Winter Edition 26/27

Hotel Eden Spiez is a place where time seems to slow to a gentler pace. Anyone who has floated in the outdoor brine pool, gazing across Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps, will understand why guests return time and again.

When winter sets in outside, a world of discovery and enjoyment awaits at the St Beatus Caves. Explore the caves and museum, savour delicious food at the Stein & Sein restaurant and enjoy special winter events – making a trip to Lake Thun a memorable experience for couples, families and food lovers alike.

The Seegärtli in Spiez Bay combines a unique lakeside location with relaxed, warm hospitality. Since May 2022, Caroline Reber and Juri Seidel have been leading this long-established establishment into the next generation – together with a family that has shaped the Seegärtli for many years.

Spiez can be explored in many different ways. Whether you choose an educational themed trail, an exciting crime-solving tour or a fun family outing, these interactive trails combine exercise, learning and entertainment, turning the discovery of the destination into a special experience.

Spiez winegrowing is a vibrant interplay of nature, tradition, innovation and passion. Between the snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Alps and the sparkling waters of Lake Thun, wines mature that express their origins in every sip, carrying the region’s centuries-old wine culture into the future with renewed vitality.

Between golden vineyards, peaceful lakeside paths and snow-covered mountain stations, the Spiez region reveals its tranquil and indulgent side in autumn and winter. Six ideas lead you to festive lights, wine discoveries, boat trips and fondue experiences.

For many people, the Bernese Oberland is a holiday destination. For me, Romano Kitsao, it is home – and that is exactly what I want to share with my guests. As a local tour guide, I accompany people from all over the world through Spiez. For me, it is not about rushing from one sight to the next. What I find far more fascinating are the stories behind the places, the little details and the chance to truly savour the experience.

Experience Lake Thun from a truly special perspective – peaceful, crystal-clear and surrounded by the impressive winter landscape of the Bernese Alps.

Anyone spending their holiday on beautiful Lake Thun will find a wealth of things to see and do in and around Spiez. Especially in winter, however, those staying a little longer will find it well worth taking a day trip or two to explore the wider region.

Winner of a Deca Ironman – in world-record time: extreme endurance athlete Eva Hürlimann from Krattigen made headlines with this achievement last May. Afterwards, she felt no pain whatsoever. We visit the 43-year-old hotelier, “amateur athlete” and mother of three teenagers in Krattigen.

Spiez is not just any beautiful place. Spiez is an exceptionally beautiful place – and one that holds a few secrets too. An intriguing journey through past and present.

Shopping in Spiez means short distances, welcoming shops and conversations that go beyond the purchase itself. A stroll through Spiez is well worth it.

Spiez delights visitors with a unique blend of culture, culinary experiences, music and opportunities to connect. From atmospheric traditions and lively markets to major festivals, a varied programme of events brings the region to life in every season.

An event feels different with the lake just outside. Five venues in and around Spiez offer spaces for seminars, conferences and celebrations – from a meeting table for two to a hall for 200 guests.

This circular hiking trail will inspire you to set off on new adventures. The scenery changes constantly along the way: on one side, Lake Thun captivates with its beauty, while on the other, the surrounding mountains beckon – with autumn-coloured forests and magnificent views waiting to be discovered!

Tanja pulls her jacket a little tighter and pauses for a moment before stepping onto the well-maintained course. All around her, the mountains lie peacefully beneath the winter sky, their peaks dusted with snow, while down in Spiez the green playing surface invites visitors to enjoy a game. The contrast feels almost surreal – as if someone had placed a little piece of summer in the middle of winter.

When I first ventured into Lake Thun during the Covid pandemic, the water was around eight to ten degrees Celsius. I was curious and wanted to find out how my body would react to the cold. To be honest, back then it was mainly about proving something to myself and testing my limits. I wasn’t yet able to truly embrace the cold.

But unusual experiences like this are exactly what interest me, so I was keen to give it a try. On a cool but sunny winter’s day – perfect fondue weather – my partner and I finally set off. We met at 11 a.m. in Spiez Bay, where we first received a brief introduction. As the Sealander can be operated without a boating licence, we were shown the most important rules as well as the equipment on board, including a sink, refrigerator and speaker.

What you can experience in Spiez in winter is just as enjoyable in summer, with many additional attractions to discover. Thanks to its wide range of activities, Spiez is one of the most popular destinations in the Bernese Oberland during the summer months.

At the moment, as I write these lines, it is summer. As Spiez’s Tourism Director and Economic Development Officer, I work at the Info Centre right next to Spiez railway station, with a wonderful view of the castle, vineyards, lake and the mountains opposite, including the Sigriswiler Rothorn and Niederhorn.