Spiez

Travel Guide

A lakeside town with boats, a tower, and mountains in the background.
A lakeside beach with people sunbathing, colorful umbrellas, and sailboats.
A church with a bell tower, surrounded by mountains and a lake.
A historic building with a prominent tower, a courtyard, and traditional architecture.
An interior of a historic building with stone arches, a central staircase, and a chandelier.

Discover a lakeside town with ancient buildings and take part in year-round sporting activities on the water and in the surrounding countryside.

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. MännlichenOpens in a new window 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 BaselOpens in a new window, Lausanne, LucerneOpens in a new window and ZurichOpens in a new window. 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.

Where to stay in Spiez

Find the best Spiez areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Spiez
Learn more about Spiez
A lake with mountains in the background and a small town with buildings and boats along the shore.

Gwatt

While there might not be top attractions in Gwatt, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Arena Thun and Schloss Schadau.

Belvédère Strandhotel

Belvédère Strandhotel

4.5 out of 5
Schachenstrasse 39 Spiez BE
$318 nightly
The price is $341 total per night from Oct 25 to Oct 26
$341 total
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Spiez. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (384 reviews)
"Great hotel! Excellent location and view! Tasty breakfast!"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Belvédère Strandhotel
Hotel-Restaurant Seegarten-Marina

Hotel-Restaurant Seegarten-Marina

3 out of 5
SCHACHENSTRASSE 3 Spiez
$201 nightly
The price is $208 total per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
$208 total
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Spiez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 meeting rooms. Popular attractions St. James Way and Spiez Castle ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"The staff were very helpful and obliging. The waitress at breakfast made decaffeinated coffee for me as it wasn't available from the hot drink machine and there were no decaffeinated coffee sachets. Housekeeping was very good and room cleaned to a high standard. Hope to return for a further stay ..."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2026

Hotel-Restaurant Seegarten-Marina
Seehotel Jaegerhof Hubertus

Seehotel Jaegerhof Hubertus

3 out of 5
Interlakenstrasse 136 Spiez BE
$175 nightly
The price is $192 total per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
$192 total
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Spiez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Lake Thun and St. James Way are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (290 reviews)
"Check in is at 3pm and no one was there. I waited until 3:40pm with two other couples before the manager/owner/clerk arrive to check us in. No explanation or apology of any kind was offered. The man spoke very little German or English which made it worse. He acted as though he was doing us a big ..."

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2026

Seehotel Jaegerhof Hubertus
See all 2,556 properties in Spiez
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
BERG&BERG APARTMENTS-Spiez Self Check-In

BERG&BERG APARTMENTS-Spiez Self Check-In

3.5 out of 5
Oberlandstrasse 37 Spiez
Stay at this apartment in Spiez. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Heimat und Rebbaumuseum and Spiez Castle are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (10 reviews)
"Very good location, at least for our room for 4 adults. Suitable for family. The price is a little bit expensive but it is to be expected of Switzerland. The communication is a little bit hard as there is no reveeption, but aside from that everything is perfect"

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2026

BERG&BERG APARTMENTS-Spiez Self Check-In
Happy Life Wimmis - Holiday apartment with terrace at the gateway to the Bernese Oberland

Happy Life Wimmis - Holiday apartment with terrace at the gateway to the Bernese Oberland

Wimmis BE
Stay at this apartment in Spiez. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Heimat und Rebbaumuseum and Spiez Castle are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"The host was responded to all my questions and requested right away. The apartment had everything we needed for our stay. Only negative was one bedroom only had one plug but our host provided a solution with 2 extension cords right away. I would recommend this apartment with a big group. The chickens, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2026

Happy Life Wimmis - Holiday apartment with terrace at the gateway to the Bernese Oberland
Hapimag Resort Interlaken

Hapimag Resort Interlaken

3.5 out of 5
Höheweg 95 Interlaken
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Interlaken. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (435 reviews)
"Clean spacious room with working kitchen, updated bathroom, comfortable beds, great views, central location, great breakfast. Staff is very helpful. Excellent pool and sauna."

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2026

Hapimag Resort Interlaken
See all properties in Spiez
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Spiez attractions

Spiez Castle

9.0/10 (27 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Spiez with a visit to Spiez Castle. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its local tours.
See properties

Things to do

Picture 6 for Activity Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Pilot

Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Pilot

$231
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Interlaken: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Pilot
Glass-Roof Bus Tour to Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen from Zurich

Glass-Roof Bus Tour to Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen from Zurich

$84
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Glass-Roof Bus Tour to Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen from Zurich
Interlaken: Admission ticket for the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum

Interlaken: Ballenberg Open-Air Museum Admission Ticket

$39
per adult
Interlaken: Ballenberg Open-Air Museum Admission Ticket
Beatenberg: Beatus Caves Entry Ticket with Museum

Beatenberg: Beatus Caves Entry Ticket with Museum

$24
per adult
Beatenberg: Beatus Caves Entry Ticket with Museum
Geneva: Glass-Roof Bus Tour to Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen

Glass-Roof Bus Tour to Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen from Geneva

$121
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Glass-Roof Bus Tour to Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen from Geneva
Picture 2 for Activity Paragliding Tandem Flight in Interlaken

Paragliding Tandem Flight in Interlaken

$219
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Paragliding Tandem Flight in Interlaken
See all activities in Spiez

Frequently asked questions

Is Spiez worth visiting?
Spiez is worth visiting for its appealing European and Italian dining, offering a taste of regional flavors. Travelers also benefit from practical transit access, with convenient train connections that make exploring the surrounding area straightforward and enjoyable.
When is the best time to visit Spiez?
The best time to visit Spiez is from June through September, when the climate is most favorable for enjoying the area. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering a different experience with cooler weather.
What is Spiez known for?
Spiez, known as 'Spiez BE', is known for the historic St. James Way. This riverside city on Lake Thun also offers travelers the Heimat und Rebbaumuseum and a relaxing beach near Kirschgarten.
What is a good itinerary length for Spiez?
A good itinerary length for Spiez is two to three days to explore local sights like St. James Way, Heimat und Rebbaumuseum, and the beach near Kirschgarten. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can enjoy a hiking experience to Oeschinen Lake, or take a day trip to Interlaken and the Swiss Alps. See Spiez Activities.
How do you get around Spiez?
Travelers in Spiez can primarily get around by train, which offers convenient connections throughout the area. Major stations like Spiez Station and Spiez Faulensee Station make it easy to explore the destination and its nearby attractions.
What are the top things to do in and around Spiez?
Spiez offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and outdoor adventures around Lake Thun.

  • Hike the Oeschinen Lake Scenic Trail, starting from Spiez.
  • Enjoy a private boat tour on Lake Thun.
  • Explore St. James Way, a historic landmark.
  • Visit the Heimat und Rebbaumuseum for local history.
  • Relax at the beach near Kirschgarten.

How do I plan a trip to Spiez?
To plan your trip to Spiez, book flights and hotels early. Consider activities like the Oeschinen Lake Scenic Hiking Experience or visiting St. James Way and Heimat und Rebbaumuseum. You can arrive by train, and a rental car offers flexibility for exploring further. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Spiez?
In Spiez, travelers can find Italian cuisine, offering favorites like classic pasta dishes, authentic pizzas, and creamy risottos. Beyond Italian, there are also options for fresh seafood, diverse Asian flavors, and Latin American specialties.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Spiez?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Spiez by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Spiez with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Spiez trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Spiez?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Spiez can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Spiez trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Spiez trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Spiez trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Spiez trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Spiez?
If it's your first trip to Spiez, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Spiez hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Spiez hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Spiez

A river with a wooden bridge and colorful buildings on the hillside.

Thun

A mountainous landscape with a lake and a village.

Faulensee

A green hillside with a lake, mountains, and a small house.

Aeschi bei Spiez

A mountainous landscape with a lake, green fields, and scattered houses.

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