🚣♀️ Paddleboarding and Rental at Lake Biel: Nidau, Erlach and Saint-Pierre Island
- Oct 2
- 5 min read
Lake Bienne ( Bielersee in German) is a discreet jewel of French-speaking and German-speaking Switzerland.
Located at the foot of the Jura mountains and crossed by the Aar River, it charms with its peaceful atmosphere, its green reed beds and its picturesque villages.
Less well-known than Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne, it nevertheless offers ideal conditions for renting paddleboards, kayaks and canoes .
👉 Whether you are in Nidau , Erlach or on your way to Saint-Pierre Island , paddling here means combining sport, nature and history in an exceptional setting.
🚣♀️ Paddleboarding and Rental at Lake Biel: Nidau, Erlach and Saint-Pierre Island
🛶 Launching in Nidau: the ideal starting point
Just a stone's throw from the town of Bienne, the small port of Nidau is one of the best spots to start a nautical outing.
Access ramp designed to facilitate launching paddleboards and kayaks.
Local rental companies (e.g. Sunset Shop) offer SUP, kayak and canoe rentals by the hour or half-day.
Parking available near the port and the access ramp.
Easy access by transport 🚆: from Bienne train station, a bus or bicycle will take you directly to the lakeside.
👉 Renting a paddleboard in Nidau means enjoying a simple and direct launch, ideal for a spontaneous outing or a planned trip.
🏝️ Saint-Pierre Island: a magical paddleboarding destination
Among the must-see attractions on the lake, St. Petersinsel Island is a true paradise for paddleboarding and kayaking enthusiasts.
Duration of the trip : approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of paddleboarding from Nidau, along the reed beds and forests.
Landscapes : calm and almost meditative atmosphere 🌿, ideal for disconnecting.
Possible stops : natural beaches perfect for swimming 🏊 or a picnic.
Cultural dimension : the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau stayed there, leaving a strong historical mark.
👉 A paddleboard trip to Île Saint-Pierre is a unique experience: sporty, contemplative and cultural all at once.
🏖️ Paddleboard rental in Erlach: gateway to the gorges and beaches
The charming village of Erlach , located on the opposite bank, is also an excellent starting point.
Several nautical bases offer the rental of paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats and even supervised activities such as SUP yoga .
Family-friendly public beaches 👨👩👧👦, with supervised swimming areas.
Direct access to Saint-Pierre Island and the surrounding small coves.
👉 Renting a paddleboard in Erlach means enjoying a family seaside setting with privileged access to the island.
🌊 A calm lake, ideal for paddleboarding
Lake Biel is renowned for its mild and accessible conditions:
Fewer motorboats 🚤 than on other Swiss lakes → more peaceful navigation.
Generally stable body of water, ideal for beginners and families .
Possibility of combining paddle, kayak and even light sailing ⛵.
In the morning 🌅, the lake is often mirror-like; in the afternoon 💨, a thermal wind can rise and spice up navigation.
📌 Practical advice for your paddleboarding trip to Lake Biel
🚣♀️ Paddleboarding and Rental at Lake Biel: Nidau, Erlach and Saint-Pierre Island:
Ideal duration : 2 hours for a short walk, 4 hours for a full day with picnic.
Equipment provided : SUP board or kayak, paddle, life jacket 🦺, sometimes waterproof container.
Season : May to September for optimal conditions.
Access : by train to Bienne, then bus to Nidau or Erlach; or by car with parking available.
Safety : wear a life jacket, stay close to the banks in windy conditions, avoid protected areas of reed beds.
💡 Why choose Lake Biel for paddleboarding?
🏞️ Unique landscapes : reed beds, forests, unspoiled island.
👨👩👧👦 Family atmosphere : quiet beaches and safe areas.
📍 Accessibility : close to Biel, easily accessible by train or car.
📜 Cultural dimension : walk that combines sport and history (Rousseau, local heritage).
👉 Lake Biel is the perfect place to discover paddleboarding in Switzerland, whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler.
✅ Conclusion
Between the easy launches of Nidau , the welcoming beaches of Erlach and the magical getaway to Saint-Pierre Island , Lake Biel is a unique nautical destination.
Renting a paddleboard, kayak or canoe at Lake Biel means treating yourself to a sporting, natural and cultural outing in a preserved setting.
Less frequented than the large tourist lakes, it seduces with its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere.
👉 Whether you are on vacation in the Bernese Jura, passing through Biel or simply curious to discover a preserved spot, paddleboarding at Lake Biel will remain an unforgettable experience.
❓ FAQ – Paddleboard rental at Lake Biel
💰 How much does it cost to rent a paddleboard at Lake Biel?
Rates vary depending on the water sports center. Expect to pay an average of CHF 20 to 30 per hour for a paddleboard, with discounts available for half-day or full-day sessions. Prices are similar in Nidau and Erlach.
🅿️ Where to park for paddleboarding in Nidau or Erlach?
In Nidau , there are public parking lots near the access ramp and the port.
In Erlach , several paid parking lots are available near the public beaches and the village center.
🛶 What are the best paddleboarding routes on Lake Biel?
Nidau → Île Saint-Pierre : 1.5 to 2 hours of sailing in a calm atmosphere.
Tour of Saint-Pierre Island : longer walk, with coves and natural beaches.
Erlach → beaches and reed beds : family trail, accessible to all.
🌊 What is the water temperature at Lake Biel? In summer, the lake water generally varies between 18 and 23 °C . Since the lake is fed by the Aare River, it remains cool at the beginning of the season.
🌞 What is the best time of day to rent a paddleboard?
In the morning 🌅, the lake is generally very calm, ideal for beginners. In the afternoon 💨, a thermal wind can pick up, making navigation more challenging.
👶 Can children paddleboard at Lake Biel?
Yes, as long as they know how to swim. Rental companies provide life jackets suitable for children . The beaches of Erlach and the short routes around Nidau are the most suitable for families.
📅 When can you rent a paddleboard at Lake Biel?
The rental season runs from May to September , sometimes as early as April depending on the weather. The Nidau and Erlach bases are generally open every day in summer.
⚡ Can you rent anything other than a paddleboard on Lake Biel?
Yes. Local rental companies also offer kayak, canoe, pedal boat and sometimes electric boat rentals .
🚆 How to get to Lake Biel without a car?
From Biel , it is possible to reach Nidau or Erlach by bus 🚍 or by bike 🚲. Both villages are also accessible by boat ⛴️ from the nearby ports.
🦺 What are the safety rules for paddleboarding at Lake Biel?
Wearing a life jacket is strongly recommended.
Stay close to the shore in strong winds.
Respect the protected areas of reed beds .
Check the weather before leaving.
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