Bielersee Kanu
Erlach–Biel (Nidau)

Paddle alongside the captivating St. Petersinsel in the footsteps of Rousseau, passing charming vineyards and swaying reed beds. Romantic harbours tempt you to take a rest.

Cut gentle waves in the calm lake with your boat. As captain, you decide on your course and speed. Your own muscle power is the only thing pulling you across the smooth waters. The Bielersee lake, nestling picturesquely at the foot of the Jura, offers peace and quiet and views extending to the Bernese Alps.

The lake crossing begins in the medieval town of Erlach. First along the St. Petersinsel, which has captivated so many visitors. Jean Jacques Rousseau stayed here for a short time and his enthusiasm for the island made it famous throughout Europe. He wrote «I have stayed at many lovely places; but nowhere have I felt so truly happy as on St. Petersinsel in the middle of the Bielersee».

As you continue along the Bielersee’s eastern shore, you glide gently past extensive reed beds. Small harbours occasionally appear, offering the chance to take refreshments and tank up on energy. You pull your boat ashore in your destination of Biel, tired but not without pride.

Places

Facts worth knowing about the places along the route.

All places

Erlach
Biel

Arrival / return travel

Our recommendations for arrival by public transport.

Timetable	Public transport stops and route
Erlach, Post	Show on map
Biel/Bienne	Show on map

Rail, bus, boat recommendations

We recommend the following rail, bus and boat connections for return travel between boat launching and landing locations.

All recommendations

801

Transfer Bielersee

825

Boat Connection Bielersee

Length13 km

RequirementsGrade: easy
Conditions: medium

Helpful hintsNature preservation: around Petersinsel and in the Mörigenbucht. Cantonal nature reserve with moorland, wetlands and migratory bird reserve of national importance. Landing only permitted at official landing places (harbours). Keep distance of 150 m from the shore around the entire Petersinsel (note yellow buoys). In the remaining area (Möriger Bucht and Gals), keep minimum distance of 25 m from shore vegetation.
Nature preservation: at Hagneck delta and Lüscherz lake strands. Cantonal nature reserve, wetlands and waterbird and migratory bird reserve of national importance (over-wintering and breeding ground). Keep distance of 150 m from the shore throughout the year in both bays before and after Hagneck delta. The gravel islands off the shore may not be accessed. At present utilization planning is in progress for this area. After coming into force (approx. 2009/10) distances to be maintained will be marked with buoys.