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Espace Mittelland
Bern
Nidau
Biel/Bienne

Orpund

Attractions and Places To See around Orpund - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Orpund include a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. Located in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Orpund is situated near the Aare river, offering opportunities to explore its former courses and the Nidau-Büren Canal. The region features historical landmarks such as the Monastery of Gottstatt, founded in the 13th century. Visitors can find diverse attractions ranging from natural gorges to significant man-made structures.

Best attractions and places to see around Orpund

  • The most popular attractions is Taubenloch gorge, a gorge that features the Schüss River rushing through narrow passages. This natural monument offers a designated hiking trail past steep rock faces.
  • Another must-see spot is Covered Wooden Bridge of Büren an der Aare, a historical bridge. This 107-meter-long covered wooden bridge was built in 1821 and connects historic Büren with the district of Reiben.
  • Visitors also love Ship Lock at the Port Regulating Weir, a man-made lock structure. This lock enables ship traffic between Solothurn and the Jura lakes, with over 4,000 ships using it annually.
  • Orpund is known for historical sites, natural gorges, and unique man-made structures. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient monasteries to river-spanning bridges and locks.
  • The attractions around Orpund are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 780 upvotes and more than 120 photos shared.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Covered Wooden Bridge of Büren an der Aare

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Büren an der Aare is located - as the name suggests - on the river Aare. Büren was founded in the 12th century by the Barons of Strassberg.
Only a few medieval settlements have been able to preserve their historical appearance as intact over the centuries as Büren an der Aare. There is a lot to see, including fascinating handicrafts in various studios and, of course, the famous wooden bridge.

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Taubenloch gorge

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From Biel to Frinvillier you can hike through the breathtaking Taubenloch Gorge. On the designated hiking trail, which leads past steep rock faces, you'll experience firsthand how the Schüss River rushes through the narrow gorge.

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A wooden bridge has been connecting historic Büren with the district of Reiben north of the Aare since the 13th century. Since then, the wooden structure has been destroyed eight times by floods, ice or fire. [4] For example by the Bernese troops when the French invaded in 1798. It was rebuilt in 1821. [5]

In the course of the Jurassic conflict, Büren, as the capital of the then still existing administrative district of Büren, was the scene several times. In November 1987, alleged Béliers carried out an arson attack on the wooden bridge, which however failed.

Another arson attack led to the complete destruction of the bridge on April 5, 1989. Shortly after 4 a.m., the historic river crossing was in full fire. In order to delay the fire brigade, strangers glued the locks in the fire brigade magazine with glue. 150 emergency services from Büren and the surrounding communities fought the full fire, but were ultimately only able to save the soil structure, so that at least a footbridge could be built over the destroyed bridge shortly after the fire. The arsonists were never caught, but due to the similarity to the attack in 1987, they are most likely also to be assigned to the Béliers. In 1991 the new building, the ninth bridge, was opened to traffic

Source: Wikipedia

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Waterfall in Taubenloch Gorge

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Imposing gorge, especially when it rained.

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Interesting for people who have never seen how a lock works. Here you can see it up close. Above the lock you can cross the Aare.

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UweG
November 18, 2025, Waterfall in Taubenloch Gorge

The Taubenloch Gorge, stretching for almost 3 km, is a romantic gorge with steep rock faces, bridges, tunnels, and easily accessible paths. The Schüss River flows through the gorge. It originates in the St. Immertal valley and empties into Lake Biel.

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Very interesting when large ships pass through locks

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It's very impressive to go in there on the big Aare boat.

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Very beautiful imposing bridge followed by the old town

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Very nice to drive through

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The Bieler Taubenloch, which stretches for almost 3 km, is one of the most popular destinations in the region. The romantic surroundings and the pleasant freshness make crossing the footbridges and strolling past caves and overhanging rocks a pleasure.

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Very beautiful gorge, easy to walk, with rest area, bridges, cave, rushing water, manageable gradient.

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Büren aA is worth seeing. A jewel. It has a great history and houses, bridges and banks of the Aare that are worth seeing. A great place to stop for a break.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Orpund?

Orpund and its surroundings offer several historical points of interest. The most prominent is the Monastery of Gottstatt, a former Premonstratensian monastery founded in the 13th century, which played a significant role in the region's history. You can also visit the Covered Wooden Bridge of Büren an der Aare, a 107-meter-long structure built in 1821 that connects historic Büren with the district of Reiben.

Are there natural attractions to visit near Orpund?

Yes, the area boasts beautiful natural features. The Taubenloch gorge is a must-see, where the Schüss River rushes through narrow passages, offering a designated hiking trail past steep rock faces. You can also experience the Waterfall in Taubenloch Gorge. The Aare River and the 'Old Aare' also provide serene natural landscapes for exploration.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Orpund?

The region around Orpund is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For example, there are running trails like the 'Leugene nature reserve loop' and gravel biking routes such as the 'Alte Aare River – Emme River loop'. Explore more options on the Running Trails around Orpund, Gravel biking around Orpund, and MTB Trails around Orpund guide pages.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Orpund?

Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families. The Taubenloch gorge offers an engaging hiking experience for all ages. The Covered Wooden Bridge of Büren an der Aare is a historical site that's easy to explore. Additionally, watching the ships pass through the Ship Lock at the Port Regulating Weir can be an interesting experience for children.

What unique man-made structures can be found in the area?

Beyond historical bridges, you can visit the Ship Lock at the Port Regulating Weir. This lock is crucial for ship traffic between Solothurn and the Jura lakes, with thousands of ships using it annually. It's an interesting place to observe how a lock system operates, and you can even cross the Aare above it.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Orpund?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical charm. The breathtaking experience of hiking through the Taubenloch gorge, with its steep rock faces and rushing river, is highly rated. The well-preserved historical appearance of places like Büren an der Aare and its Covered Wooden Bridge also receive positive feedback for their unique character.

Are there easy walking routes near Orpund?

Yes, the area offers several easy walking opportunities, especially along the Aare River and the 'Old Aare'. These routes provide a tranquil environment for relaxation and are generally suitable for leisurely strolls. The designated hiking trail through the Taubenloch gorge is also a popular and accessible option for many.

Can I find information about the Monastery of Gottstatt?

The Monastery of Gottstatt (Locus Dei) is Orpund's most significant historical and cultural site. Founded in the 13th century, its preserved buildings include the cloister, chapter house, and the church, which now serves as a Protestant parish church. It was historically a burial site for the Counts of Neuchâtel-Nidau. For more detailed historical information, you can refer to its Wikipedia page: Monastère de Gottstatt.

What is the best time of year to visit Orpund's attractions?

The attractions around Orpund, particularly the natural sites and outdoor routes, are best enjoyed during the warmer months, from spring through autumn. This period offers pleasant weather for hiking through the Taubenloch gorge and exploring the river landscapes. Historical sites like the Covered Wooden Bridge are accessible year-round.

Are there any specific tips for visiting the Taubenloch gorge?

When visiting the Taubenloch gorge, be prepared for a designated hiking trail that leads past steep rock faces. The entrance is directly in the city of Biel. Approximately halfway through the gorge, there's an option to branch off towards Bözingenberg. It's an imposing gorge, especially after rain, when the water flow is more dramatic.

What is the significance of the Aare River in Orpund?

The Aare River, Switzerland's longest wholly Swiss river, flows through or near Orpund. The area is particularly known for the 'Old Aare' (Alte Aare), a former course of the river, and the Nidau-Büren Canal. These waterways are central to the region's natural beauty, offering tranquil settings for walks and cycling, and influencing the landscape around attractions like the Ship Lock at the Port Regulating Weir.

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