Neuenstadt am Bielersee: Old Town, Wine and Culture

Neuenstadt (La Neuveville) lies on the shore of Lake Biel. Here, medieval houses and towers meet vineyards, lakeside scenery and mountain views. The town was founded in 1312; its townscape is defined by rows of houses, narrow lanes and impressive fountains. Those interested in architectural history will find traces from several centuries in the townscape.

Old Town, Towers and History

The Tour Rouge is the town’s clock tower and stands north of the old town. To the south, the Tour de Rive forms its entrance. A basilica was once planned at the Tour Carrée, but the project was not realised as a result of the Reformation. Château du Schlossberg was built between 1283 and 1288 and served as the castellan’s residence until the 16th century. It was restored in 1884 and 1931. The château and its gardens are not open to visitors.

At the Maison des Dragons, dragon-shaped gargoyles recall the origin of its name. The house was built in 1757/1758 for the town clerk David François Chiffelle, also known as Tschiffeli. On the façade of the Maison des Vignolans, coats of arms depicting pruning knives, vines and grapes tell of winegrowing. The two Fontaines du Banneret date from 1550 and were created by Laurent Péroud from Cressier in the Canton of Neuchâtel.

Religious buildings and historic buildings once used for practical purposes also offer insight into the town’s history. The Blanche Eglise is the oldest place of worship in La Neuveville; its frescoes date from the second half of the 14th century and the beginning of the 15th century. The Catholic church Notre Dame de L’Assomption has richly decorated stained-glass windows and an altar made of faceted plate glass by Isabelle Tabin Darbellay. The Ancien Temple du Lac was built in 1720 in place of the Sainte-Catherine chapel and has been converted into a café with live theatre since 2004. The former Grenier du Prince-Évêque was built in 1755 as a grain store for times of shortage. Inside is a Baroque staircase with three flights.

Founded in 1875, the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is housed in the former town hall, dating from the 14th century, and is devoted to the town’s history and residents. On display are medieval banners and cannons captured by soldiers from Neuenstadt from the troops of Charles the Bold at the Battle of Morat in 1476. The collection also includes Neolithic objects from lakeshore settlements on Lake Biel. In the local and guild rooms are Landolt tiled stoves from the 18th century.

Winegrowing and Local Traditions

Wine is part of the landscape and local character. A description of the Canton of Bern from 2022 gives the vineyard area of La Neuveville as around 80 hectares and describes it as the largest in the canton; the area may gradually change. The wine-growing region is suitable for Chasselas, Chardonnay and grape varieties from the Pinot family. The Vignoble de la ville de Berne stretches along Lake Biel between La Neuveville and Schafis and grows Chasselas and Pinot noir in accordance with BIOSUISSE guidelines.

There are various ways to enjoy wine tastings and learn about winegrowing: Cave Auberson & fils offers tours and wine tastings on a terrace among the vineyards, overlooking Lake Biel and La Neuveville. The Auberson family hosts tours, aperitifs and tastings featuring regional products and wines from the estate. Around a dozen winegrowers open their cellars by request for a wine tasting or aperitif. La Cour de Berne was built in 1631; monks processed the harvest into wine there and stored it until 1797. Today, the site is used as a wine cellar for tastings and receptions, and a large historic wine press is also on display.

The Fête du Vin de La Neuveville takes place every year on the second weekend of September. It offers a wide range of local wines to taste and more than 30 culinary specialities. A description of the Canton of Bern from 2022 gives a figure of up to 25,000 people over three days in favourable weather conditions; numbers may vary. Activities for children were also part of the programme described, which may change. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the current dates and programme.

Trails, the Lake and Leisure

The approximately four-kilometre-long Balade de la Sorcière starts and ends at the railway station; an information board there explains the circular route. The trail passes through forest and vineyards to a pavilion and offers views of the Alps and Lake Biel. From the pavilion, you can also see La Neuveville, Cerlier and Île Saint-Pierre. An educational card game explains the seasonal wild plants that the witch uses in her daily life. Nearby, the route to the Chutes du Pilouvi between Lignières and La Neuveville follows the Ruisseau de Vaux through the gorges of the Combe du Pilouvi. Along the way, there are views of the waterfalls and a picnic table halfway along the route. The Chemin des Vignes nearby is also suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

The amenities at the two beaches differ. The freely accessible Plage Saint-Joux has a picnic area and toilets; it also has a beach volleyball court, barbecue area, restaurant and a shaded terrace. A pump track, table tennis tables and stand-up paddleboard rentals round out the amenities. La Plage is a family-friendly beach near the historic centre, with changing facilities, a playground, shaded terrace and restaurant. In summer, activities on Lake Biel include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, inflatable boat trips and fishing. La Neuveville is also a starting point for a boat trip to Île Saint-Pierre.

Sauna Etana combines a wood-fired sauna wagon with a relaxation dome and the option of swimming in the lake. The sauna wagon can accommodate up to twelve people. Alongside walks and the townscape, there are also opportunities to relax and enjoy activities on the water.

Guided Tours of the Town and Its History

In “Tours et détours du guet,” a storyteller portrays the former night watchman. The tour combines stories with a walk to the places where the events took place. It is offered in French and requires a reservation. The crime tour “Qui a tué le Lieutenant Jacquat?” follows an investigation based on Jacques Hirt’s novel “Le Fourmi-Lion.”

For a concise overview of the old town, there is a one-hour general tour. The combined museum and old town tour lasts 1.5 hours and must be booked through the tourist information office. The durations make comparison easy: the general tour is shorter, while the combined option also includes the museum.

Discover more destinations: Nods, Neuenstadt, Emmental, Courtelary, Frutigen, Signau, Aarberg, Saanen.

For the main travel overview: Bern.