Sitting on the shore of Lake Thun amid the hills and vineyards of the Bernese Oberland is the pretty town of Spiez. The picturesque location is a magnet for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. Those in search of culture will find historic buildings and a fascinating winemaking heritage. Tour a castle with more than 1,000 years of history, sail across the lake and enjoy scenic hikes.
Spiez is bursting with year-round sporting activities. Get out on the water in a sailboat, canoe or paddle boat. Play soccer, volleyball and tennis at the beach area in Spiezer Bay. Hike the 8.7-mile (14-kilometer) Spiez circular hiking trail, which follows the shoreline to Faulensee and features gorgeous views of mountains and valleys. During the winter, travel to the Bernese Oberland's ski resorts. Männlichen and Kleine Scheidegg are less than an hour’s drive away.
Do not miss Spiez’s cultural treasures. Explore Spiez Castle, which includes a castle church and manicured gardens. Visit its medieval castle kitchen and browse exhibits that cover the building's history. Go to the adjacent church, which dates back to the early 11th century and features 12th-century frescoes decorating an austere stone interior. Inside Heimat-und Rebbaumuseum, the local museum, see a grape press and learn about winegrowing in the region. Take the guided tour of Artillery Faulensee, four World War II bunkers designed as barns that are connected by tunnels.
During your time in the town, enjoy a cruise on Lake Thun aboard the Blümlisalp paddlewheel steamship. Glide past a green and mountainous landscape sprinkled with a collection of fairytale-like castles.
Located in the center of the Bernese Oberland, Spiez is an easy place to reach. The town is less than a 2-hour train ride from Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne and Zurich. The nearest major international airport is in Zurich, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) away.
Spiez is an exciting vacation destination that offers culture, history, outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.
