction. Magglingen, Leubringen, Prêles and the
year round resort of Les Prés-d'Orvin offer sensational views of
the Alps on a clear day. The highest viewpoint is Chasseral
(1607 m a.s.l). The steep gorge of Taubenloch also offers a
spectacular scenery.
The port of Biel is the starting point for scenic river and lake
cruises, which can take the visitors to the city of Solothurn,
St. Peter's Island and the Lakes Neuchâtel and Murten
(Three-Lake-Tour). Do not forget to interrupt the lake cruise
with a visit to one of the picturesque wine-growing villages to
taste their fine products. The experience is at its best during
the autumn harvest and when the wine festivals are held against
a background of autumn colours. Other culinary specialties of
the Biel region include perch and whitefish filets and the
famous marc sausage.
