Aare Canoe
Overview
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Distance 13 km
Intro
On the Aare, which actually isn’t the Aare: the calm Nidau-Büren canal is evidence of the Jura waters correction, a project which turned Seeland into Switzerland’s vegetable garden. In Büren the Aare again meets its old river bed.
Description
From Nidau, paddle slightly south on the beautiful expanse of Lake Biel/Bienne before veering off to join the Nidau-Büren canal. It’s called a canal because in actual fact the Aare never flowed through here. As the Seeland region had suffered from flooding, poor soil and the threat of epidemics for centuries, in 1868 it was decided that a large-scale river training project would be initiated. This involved redirecting the Aare into Lake Biel/Bienne, artificially reducing the lake level by 2.5 metres and digging the Nidau-Büren canal to act as a controllable lake outflow. As a result, large arable areas and a thriving landscape emerged.
So, up until you reach Büren you aren’t yet canoeing on the Aare, just on water from the Aare. Shortly before the end point, the old Aare rejoins the course, at which point it just is a small brook fed with residual water. Old, large meanders remain preserved in the brook, but most are separated from the canal. The Alte Aare and the abandoned river channel (named Häftli) are nature reserves and canoeing is not permitted there. The gentle current poses no difficulties anywhere.
Upon reaching the regulating dam in Port, you can carry your canoe around it or simply pass through the lock. On the way, there is enough time to take in the surroundings properly. Nature has laid a green blanket over large swathes of the canalised banks, creating a charming river landscape.
The destination for this stage, Büren an der Aare, is also a delightful spot: from the canoe, the first thing to catch the eye is the covered wooden bridge, constructed in 1275. Other attractions in Büren include its charming old town and the castle. Right by the “Ländte” quay is the old granary, which served as a storehouse for merchandise passing through as part of the shipping industry that flourished back in the day. Nowadays, it’s home to a restaurant.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Biel (Nidau)
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Büren a.A.
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| Distance |
13 km
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Theme |
Along Water
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/canoeing-in-switzerland... |
Quick Facts
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