Nouveau Port Beach: the family swimming spot of Landeron by Lake Biel

A sandy and grassy beach at the foot of the old town of Landeron

Landeron is primarily known for its charming medieval town, its vineyards, and its cobblestones. But when the thermometer rises, families head towards the lake: the Plage du Nouveau Port stretches along the shores of Lake Biel, in the port and camping area. Redesigned in 2003 to regain a natural look, it offers a stretch of sand and grass where you can lay your towel facing the water. The entrance slopes gently, the water remains shallow near the shore, and in the distance, you can see Saint-Pierre Island and the hills of the Bernese Jura. It's the place to spend the afternoon barefoot, between swimming, sandcastles, and snacks on the grass.

What your children will discover

Your children will discover a real lake beach, with sand under their feet and water that remains shallow for several meters: perfect for splashing around, jumping in the small waves, and learning to swim confidently. The older ones dive and venture a little further out, while the younger ones stay at the edge filling their bucket. All around, the grass invites running, picnicking, and playing ball. And from the shore, you can watch the boats coming in and out of the nearby port, always a little show for the children.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Here, you come for a no-fuss day: swimming, sunbathing on the grass, playing in the sand, and long games by the water. The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, buoyed by the proximity of the neighboring campsite where many families stay. Towels are spread out, picnics are unpacked, and children run back and forth between the water and the sand. It's the kind of beach where you stay from sunrise to the coolness of the evening, never getting bored.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old (shallow water suitable for toddlers), up to teenagers.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free access to the public beach (any stay at the neighboring campsite is chargeable).
• Reservation: none, you come freely.
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: flat and grassy areas near the port; path accessible with a stroller (PRM access to be confirmed on site).
• Transport: CFF train station of Landeron about 600 m away (7 min walk); Landeron landing stage served by Biel and Neuchâtel-Morat navigation lines; parking near the port (capacity to be confirmed).
• What to bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, hats, towels, picnic, armbands for the little ones, and something to shelter from the sun.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the lake water is most pleasant.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on heatwave weekends to find a good spot in the shade of the trees and near the water.
• Bring a beach umbrella or tent: natural shade may be lacking during the hottest hours.
• Keep little ones within reach near the shore, even if the water is shallow: supervision is not guaranteed on site.
• Slip water shoes into your bag, always useful by the lake.
• Take advantage of the proximity of the old town of Landeron for an ice cream or a stroll through the alleys before or after the beach.

Useful information

• Address: public beach, port and camping area, Le Landeron (NE).
• Official site: tourist information via the municipality of Landeron (landeron.ch) and Jura & Trois-Lacs (j3l.ch).
• Hours: beach is open access; exact hours and possible supervision to be confirmed with the municipality.
• Access: CFF train station of Landeron 7 min walk, Landeron landing stage (Lake Biel navigation), parking near the port.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Landeron.

Why we recommend it

We recommend it because it ticks all the boxes for a good summer outing with family: free, easily accessible by train, with sand, reassuring shallow water for the little ones, and a large lawn to settle down. The setting of Lake Biel, between vineyards and the old town, adds that extra charm that makes you want to come back all summer long.

In two words

A free, sandy, and family-friendly public beach by Lake Biel, perfect for a day of swimming with children in Landeron.