Spiez Castle
Experience medieval chivalry, the Renaissance and the transition to the 21st century.
The beautifully undulating landscape behind Spiez Castle is best depicted in this watercolour by Albercht Kauw. Situated on a peninsula overlooking Lake Thun and the town of Spiez, the castle dates back to the 7th century and is now a Swiss cultural heritage site of national importance.
Castle gardens and courtyard
The surrounding gardens are delightfully managed to a perfection. You can treat yourself to one of the many shady park benches placed strategically along the outer edges of the castle grounds so as to take full advantage of the many spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Pass through the castle gates and you will discover the inner court yard and the Spiez Castle Chapel at the fare end of the grounds. The castle is popular for civil or church weddings and can be booked directly with the castle. The gardens are a perfect backdrop for bride and groom and all their guests.
Castle and its museum
The castle is beautifully restored and has maintained its rustic homy architecture from years gone by. Archaeological investigations have shown that the fortress tower was built around 1245 and now stands at 39 meters high. In the 18th century the land between the castel and the chapel was filled to create the needed space for the courtyard. Today visitors can visit the the castle museum and climb to the top of the tower to see the 360° panoramic view. The castle museum has many different exhibitions from different time periods and offers a wide range of exhibits including Knight's armor and swords. Children will also find the castle has plenty for them to see and do while on a their discovery trip.
Picture: Albrecht Kauw, Spiez on Lake Thun, around 1670, aquarell, 23.5 x 39.5 cm, detail. Historical Museum of Bern
Short history
First traces
The first traces of settlement in the Spiez area date back to prehistory and early history, with grave findings dating back to around 1750-1500 BC. Bronze and Iron Age finds suggest that the area was continuously inhabited. The archaeologically proven predecessor building of today's church belongs to the 7th/8th century. The tomb of a high-ranking person buried outside on the south wall of this church is also Carolingian in date, equipped with decorated equestrian spurs and a Scramasax (short sword). It can be assumed that the area of today's castle was also fortified and populated as early as the 7th century.
Certificate of 762
The first documented mention of Spiez falls in the year 762, when Bishop Heddo of Strasbourg (around 697-776) gave the Alsatian monastery Ettenheim church and tithes of Spiez together with other goods and rights in his will.
Owner history
Three historically important families of owners - the Barons von Strättligen, the Lords von Bubenberg, the Stadtberner patrician family von Erlach - have shaped the history of the castle for around 700 years, from the end of the 12th century to 1875. The owners of the estate also have a church charter and patronage rights of Spiez.
Visiting
Castle Museum
Open to the public
11 May to 31 October 2020
Monday: 2 – 5 pm
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 pm – 5 pm
July and August until 6 pm
Entrence Fee
For museum only
Extras
Castle café
Shop and WC
Castle garden
Open to the public
Parking
Outdoor Parking available
in front of the castle
Address
Speis Castle
Schlossstrasse 16
3700 Spiez
