A lakeshore castle on Lake Thun built around 1200, with a Romanesque church, a rose garden, a museum of its owners (the Bubenberg and von Erlach families).
Schloss Spiez is a lakeshore castle on Lake Thun at Schlossstrasse 16 in Spiez, about 25 minutes by train from Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland. The oldest parts date to around 1200, and the castle later passed through noble families including the Bubenberg and von Erlach, whose history is told in the castle museum. The complex stands on a promontory with a keep, residential wings and a Romanesque church, whose interior preserves medieval architecture and wall paintings. A rose garden and terraces lead down to the lake, and the views take in the water, the Niesen and the surrounding Alps. Inside, rooms are furnished in styles from the Middle Ages to the Baroque, and exhibitions explain the lordship of Spiez and daily life at the castle. A visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The castle is open daily from 1 May to 31 October 2026, usually 10:00AM to 5:00PM, extended to 6:00PM in July and August, with afternoon-only opening on Mondays in the shoulder seasons, and it is closed in winter. Adult admission is CHF 12, children 6 to 16 pay CHF 5, students CHF 10, and the Swiss Museum Pass gives free entry. The Schlosskonzerte series holds evening concerts in the castle, which suit visitors who want to see the building in the evening. From Spiez station, the castle is a 10-minute walk, and the castle phone is +41 33 654 15 06. Summer weekdays are quietest, while sunny weekends and July and August afternoons draw more visitors. Photographers will find the best castle view from the lakeside path and the garden.
| Admission | Adult CHF 12 (~$15); Swiss Museum Pass free · Child Children 6-16 CHF 5 (~$6); students CHF 10 (~$12) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily 1 May-31 October 2026; 10:00AM-5:00PM (July-August to 6:00PM), Monday afternoons only in the shoulder seasons; closed in winter |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Summer weekdays; evening concerts in the Schlosskonzerte series |
| Getting there | Train from Interlaken Ost or West to Spiez (about 25 minutes), then a 10-minute walk; castle phone +41 33 654 15 06 |
| Address | Schlossstrasse 16, 3700 Spiez |
Location
Schlossstrasse 16, 3700 Spiez
46.6894, 7.6875 View on map
Highlights
- Lakeshore castle dating from around 1200
- Romanesque church with medieval architecture
- Rose garden and lake terraces
- Museum on the Bubenberg and von Erlach families
- Schlosskonzerte evening concerts
Tips for visiting
- Visit between 1 May and 31 October; the castle is closed in winter.
- Swiss Museum Pass holders enter free.
- Check the Schlosskonzerte programme for evening concerts.
- Combine with a Lake Thun boat stop at Spiez.
- Come on summer weekdays for the quietest visit.
- Walk 10 minutes from Spiez station.
When to visit
Summer weekdays for quiet, or an evening concert in the Schlosskonzerte series.
Accessibility
The castle has stairs, steep paths and historic floors, so access is limited for wheelchair users. The garden and lakeside areas are easier; confirm details with the castle.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the museum rooms, the church and the garden.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes. Children aged 6-16 pay CHF 5, and the castle's rooms and lake setting suit families.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed outside and in the garden; check rules for interior rooms at the ticket desk.
How far is it from Interlaken?
About 25 minutes by train from Interlaken Ost or West, then a 10-minute walk.