Centered scenically on the southwest shore of Lake Thun, Spiez is a regal, inviting town. With its historic charm, mountain views, and excellent rail connections, it is one of our more popular hometowns on the Swiss Oberland Untour. Whether you stay here or use the train or boat to visit, you will likely fall in love.
(The photo above is taken by Swiss Untour guest Kemp Plugh, who is indeed in love.)
Dating from the end of the 1st millennium, Spiez’s castle dominates the lovely lakeside recreational area and adds to the town’s beauty. Its fortification walls were added in the 12th century and the fortress was witness to Habsburg power struggles and foreign invasions. Follow the castle’s history of renovations through the centuries and take in its interesting exhibits of art and armor.
Guest scan also visit the ancient church on the castle grounds. The stone and wood church maintains its 1,000-year-old severe simplicity. There’s a reverential warmth that encourages a worshipful respect here. Below the church are the wine caves of the castle complex. Here the fine, rare Spiezer white wine is produced from the unique Bernese Oberland vineyards of Spiez’s protected cove.
Be sure to sample the wine fresh from the vintner at the charming café at the foot of the castle hill near the ship landing. An interesting Heritage & Winemaking Museum (Heimat & Rebaumuseum) is in a 270-year-old chalet above the castle on the edge of the vineyards. It is well worth a visit.
At the lakeside marina visitors find water sports and other activities: You can sail, play tennis, rent paddle-boats, swim, or just sit by the water and eat the fresh fish at any of several restaurants.
Spiez has a nice selection of charming small-town shops along with good restaurants. Our favorites include the elegant Hotel Eden restaurant and Riviera, an excellent Italian trattoria on the lake.
Spiez is a great and easy day trip from the Swiss Heartland or Oberland UnTours. Or do one better and stay in town in one of our gorgeous new apartments in Spiez, like the Bluemli (photographed above), which offers a comfortable and stylish retreat, warm personal hospitality from on-site hosts, and easy access to all of Spiez’s sights.
See you in Switzerland!