59th Biel International Chess Festival – Rapid Tournament
The Rapid Tournament (RAP) brings one-day rapid chess to the 59th Biel International Chess Festival, set for July 12, 2026 in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. As part of one of Switzerland’s best-known summer chess traditions, the Rapid Tournament (RAP) offers a compact, high-energy format that fits perfectly into a festival week filled with international chess events.
Hosted during the 59th Biel International Chess Festival in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, the Rapid Tournament (RAP) is designed for players who want serious competition in a single day while still enjoying the broader festival atmosphere. If you plan your trip around the Biel Chess Festival 2026 dates, the Rapid Tournament (RAP) is an ideal centerpiece for a rapid-focused weekend in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | July 12, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Biel/Bienne, Switzerland |
| ♟️ Format | Rapid (one-day tournament) |
| 📂 Sections | Rapid Tournament (RAP) |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The Rapid Tournament (RAP) is scheduled to begin at 10:45. For questions about pairings and tournament check-in, contact arbiter@bielchessfestival.ch.
📂 Sections / Groups
The event is held as a single Rapid Tournament (RAP) section within the 59th Biel International Chess Festival in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Weekday | Time | Round / Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 12, 2026 | Sunday | 10:45 | Rapid Tournament (RAP) begins |
📝 Registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to register | https://www2.bielchessfestival.ch/register/?lang=en |
| Registration timing | Online registration open in April |
| Payment note | Registration is validated once payment is received |
| Bank transfer (BIC/SWIFT) | KBBECH22 |
| IBAN (payment in CHF) | CH26 0079 0016 6052 1559 5 |
| IBAN (payment in EUR) | CH94 0079 0016 6170 5875 0 |
| Check-in requirement | All participants must confirm participation at the reception office |
👥 Organizer
Biel-Bienne CHESS organizes the Biel International Chess Festival in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, coordinating a full program of international chess tournaments and festival events, including the Rapid Tournament (RAP).
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Address: Biel-Bienne CHESS, CH-2500 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
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Email: office@bielchessfestival.ch
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Phone: 0 32 589 68 68
🏨 Venue
Congress Center, Zentralstr. 60, CH-2502 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
The Rapid Tournament (RAP) takes place at the Congress Center in Biel/Bienne during the 59th Biel International Chess Festival. The venue serves as the festival’s central hub for tournament play and on-site organization.
🛎️ Accommodation
Special 4* hotel rates for tournament players are available in limited quantity. For details and booking, contact: info@bielchessfestival.ch.
Tourism Biel/Bienne – Seeland offers booking options here: https://www.j3l.ch
Tourism Biel Seeland, Zentralstr. 60, P.O. Box 1261, CH-2501 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, Tel. +41 32 329 84 84, info@biel-seeland.ch
🚗 How to Get There
Biel/Bienne can be reached easily by public transportation (train) from across Switzerland and nearby countries. Major airport options include Zurich (ZRH), Berne – Belp (BRN), Basel EuroAirport (MLH / BSL), and Geneva (GVA), each listed as approximately 1.5 hours from Biel/Bienne by public transport. For rail connections, use: https://www.sbb.ch
If you arrive by car, note that inner-city parking can be expensive. The parking space “Eisplanade” near the Kongresshaus is available via: https://www.apcoa.ch
Make your rapid chess weekend count—play the Rapid Tournament (RAP) and experience Biel/Bienne, Switzerland at full festival intensity.
Organizer
Biel-Bienne CHESS is a Swiss tournament organizer based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. It operates the annual Biel International Chess Festival, hosted at the Congress Center. Over the years, it has become a reference point for elite and open events.
The organization runs the Master Tournament (MTO), a flagship open chess tournament within the festival program. In addition, it delivers multiple FIDE-rated tournaments, plus rapid and blitz side events. Moreover, a central secretariat supports entries, logistics, and player communication throughout the week.
Furthermore, the team works with experienced arbiters to ensure fair play and consistent pairings. As a result, players can focus on classical chess in well-prepared playing conditions. At the same time, bilingual operations help international guests navigate the event smoothly.
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Address: Congress Center, Zentralstr. 60, CH-2502 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland (Postal: Biel-Bienne CHESS, CH-2500 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland)
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Email: office@bielchessfestival.ch
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Email 2: arbiter@bielchessfestival.ch
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Phone: +41 32 589 68 68
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Phone 2: +41 77 507 43 65
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Website: https://www.bielchessfestival.ch/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bielchessfestival/
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X (Twitter): https://x.com/BielFestival