Studen: Trails, River Landscapes and Petinesca

Fields, forests and river landscapes shape Studen. The renaturalized course of the Alte Aare is part of this landscape. Those wishing to explore the surrounding area will find numerous walking and hiking trails, as well as cycling routes. This lets you choose between walking trails and cycling routes for your day’s activities.

Landscape and Roman History

The history of the landscape is also connected with water: over the course of history, flooding of the Aare occasionally damaged or destroyed the village of Studen and the surrounding fields. The Jura water correction works diverted the Aare between 1868 and 1891. These dates provide a specific historical context for the transformation of the river landscape.

From the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD, Petinesca was the region’s centre. In 2011, the Roman temple district of Gumpboden underwent extensive restoration by the Archaeological Service of the Canton of Bern. This led to the creation of the region’s first archaeological park in Studen. The Roman remains can also be distinguished by their locations: the Roman Gate is in the village of Studen, while the temple ruins of Petinesca can only be reached on foot.

The Neues Museum Biel organizes guided tours of Petinesca for groups, companies and schools. This offers these groups an alternative to visiting independently. If you plan to visit the temple ruins, bear in mind when planning your day that they can only be reached on foot.

Leisure and Culture

Another highlight is the Seeteufel adventure park. More than 40 animal species from all five continents are displayed there. There are numerous play options for children aged 2 to 12. These include a miniature railway, pedal go-karts, climbing structures and pony rides, as well as other play and entertainment options. Animal watching and play activities go hand in hand here, setting this visit apart from Studen’s trails and archaeological attractions.

Minigolf and miniature golf courses are set in a well-maintained park with more than a thousand roses. At the entrance to the Minigolf Florida courses, visitors receive a club, ball and player card after paying the admission fee. If you are planning this activity, this provides a practical note about what to expect at the entrance. Another cultural attraction is the Fondation Saner collection: its focus is on the Zurich Concretists, and it includes important representatives of 20th-century Swiss art.

Getting There and Planning Your Tour

Studen BE railway station is on the Biel/Bienne–Lyss–Bern line and offers regular connections in both directions. Check the current timetable before travelling so you can plan your journey.

For a longer route, the 38 km Seeland Discovery Tour is another option to consider. It continues towards Lyss and Studen and crosses the Nidau-Büren Canal to Biel. The places mentioned and the route’s length help you consider this tour as a separate option alongside Studen’s walking and hiking trails.

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

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Nidau.