What is Lake Biel?
{{nofootnotes|date=March 2012}} {{Infobox lake |lake_name = Lake Biel <br> Lake Bienne |image_lake = Swiss-bienne-city-1.JPG |location=[[Canton of Berne]] |caption_lake = |image_bathymetry = |caption_bathymetry = |coords = {{coord|47|5|N|7|10|E|type:waterbody_region:CH|display=inline,title}} |type = |inflow = |outflow = |catchment = {{convert|8305| km2|abbr=on}} |basin_countries = Switzerland |length = {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}} |width = {{convert|4.1| km|abbr=on}} |area = {{convert|39.3| km2|abbr=on}} |depth = |max-depth = {{convert|74| m|abbr=on}} |volume = {{convert|1.12| km3|abbr=on}} |residence_time = 58 days |shore = |elevation = {{convert|429| m|abbr=on}} |islands = [[Sankt-Petersinsel]] |cities = [[Biel/Bienne]] }} '''Lake Biel''' (also called '''Lake Bienne''') is the biggest lake in the [[Bern (canton)|Canton of Bern]] in [[Switzerland]]. The lake has a length of {{convert|15|km}} and a width of {{convert|4.1| km}}. Its surface area is about {{convert|40|km2}}. Taximum [[depth]] is about {{convert|74| m}}. It is {{convert|429|m}} [[above sea level]]. It is surrounded by a lot of [[wine]]-producing villages. Together with [[Lake Morat]] and [[Lake Neuchâtel]] it is one of the three largest lakes in the [[Jura Hills|Jura]] region of Switzerland. There are two [[river]]s which run into Lake Biel. The first one is the [[Suze]], it's Biel’s only river. The second one is the [[Aare]], one of Switzerland’s longest rivers. It was redirected into the lake in 1878. [[Vineyard]]s are located on the sunny side of Lake Biel and benefit from the southeast orientation of the hills. The lake provides a balanced [[climate]]. [[Soil]]s are highly [[calcareous]]. There are {{convert|220|ha}} of vineyards and a large variety of vine types, traditionally [[white wine]]s, but increasingly [[red wine]]s. The [[Chasselas]], [[Pinot gris]], [[Pinot noir]], [[Pinot blanc]] and [[Chardonnay]] are grown by about 80 winegrowers. Most of the wine goods are family farms and the vine is often sold directly