Photo: Wikimedia | Text: Gemeinde Spiez
Situated on a small peninsula on Lake Thun, the castle is one of the most picturesque and impressive witnesses of Bernese Oberland’s and Interlaken’s varied history. It embodies the evolution from a medieval castle into a patrician residence, and was home to the Strattligen, von Bubenberg, and Erlach noble families.
The castle is an interesting and charming cultural and tourist destination whose ever-changing specialist exhibitions attract more and more visitors each year. The castle is ideal for group tours, seminars, or romantic weddings in its 1,000 year old church.
The castle and surrounding vineyards decorate the landscape between Mount Spiez and the crystal blue waters of the nearby bay. Local vineyards and winemaking have been documented here since the 13th century. Grapes had been cultivated around Spiez for centuries until the great natural catastrophe at the end of the 19th century, when almost all vines were destroyed by the phylloxera virus.
Luckily, starting again in 1928, the Spiez vineyards experienced a wonderful renaissance and, following the founding of the Winemakers Cooperative in 1942, Spiez viticulture has been developing and becoming steadily more well-known to this day. Every year, the entire harvest from Faulensee, Spiez, and Spiezwiler is pressed in the cellars of the castle and transformed into excellent red and white wines.
Photo: Interlaken Tourismus | Text: Gemeinde Spiez
Photo: Spiez Marketing AG | Text: Verein Bucht Spiez
Spiez Bay on Lake Thun is a jewel in the Bernese Oberland. A picturesque spot to relax, take beautiful strolls, and celebrate special occasions. Absorb the historical atmosphere and be enchanted by the multitude of cultural events.
In the summer of 2015, Spiez Bay became even more interesting when the Beach Arena Spiez opened its doors. Visitors can watch or play the following sports on the 41m x 32m sand complex: beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach tennis, beach handball, and beach badminton.
On 25 & 26 August 2017, the Seaside Festival will be held in Spiez Bay for the first time. On Friday the Seaside Festival will welcome international stars from the pop and rock world, as well as the crème de la crème of Swiss bands. The line-up on Saturday features many “Classic Rock” cult bands from the 60s and 70s who will transport music fans to fun times in the past.
The varied and quality-conscious culinary offerings also turns the event into a small – but fine – food festival. Admire the lovingly-prepared and stylish decorations which demonstrate the festival organizers’ passion for all things beautiful.
Photo: Interlaken Tourismus | Text: Gemeinde Spiez
Photo and Text: Interlaken Tourismus
Visitors will fall in love at first sight with the medieval city of Thun. Let yourself be enchanted by the variety and charm of the Old Town, as well as the beautiful turquoise Aare River flowing rapidly under covered wooden bridges through the middle of the city. The castle from the late Middle Ages sits proudly above the famous raised arcaded pavements where you can stroll, shop and feast on two levels. Thun has something to offer for all culinary and cultural tastes, and is also an ideal starting point for sporting activities or excursions into the Alps.
Thun will take you on a journey back in time: the historic Old Town with its characteristic raised pavements , the striking castle, and the many museums will transport you into the past. If you walk up the Schlossberg (castle mount), the whole town and Lake Thun lay at your feet in the truest sense of the word. The lake and the parks along the Aare River will invite you to relax and linger in the sunshine.
With its winding alleyways and traditional, innovative boutiques, shopping in Thun is a real experience. Thun’s high street called “Balliz” is located in the heart of the city along the banks of the azure blue Aare River: elegant and sporty fashion boutiques, bookshops, and interesting department stores line the streets and satisfy (almost) all your wishes. You’ll find everything your “shopping heart” desires – from inexpensive souvenirs to exclusive designer pieces. Discover the unique shops with a stroll through the Obere Hauptgasse and be amazed by the two-storey pavements and magnificent medieval buildings.
Photo and Text: Interlaken Tourismus
Photo: Schweiz Tourismus | Text: Interlaken Tourismus
Its distinctive four towers visible from miles around, the Zahringen Castle from the 12th century sits on the Schlossberg (castle mount) above the old town. You will love exploring Thun’s unmistakable landmark.
A tour of the annually changing cultural and historical exhibitions will even lead you to the cellar of the castle. Use the interactive displays to learn more about the city of Thun and its fascinating development over the centuries.
INTERLAKEN – A city renowned worldwide for its tourism and business conferences alike. Located in the centre of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is famous for its stunning location and the natural beauty of its surroundings. The region offers visitors countless opportunities to enjoy sports and entertainment the whole year round.
Photo: Schweiz Tourismus | Text: Interlaken Tourismus
Photo and Text: Outdoor Interlaken AG
An exceptional spot in the middle of the Swiss Alps surrounded by lakes, rivers, and mountains – providing a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural sites in the world. Whether river rafting, canyoning, parachuting from airplanes, paragliding, or mixed adventure packages – if you’re looking for adventure, then you’ve come to the right place!
Interlaken Rope Park offers guests 9 routes through the forest, with different levels of difficulty and more than 120 diversified tasks. From the beginner’s course at ground level to more demanding tasks at heights of 20 meters – there’s something for everyone, from beginner adventurers, to families, to adrenaline junkies who travel from all over the world to live the adventure.
A unique ice skating experience – only in Interlaken! «ICE MAGIC» transforms the centre of Interlaken into a winter wonderland. You will be amazed by the various ice rinks which are linked by winding ice paths totalling approximately 450 meters in length. For the youngest guests, there are also fun figures to help support their first attempts at skating.
In the evening, colourful illuminations turn ICE MAGIC into a spectacular winter landscape. The winter playground is nestled in the north-western corner of the “Hohen” pasture, which is also lined with traditional hotels and a popular promenade. The new ice skating park offers a beautiful and unique winter experience right in the middle of the city.
Photo and Text: Interlaken Tourismus
Photo and Text: Interlaken Tourismus
The Stockhorn is known for its varied hiking trails, as well as an incomparable view of more than 200 alpine peaks. In addition to the panoramic restaurant, a 300 metre tunnel leads to an extended viewing platform in the Stockhorn Mountain’s north face. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Thun, the Bernese midlands, the Jura mountain chain, even seeing as far as the Alsace and Black Forest in Germany.
Whether you prefer hiking on well-kept paths or more adventurous trails, fishing in idyllic mountain lakes, climbing, bungee jumping or simply absorbing the atmosphere – the Stockhorn Mountain region offers activities for families, sportsmen, as well as guests who simply want to enjoy a leisurely day out. Immerse yourself in the idyllic natural landscape with incomparable views.
When viewed from the north, the 2,363 meter high mountain resembles a large ancient pyramid and can be seen clearly from all points on Lake Thun. Just as impressive as the sight looking up from the lake is the panoramic view of the Berner Oberland and Alps which can be enjoyed from the specially-constructed platform at the summit.
The Niesen is a powerful looking mountain and is appropriately called “The guardian of Lake Thun”. Experience the full extent of the energy high up on the summit. One feels the earthly pull of the mountain, as well as the exhilarating feel of being close to the heavens.
The top of the pyramid can easily be reached in half an hour by cable car which starts in the village of Mulenen at the base of the mountain.
Photo and Text: Gemeinde Spiez
Deltaweg 29 | 3645 Gwatt bei Thun
+41 33 334 30 30
