Spiez Castle

In the castle museum, the castle’s 1'300 year old history comes to life in an interactive way. Hands-on activities make the visit fun for children too. Spiez Castle also holds art exhibitions every year. The Romanesque castle church is decorated with frescoes and provides a beautiful setting for weddings. 

Time passes, owners change  

Already at the time of the Alamanni conquest, a centre of power appeared on the Spiez Bay peninsula, as evidenced by an exquisitely decorated horseman's tomb dating back to 680 AD. In the 12th century, the lords of Strättligen had a dwelling and tower built in stone. They cultivated a knightly lifestyle, which we can see in the depictions of tournaments in the tower, and the reference in the “Codex Manesse” to Heinrich von Strättligen's status as a minnesänger. In 1338, the Bubenberg family, highly influential in Bern, came into possession of the castle and its lands. The best-known member of the family is undoubtedly Adrien de Bubenberg, who successfully defended the town of Murten during the Burgundian Wars. In 1516, Ludwig von Erlach acquired the castle, which remained in his family's hands until 1875. Franz Ludwig von Erlach had a magnificent banqueting hall constructed, decorated with early Baroque stucco work by Antonio Castelli of Ticino. In 1927, the Spiez Castle Foundation was created; since then it has been responsible for maintaining the site and making it accessible to the public. 

On the trail of the former residents of the castle 

The permanent exhibition in the castle museum is dedicated to the former castle residents. In the medieval residential tower, the world of Heinrich von Strättligen is recreated with tournaments and minnesang (love poetry and songs). Adrian von Bubenberg can be seen on horseback in the Gothic parlours, and on the second floor you’ll find Franz Ludwig von Erlach, his two wives and 37 children. A feast is being prepared in the castle kitchen and dancing to lute music is taking place in the baroque hall. 

Art exhibitions within medieval walls 

Spiez Castle presents a small but excellent art exhibition every year. Further information can be found on the website.  

Spiez Castle for everyone 

Offers such as the Knights' Trail or interactive stations make a visit to the museum an entertaining experience for young visitors also. A varied programme of events with guided tours, lectures, excursions, concerts and the “Spiezer Tagungen” conference offers adults education and entertainment in a convivial setting. Teaching materials, workshops and guided tours are available for schools. Groups can also choose from a wide range of themed tours. The museum shop’s range includes a selection of books, maps, gifts, knight-themed toys and local specialties such as the excellent Spiez wines from the castle cellar. In the castle café, you can enjoy sweet and savoury treats with coffee, tea or a glass of Spiez wine while admiring the view of the castle courtyard and castle church. For private celebrations, Spiez Castle offers a bespoke drinks service. Some castle rooms can also be hired for banquets or seminars.  

Castle with a 1'000 year old church 

The castle church is open for weddings, christenings, concerts, readings, etc. Civil weddings can also be celebrated at Spiez Castle on twelve dates per year. 

Around the castle 

A castle visit can be perfectly combined with a boat trip on Lake Thun. The boats also take you to other castles on Lake Thun. There are also wonderful walks and hiking trails around the castle, for example along the vineyard Teaching trail through the Spiez vineyards with panoramic views of the castle, lake and mountains. In the immediate vicinity of the castle is the Museum of local history and viticulture, housed in a typical Simmental house dating from 1728. The swimming pool in Spiez Bay, only a ten minute walk from the castle, is also a very tempting idea on a hot summer’s day.