Bienne City Park

Bienne City Park (Stadtpark, Parc de la Ville) in Biel/Bienne is a green space close to the centre of the bilingual city in the canton of Bern, just east of the old town and near the Schüss river. Locals call it the Stadtpark in German and the Parc de la Ville in French, and you will see both names around town. Entry is free, and the park combines wide lawns, mature trees, a large playground and a few historic structures.

How did the park come about?

The land was not always a leisure ground. A cemetery was founded here around 1871, and in 1878 a gatehouse with a gardener's lodge was added. Space ran short by the turn of the century, and in 1904 the burial ground moved to the Madretsch district. The present park was laid out in 1924. Sources give slightly different dates for the cemetery's start, so treat the early years as approximate.

What is there to see?

• The gatehouse (Torhaus). A neo-Gothic building from 1878, left over from the former cemetery. Its annexes were rebuilt during a renovation, and the city plans to turn it into a meeting place with a buvette and community programming.
• The music pavilion (Musikpavillon). A concrete rotunda designed by architect Walter Sommer in 1936, restored in the park's refurbishment. It serves as a stage for summer concerts.
• Sculpture and water. A bronze figure by André Ramseyer stands in a water basin, and the park also holds works by Max W. Pfänder.
• Lawns and playground. Open meadows invite picnics and rest, while the playground draws families with small children.

How do you get there?

The park lies east of the old town, so it is an easy walk from the centre. From Biel/Bienne railway station, head through the downtown area towards the old town and continue along the Schüss. There are no gates or tickets.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring and summer work best: the grass is green and the pavilion sometimes hosts concerts. The park suits a break between sightseeing stops, a picnic, or a short stroll before heading to the old town or Lake Biel.

What else is nearby?

Biel/Bienne has several other green areas. Strandboden sits right on the lake and is popular for relaxing and views. Schüsspark in the Champagne district covers about 5 hectares. The recently redesigned Schüssinsel park in the centre has more than 600 trees. The old town with its Stadtkirche is a short walk away.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Bienne City Park free? Yes. The park is public and costs nothing to enter.

Is it good for families? Yes. A large playground and spacious lawns give children plenty of room to play.

What name will I see on site? Stadtpark in German and Parc de la Ville in French. "Bienne City Park" is the English label used on travel sites.

Are concerts held in the park? The park has a music pavilion from 1936 that serves as a stage. Check the city's event calendar before your visit for the current programme.