2/24/2026 · 6 min read
Spiez is often dismissed as just a train stop, but that misses what makes it one of the most balanced towns in the Bernese Highlands.
Spiez combines a castle above the lake, vineyard slopes, direct rail access, a calm harbor area, and easy connections to Interlaken and Thun. It is functional, scenic, and typically less crowded than major hub towns.
Simple high-value things to do include walking from the station down to the harbor, visiting Spiez Castle, swimming from the lake platform in summer, taking a vineyard sunset walk, and using boat departures toward Interlaken or Thun.
As a base, Spiez is around 20 minutes from Interlaken and around 10 minutes from Thun, directly on the lake and on the main rail line. That combination is hard to beat for travelers who want quieter evenings without sacrificing connectivity.
If you want a calmer alternative to Interlaken that still keeps the full region within easy reach, Spiez is one of the strongest choices.