Nidau between Castle History and Lake Biel

Nidau lies on the shore of Lake Biel, in an area shaped by the lake, the Aare and the Zihl. You will find nature-oriented recreation areas on Lake Biel, along the Nidau-Büren Canal and on the Zihl. The town combines a waterside landscape with a history stretching from a Stone Age lakeshore settlement to a medieval castle town. A stay can focus on several different highlights: the old town’s history, the castle museum, the lido or activities on the water.

The Castle and Traces of the Town’s History

A wooden castle was built around 1140; it was soon replaced by the stone structure that is now Nidau Castle. Around 1338, Rudolf III enclosed the settlement with an extensive ring wall. Nidau’s old town has an originally trapezoidal layout and has been fortified since the end of the 14th century. Bern granted Nidau town rights in 1425; however, only the 1548 version has been preserved.

The Ziegelhüttenturm is one of the still-recognisable parts of the medieval town fortifications. The historic town of Nidau is listed as a national site in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property. The parish church also reflects several construction phases: its core dates from the 14th or 15th century, the tower was built between 1609 and 1611, and the main building between 1678 and 1682. Nidau thus offers glimpses of different stages in the town’s development, from the castle and fortifications to later church buildings.

The Jura Water Correction at the Castle Museum

At Nidau Castle, the permanent exhibition at the castle museum presents the key facts about the Jura Water Correction. It explains how the Three-Lakes Region has changed and why water correction became increasingly urgent to protect human life and safety. You can visit the exhibitions with or without a guided tour. As exhibition details and visitor arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

The Lido and Activities on the Water

Nidau Lido offers direct access to Lake Biel. The facility includes a 50-metre swimming pool and a non-swimmers’ pool with a wide slide. Bus route 4 takes you to the lido, stopping at Nidau Strandweg; if travelling in a particular season, check the latest transport details.

For canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts, Nidau is home to Kanucenter Bielersee, a canoe and kayak school open to everyone. The Aare Kanu canoeing activity follows the quiet Nidau-Büren Canal, which stands as a testament to the Jura Water Correction. The first stage runs from Biel (Nidau) to Büren a.A. and is 13 kilometres long. It is rated easy technically, but moderate in terms of fitness: the two ratings describe different requirements.

Aareböötle à la biennoise starts on the Aare Canal in Nidau. Depending on water levels and breaks, the trip takes around three to four hours. On the Aare trip, Nidau is one of the ports; refreshments are available on board. Urban Golf is another activity: depending on skill level and group size, it takes two to three hours. After registering online, you can collect the equipment at Lago Lodge, Uferweg 5, 2560 Nidau. The time estimates for Urban Golf and Aareböötle offer two different points of reference for planning your day.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The origins of Nidau’s Stedtlifest date back to the first “Maisonntag” in 1935, held in a Nidau neighbourhood. In 1980, the festival was given its current name. The traditional Stedtlifest offers a varied programme for all generations; the programme may vary from year to year.

Nidau’s traditional Zibelemärit also combines culinary highlights with craftsmanship. The programme items mentioned include alphorn music and a carousel. The Festival of Cultures takes place every year and showcases culinary specialities from various countries. It also features a musical programme on stage, as well as games and fun for young and old. As programmes may vary, check the relevant dates and details when planning your visit.

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

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