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.

Seehotel Jaegerhof Hubertus

Seehotel Jaegerhof Hubertus

3 out of 5
Interlakenstrasse 136 Spiez BE
$183 nightly
The price is $201 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$201 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
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 ...
Seehotel Jaegerhof Hubertus
The Guesthouse

The Guesthouse

3 out of 5
Höheweg 7 Interlaken
$131 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
$144 total
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Interlaken. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
The Guesthouse
Essential by Dorint Interlaken

Essential by Dorint Interlaken

3 out of 5
8-10 Rugenparkstrasse Interlaken
$250 nightly
The price is $267 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$267 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Interlaken. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Mystery Rooms and Hoeheweg are located ...
Essential by Dorint Interlaken
See all 2,533 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
Spiez Center Apt: Free Parking, Near Interlaken

Spiez Center Apt: Free Parking, Near Interlaken

Spiez Bern
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Spiez. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Heimat und Rebbaumuseum and Spiez Castle are located ...
6/10 (3 reviews)
"We booked a 3-night stay at this property through Expedia, but it was an absolute nightmare from the moment we arrived. The house was severely infested with over a thousand flies, covering my kids' faces and hands within minutes and making them sick. When we contacted the host, they dismissively ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2026

Spiez Center Apt: Free Parking, Near Interlaken
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! (467 reviews)
"Excellent hotel. Great location in Interlaken. Payable parking but worth it. All staff we’re excellent. Breakfast fantastic. Brilliant pool and spa facilities. Lots of activities in the hotel if you wanted. Ideal location for exploring the region especially by train."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 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

Beatenberg: Beatus Caves Entry Ticket with Museum

Beatenberg: Beatus Caves Entry Ticket with Museum

$24
per adult
Beatenberg: Beatus Caves Entry Ticket with Museum
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
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.

Krattigen

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