Nidau on Lake Biel: Castle history and lido

Nidau is situated on the shores of Lake Biel and has natural recreational areas by the water. When looking for a hotel, your travel priorities are a useful starting point: the castle, Old Town and museum offer a cultural and historical stay; the lido and paddling routes provide a different perspective on spending time by the water. Consider which of these sides of Nidau is of particular interest for your trip.

Castle, Old Town and history

Nidau’s development stretches from a Stone Age lakeside settlement to a medieval castle town. Around 1140, Count Ulrich III of Neuchâtel built a wooden castle; it was soon replaced by today’s Nidau Castle. The historic Old Town, known as the “Stedtli,” bears witness to the city’s long history. Remains of the medieval town fortifications, including walls, gates and towers, have survived to this day. The cultural and historical story therefore spans everything from early traces of settlement to the surviving parts of the fortifications.

The Nidau Castle Museum is dedicated to the Jura waterway correction project. The exhibition conveys an understanding of a tremendous achievement that has had a lasting impact on the landscape of the Seeland region. This focus broadens the perspective beyond the castle and Old Town to include the region’s landscape history. Nidau’s location on Lake Biel and along important transport routes also made it a natural trading hub in the past.

Town square and events

The renovated town square lies at the heart of the historic Old Town and offers space to linger, as well as hosting markets and small events. The traditional Nidau Zibelemärit (onion market) takes place there, featuring culinary highlights and handicrafts. The Festival of Cultures is held every year in the library square. Culinary specialities from different countries, a musical stage programme, and fun and games for all ages are all part of the event. If you would like to combine your trip with a market or festival, check the event dates for your stay.

Swimming and paddling on Lake Biel

Nidau Lido offers direct access to Lake Biel. Facilities include a 50-metre swimming pool, a non-swimmer pool with a wide waterslide, a paddling pool for children, 1- and 3-metre diving boards, and a large sunbathing lawn. Some facilities may change, so check the current details before your visit.

For a paddling trip, a route from Nidau follows a stretch of Lake Biel southwards before turning into the Nidau-Büren Canal. The “Aare Kanu” canoe route runs from Biel (Nidau) to Büren a. A. Seasonal conditions may vary and should be taken into account when planning your trip.

The lido can be reached on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport on bus route 4 to the Nidau Strandweg stop. As transit details may change, check the current timetable before travelling. This makes it easy to plan your journey to the lido around your day’s itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Twann, Täuffelen, Sutz-Lattrigen, Ipsach, Ligerz, Mörigen, Studen, Jens.

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