What is the name of the biggest lake in the Canton of Bern in Switzerland?
Q: What is the name of the biggest lake in the Canton of Bern in Switzerland?
A: The biggest lake in the Canton of Bern in Switzerland is called Lake Biel (also known as Lake Bienne).
Q: How big is Lake Biel?
A: Lake Biel has a length of 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) and a width of 4.1 kilometres (2.5 mi), with a surface area of about 40 square kilometres (15 sq mi). Its maximum depth is 74 metres (243 ft) and it sits 429 metres (1,407 ft) above sea level.
Q: What are the two rivers that run into Lake Biel?
A: The two rivers that run into Lake Biel are the Suze, which is its only river, and the Aare, one of Switzerland’s longest rivers. The Aare was redirected into the lake in 1878.
Q: What kind of wine is produced around Lake Biel?
A: Around Lake Biel there are 220 hectares (540 acres) of vineyards producing traditionally white wines such as Chasselas, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Pinot blanc and Chardonnay but increasingly red wines too. Most vineyards are family farms and their produce often sold directly from their wine cellars.
Q: When were vineyards first found around Lake Biel?
A: Vineyards have been found around Lake Biel since Roman times - archeologists even discovered amphora for storing wine! These vineyards still exist today thanks to a ban released in 1933 which forbid building on them.
Q: Is it popular with tourists?
A: Yes! It's a beautiful lake with many recreational activities to do so it's very popular with tourists looking for an enjoyable day out or weekend away.
