Lake Biel

lake, Switzerland
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Also known as: Bielersee, Lac de Bienne
German:
Bielersee
French:
Lac de Bienne

Lake Biel, lake in western Switzerland that lies at the foot of the Jura Mountains at an elevation of 1,407 feet (429 metres) and borders the cantons of Bern and Neuchâtel. It is 9.5 miles (15 km) long and 2.5 miles wide with a maximum depth of 246 feet (75 metres) and has an area of 15 square miles (39 square km). Within the lake is the Île Saint-Pierre, which contains many traces of prehistoric lake dwellings. Its waters receive the Suze and Thièle rivers, and the Aare River flows into it through the Hagneck Canal (east) and out again at Nidau. Vineyards are planted along the shores. The principal lakeside town is Biel (Bienne).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.