Mediterranean atmosphere above Lake Biel

The walk begins at the Rebenweg (vineyard trail)/Vignes bus stop in Biel/Bienne. You will firstly walk on the "Vineyard Trail", a narrow natural path through forest. The scenery will already change after a short while: the path will lead out of the forest and into the vineyards. From now on, you will be able to delight in distant views that extend beyond Lake Biel. A never-ending succession of beautiful snapshot scenes will be encountered, for example the winegrowing villages dotted along the lake and St. Peter's Island, especially since the blue (or grey) colouration of the lake's waters and sky will change depending on the incidence of light. On sunny spring days, a Mediterranean warmth almost prevails within the vineyard terraces and along the mostly hard-surfaced path. Sometimes, in late April, you might even gain the impression of being in your summer holidays there.

Above Twann, the path will take you past the end of the Twann river gorge. Not long after this it will be time to say adieu to the "Vineyard Trail": you will amble up the road to Schernelz where you will follow the signs to the Restaurant Aux Trois Amis. Its terrace offers guests a spectacular view over Lake Biel. Here, you will be able to sample the wines of local winemaker Sabine Steiner, whose winery is located on the same street. From the restaurant, the walking trail then leads past the middle station of the "vinifuni" funicular, which operates between Ligerz and Prêles. It then takes you into the forest where your feet will finally have some respite from the hard surfacing. The now much narrower walking trail undulates gently along its length as it takes you in a south-westerly direction. Finally, the descent will take you to La Neuveville. The French-speaking municipality here still belongs to the canton of Bern. It is well worth taking the time for a short stroll through this picturesque old town before taking the train back to Biel/Bienne.