Ligerz: Wine, Lake Biel and Pilgrim Routes

Ligerz between winegrowing and Lake Biel

Ligerz has preserved its character as a wine-growing village on the lake. There are around 30 winegrowing businesses in the village, along with vineyards, lakeside paths and a striking Late Gothic church. These themes have distinct roles: winegrowing shapes the landscape and the activities on offer, including tastings, while the church and pilgrimage routes also give Ligerz appeal for visitors interested in cultural history. Public jetties on Lake Biel offer places to relax or swim.

Church, pilgrimage route and local history

The Reformed church is Ligerz’s Late Gothic landmark. The present-day church was built between 1522 and 1526 and stands amid the vineyards, opposite St. Peter’s Island. From there, visitors can enjoy views of the Alps. Its setting also makes it a striking feature of the landscape: the pilgrimage route leads from Kleintwann through the vineyards to the church and continues towards La Neuveville. The church is also on the Basel–Payerne Way of St. James, where pilgrims can obtain a pilgrim stamp.

Other religious heritage sites are part of the village’s history. A chapel dedicated to St. Michael in Ligerz was first mentioned in a document in 1261. The pilgrimage church was endowed with relics from Rome and a special indulgence granted by 15 cardinals. The village is also listed in the Swiss Inventory of Heritage Sites of National Importance (ISOS).

The «Hof» Vine Museum is housed in the former residence of the Barons of Ligerz. The carefully renovated building has been open to the public since 1973. Alongside the church and pilgrimage history, the winegrowing tradition and the places associated with it are also a focus.

Vineyards, dry-stone walls and nature

Traditional and new organic grape varieties grow among the dry-stone walls around Ligerz. The walls shape the vineyards on Lake Biel, protect the slopes from erosion and provide habitats for plants and animals, including lizards, wild bees and butterflies. Nature-friendly winegrowing around Ligerz also makes it possible to spot more endangered species in the vineyards again, such as birds, insects and reptiles.

The Vineyard Trail and the pilgrimage route have different focuses: the Vineyard Trail highlights vineyards and wine-growing villages, while the pilgrimage route leads to the church. Information boards along the Vineyard Trail share insights into winegrowing, grape varieties and the region’s long wine tradition. Guided tours in Ligerz tell stories of the wine-growing village and winegrowing, past and present.

Trails and experiences by the lake

The Fish Trail is another, distinct way to get to know the area. It is about two kilometres long, runs right along Lake Biel between Ligerz and Twann, and features nine information and activity stops about fish and aquatic habitats. The trail is also suitable for older visitors, wheelchair users and people with strollers. However, due to SBB construction work, it is currently not accessible along its entire length; check its current accessibility before visiting.

The Vineyard Trail runs from Biel through the vineyards, past wine-growing villages such as Twann and Ligerz, to La Neuveville. The Vinitour also passes through the vineyards on Lake Biel, introduces regional grape varieties and winemakers, and includes wine tastings. On the Vinitour, you visit three wineries and taste 13 wines in total; details may vary depending on the date and participating wineries.

The «vinifuni» takes visitors from Ligerz up through the vineyards to Prêles. The route starts in the German-speaking municipality of Ligerz and ends in French-speaking Prêles. Prêles is also a starting point for cycling and hiking tours on the Tessenberg and to the Chasseral. For your specific plans, check the current timetables for the transport services on offer.

Wine and food

Winegrowing also includes tastings and regional specialities. In Ligerz’s wine cellars, Treberwurst may be served alongside local wine. The Caveau restaurant serves seasonal menus made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, as well as fresh fish from Lake Biel. As seasonal offerings can change, it is advisable to check the latest details before visiting.

Ligerz can be reached by train, boat, on foot or by bicycle. Public jetties offer seating, shady trees or sunny stretches of beach, where you can relax or swim in the lake.

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

Back to the main travel overview: Nidau.