Don't Just Use Spiez as a Transfer Stop | This is a Hidden Gem of a Swiss Town.
Spiez is an incredibly quiet and comfortable lakeside town.
Many travelers only come here to transfer, but this time we used the SBB Station-to-Station luggage service. Being luggage-free allowed us to actually stay and explore properly.
From Spiez station, you can overlook the castle and Lake Thun. A 15-minute walk downhill leads to the lakeside and castle area, or you can take a bus if you'd rather not walk.
🏰 Spiez Castle
The castle is situated right by Lake Thun, surrounded by vineyards; the exterior scenery alone is beautiful.
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the castle museum is free to visit. There are also lockers and restrooms inside, which is very convenient for travelers mid-journey.
The castle itself has about 1,300 years of history, evolving from a medieval fortress into a noble residence. The exhibitions inside are more refined than I imagined—they don't just display antiques, but introduce the people and lifestyles of different eras.
I was most impressed by the magnificent banquet hall built in 1614, which houses portraits of the von Erlach family. The castle owner at the time, Franz Ludwig von Erlach, and his two wives had a total of 37 children! Looking at that row of family portraits, you can immediately sense the scale and status of the aristocracy back then.
Finally, you must climb the castle tower. On the middle floor, you can even dress up as a medieval noble for free photos!!
At the very top, you get a 360-degree view of Spiez Bay, Lake Thun, the vineyards, and the Alps. On a clear day, even Mount Niesen across the lake is breathtaking.
🚢 After the castle, take a boat directly to Thun
I love this itinerary:
Spiez Castle → Lakeside → Boat to Thun
The trip from Spiez to Thun takes about 45–50 minutes, stopping at lakeside towns like Gunten, Oberhofen, Hilterfingen, and Hünibach.
Along the way, besides the lake views, you will pass the Lake Thun castle area:
・Spiez Castle
・Oberhofen Castle
・The Hünegg Castle area
・Schadau Castle near Thun
As the boat glides along the shore, you can see local kids playing in the water and adults dining and chatting at lakeside restaurants.
There aren't any massive "must-see" landmarks; instead, it's the feeling of castles, lake water, and small-town life slowly passing by that made me fall in love with Spiez.
📌 Spiez Half-Day Highlights
・Don't just transfer; stay for half a day to explore.
・It's a 15-minute walk from the station to the lake/castle.
・Free entry to Spiez Castle with the Swiss Travel Pass.
・Lockers and restrooms are available at the castle.
・Remember to climb the tower for a panoramic view of Lake Thun.
・The boat from Spiez to Thun is a smooth connection after the castle.
・The cruise takes 45–50 minutes, featuring lakeside towns and castle views.
Spiez isn't as bustling as Interlaken, but it offers a peaceful sense of Swiss daily life.
If your itinerary happens to include a transfer here, I think it's well worth sending your luggage ahead and dedicating a few hours to this lakeside town. 🤍