Best Things to Do in Spiez, Switzerland: A Complete Travel Guide

Last Updated on 8th February 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Spiez is a charming Swiss town nestled on one of Europe’s most picturesque bays along Lake Thun. Renowned for its stunning lakeside castle, mountainous peaks that frame the town, and traditional Swiss way of life, Spiez perfectly captures the essence of the Bernese Oberland. In this guide, we’ll cover all the best things to see and do in this postcard-perfect town, as well as where to stay and eat. Here’s your complete travel guide to Spiez, Switzerland!

Best time to visit

Spiez is one of those special destinations that experiences all four distinct seasons. And so it really depends on what your plans are for your visit. But I highly recommend visiting during the winter, as at this time you’ll find the city quieter, and if travelling between off-peak months like November, January, or February, you’ll find prices are much lower too.

How long do you need in Spiez?

Spiez is a fairly small Swiss town, with a population of around 13,000 people or so, but it makes for a stunning day trip from the nearby city of Bern. While incredibly scenic, one day is more than enough time to explore Spiez’s main sights, soak up the atmosphere, and experience everything this charming lakeside town has to offer.

Best things to do in Spiez

Spy Mount Niesen

This enchanting Swiss town is framed by Mount Niesen, a peak of the Bernese Alps. It towers  2,362 meters above Lake Thun, and makes for the perfect dramatic backdrop to soak up the charm and beauty of Spiez.

Niesen Mountain is often referred to as the “Swiss Pyramid” because of its triangular appearance, and interestingly, it also features the world’s longest staircase, consisting of 11,674 steps! The lengthy set of stairs runs alongside a funicular railway and is only open for an annual race that takes place in June.

You can actually take the funicular to the top of this near-perfect pyramid-shaped mountain, which takes just 30 minutes. If doing so, you’ll need to take a short 10-minute train from Spiez to Mülenen. From the top, you’re greeted by unforgettable panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, the Bernese Oberland and the lakes below.

Lake Thun

Spiez is renowned for having one of Europe’s most beautiful bays, and this is immediately apparent once you set eyes on Lake Thun. The deep blue Alpine lake covers a surface of approximately 48.3 km², making it the largest Swiss lake entirely within a single canton.

This sparkling lake was created after the last glacial period, and was once part of a larger body of water that included Lake Brienz. Today, the lake is fed water from the Kander River, and five fairytale castles, along with 12 thousand-year-old churches, line its shores.

Walk along the lake

One of the more relaxing activities to do while in Spiez is to wander along the lakeside. Soaking up the fresh Alpine air as Lake Thun sparkles in the sunlight is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the town. The most popular route taken is the Strandweg path. This path curves around the lakefront and connects Spiez to the nearby village of Faulensee.

The Strandweg path takes around 40 minutes, and it is wheelchair accessible. The promenade boasts spectacular views along the water, past beautiful old trees and amongst nature. And, there are plenty of benches situated along the way so you can pause and take a moment to admire the serenity of the landscape.

Take a cruise along the lake

Experience Spiez from the water! After all, as the biggest Bernese lake, you can explore a fair bit and get a glimpse of the other towns and villages that line Lake Thun.

Regular boat services run across Lake Thun between the towns that surround it, giving plenty of flexibility to hop on and off, or enjoy the full route. These boats operate throughout the warmer months and also in winter (but with reduced frequency), making them a relaxed way to explore the region from the water. You can find out more about cruise options and the full timetable here.

Spiez Castle

Spiez Castle, or Schloss Spiez as it’s known in Swiss German, is the town’s most iconic landmark, perched on the shores of Lake Thun and surrounded by vineyards.

According to Elogius Kiburger, the author of the Strättliger Chronicle, the King of Burgundy built this fortress in 933. Though much of the structure you see today was predominantly built in the 12th and 13th centuries.

For nearly 700 years, Spiez Castle was influenced by three important families. Ownership passed from the barons of Strättligen to the lords of Bubenberg, and later to the patrician von Erlach family from Bern, shaping the castle’s history from the late 12th century all the way until 1875.

Today, the castle has been transformed into a museum where visitors can explore the grounds, learn about the local history, and take in views overlooking the lake from the tower. There’s also a small café and several gardens to explore within the complex.

If visiting during winter, the castle is closed to the public. The opening times for this year are daily from 1st May to 30th October 2026. However, the surrounding park area is open all year round, so you can still wander around and see the castle up close.

Spiez Church

Found next to the castle is a stunning Romanesque church which boasts over 1,000 years of history, and is one of the twelve churches that line Lake Thun. Schlosskirche Spiez is known to be an “energy spot” due to its location on a long-drawn plateau, which concentrates natural energy. This, and its historical significance as a place of worship alongside its mystical medieval appearance, make it an iconic landmark of the town.

Similar to the castle, the church is only open during the spring to early autumn months. It’s also worth noting that this church is a very popular wedding venue (no surprises there when you see how beautiful it is!), and you might find it closed for a private event while visiting.

Sample the local wine

Spiez is a town surrounded by rolling vineyards, and so, a great way to experience the flavours of this destination is to literally sip on the local wine. Spiezer wine originates from one of the highest vineyards north of the Alps, with a 1,000-year tradition of producing grapes that give the wine an authentic, fruity and unique taste.

The best place to sample the local wine is at Spiez Alpine Wine Culture. Here, you can learn all about the importance of winemaking in the region, stroll through the vineyards themselves, and of course, sample the delicious white, rosé, and red wines on offer.

Dine at La Belle Vue

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to dining in Spiez, but for the best view, you should head to La Belle Vue! This is actually a boutique hotel, and so they serve brunch, as well as lunch, and you can also stay here. It’s easily one of the more romantic spots to eat in the town as the café boasts stunning views overlooking the castle and Lake Thun from above.

Where to stay in Spiez

I would generally recommend visiting Spiez as a day trip. However, if you want a quieter and slower retreat, then it makes for the perfect place to base yourself for a few days, while still being well connected to other nearby towns and villages to explore. Here are a few suggestions of where to stay (based on web-reviews):

la belle vue Boutique Hotel – This laid-back 3-star hotel boasts mesmerising views overlooking Lake Thun. It’s also conveniently located and just a 7-minute walk from both Spiez Castle and the train station. Guests have commented on how friendly the staff are, the location was perfect, and the unforgettable views. Check prices and availability here.

Hotel Eden Spiez – This 4-star hotel is a little more upmarket, but boasts stunning views from rooms with balconies. It’s a 9-minute walk from a Lake Thun ferry dock and an 11-minute walk from Spiez train station. However, it is one of the more expensive stays in the area. Check prices and availability here.

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