Bienne (Biel) is located in the north of the Bern canton. This area is bilingual (French and German) that is really an exception in the canton of Bern which is predominantly a German-speaking canton (some districts are french-speaking in the north of the canton).
Bienne is exactly on the edge of the Jura mountain. The first hills of the Jura above the city are Macolin (Magglingen in German) and Evilard (Leubringen). Each of these places are connected to the city with a funicular.Both funiculars are managed by the same company.

In 2001 the funicular was completely renovated with new panoramic cars.
It was reopened on 10th June 2001.