Maurice Moeckli Playground: pirates and suspension bridge by Lake Biel

A Pirate Adventure by Lake Biel, in La Neuveville

The Maurice Moeckli playground is one of those simple places that turns a walk by the water into a real adventure. Located on Quai Maurice-Moeckli, along Lake Biel and close to the sandy beach of La Neuveville (on the French-speaking shore of the lake), it spreads its wooden games over approximately 800 m². The star of the place: a pirate ship stranded on the sand, which makes the eyes of the youngest shine, and a large suspended wooden bridge for the more adventurous. With its unobstructed view of the lake and natural installations resembling driftwood, it's a little paradise for budding explorers. One can come for an hour of play or for an entire afternoon, happily extending it with a stroll along the promenade.

What Your Children Will Discover

Your children will find plenty to climb, slide, and imagine without getting bored. The pirate ship stranded on the sand is the dream playground for the little ones, who embark on imaginary crossings. The older ones launch themselves onto the large suspended wooden bridge and the two large combined structures (climbing ropes, slides, suspension bridges, climbing nets). All around, there are swings, a merry-go-round, a rope hammock, and sandboxes for quieter breaks. The floors mix sand, tartan, and grass, and the lakeside setting invites observation of the boats and pedalos gliding across the lake.

What to Do There and the Atmosphere on Site

The atmosphere is that of a lakeside playground: relaxed, family-friendly, and bathed in light. Children are allowed to run from one structure to another while parents keep an eye from a bench, with Lake Biel as the backdrop. The area is partially enclosed, which reassures parents of the younger ones, although one must remain attentive given the proximity to the water. Everything is set up to make the outing last: a refreshment stand, pedalos, and boat rides nearby, and even an aquarium to vary the pleasures. The only small downside: a slight noise nuisance from the nearby highway, quickly forgotten once the children are engaged in their games.

Before You Go

• Recommended Age: approximately 2 to 10 years; close supervision of younger ones, as the lake is nearby.
• Duration: from one hour to an entire afternoon.
• Price: free access. Refreshment stand, pedalos, and boat rides are paid nearby.
• Reservation: no reservation necessary.
• Stroller/Accessibility: the area is on a flat promenade, generally passable with a stroller; mixed surfaces (sand, tartan, grass). Details on accessibility for people with reduced mobility to be confirmed with the municipality.
• Transport: about 4 minutes on foot from La Neuveville CFF train station; by car via the A5 highway, exit La Neuveville.
• What to Bring: hats, sunscreen, water, and something for a picnic or snack.
• Ideal Season: from spring to autumn, in good weather, to enjoy the lakeside.

Parents' Tips

• Keep the younger ones within reach: the lake is very close and the area is only partially enclosed.
• Bring hats, sunscreen, and water: the place is open and not very shaded during hot hours.
• Combine the outing with a pedalo ride or a boat trip to extend the day.
• A break at the nearby refreshment stand allows you to relax without leaving the area.
• Consider the sandy beach right next door to alternate between play and swimming on hot days.

Useful Information

• Address: Quai Maurice-Moeckli, 2520 La Neuveville (Canton of Bern).
• Official Website: Commune de La Neuveville.
• Hours: playground open access all year round.
• Access: ~4 minutes on foot from La Neuveville CFF train station; by car via the A5, exit La Neuveville. Parking nearby (conditions to check on site).

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in La Neuveville.

Why We Recommend It

Because it brings together everything we love in an outdoor family outing: a superb lakeside setting, varied and original games (the famous pirate ship!), free access, and a train station just four minutes away on foot. The Maurice Moeckli playground is the simple and safe option to offer your children a real adventure by Lake Biel, without having to organize anything in advance.

In a Nutshell

A free playground by Lake Biel, featuring a pirate ship and a suspended bridge, ideal for a family outing in La Neuveville.