The historic buildings and wooden bridge over the River Aare make the seemingly sleepy country town of Büren an der Aare a delight. A spot where many cyclists and hikers board or leave the riverboats linking Biel and Solothurn.

Büren’s hallmark is the 108m-long covered wooden bridge. The structure’s predecessor spanned the River Aare here from 1275. The quaint little town once lived from bridge tolls and transport of goods on the Aare; today’s boat jetty was a transhipment point for wine, tobacco, provisions and timber.

Hydropower made Büren a location for mills as early as the 13th century. The «Alte Mühle» (old mill) stems from the mid-17th century. A barbecue spot for families and a Robinson playground is nearby.

The historic Hauptgasse with its arcades forms the centre of the old town. At its end is Büren Castle, built around 1620 in Renaissance style as the seat of the bailiff. It is considered one of the most important Bernese castles built in the first half of the 17th century.

The once very winding course of the Aare was straightened at Büren during the Jura waters correction. Today, the Häftli nature reserve with its wealth of flora and fauna lies along the alte Aare. A bird-watching tower with excellent 360° views is located at its western end. Incidentally, the Häftli was the location of Switzerland’s largest internment and refugee camp during the 2nd World War.

Highlights

Büren’s hallmark is the 108m-long covered wooden bridge. The structure’s predecessor spanned the River Aare here from 1275. The quaint little town once lived from bridge tolls and transport of goods on the Aare; today’s boat jetty was a transhipment point for wine, tobacco, provisions and timber.

Hydropower made Büren a location for mills as early as the 13th century. The «Alte Mühle» (old mill) stems from the mid-17th century. A barbecue spot for families and a Robinson playground is nearby.

The historic Hauptgasse with its arcades forms the centre of the old town. At its end is Büren Castle, built around 1620 in Renaissance style as the seat of the bailiff. It is considered one of the most important Bernese castles built in the first half of the 17th century.

The once very winding course of the Aare was straightened at Büren during the Jura waters correction. Today, the Häftli nature reserve with its wealth of flora and fauna lies along the alte Aare. A bird-watching tower with excellent 360° views is located at its western end. Incidentally, the Häftli was the location of Switzerland’s largest internment and refugee camp during the 2nd World War.