spiez circular hiking trail
A Highlight in the Bernese Pre-Alps
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!
Spiez has a varied 14-kilometre circular hiking trail. Away from busy roads, it offers magnificent views of the Bernese Pre-Alps and Lake Thun. Along the way, discover cultural treasures such as Spiez Castle, the church in Faulensee – whose foundations date back to a St Columban chapel from the early 7th century – as well as historic farmhouses, military installations from the Second World War and several spiritual places of power. Thanks to the dense network of bus stops and numerous parking options, you can plan your hike or walk to suit you and start at any point along the route. White signposts with a green pictogram guide you through the four sections: Strandweg, Höhenweg, Spiezwilerweg and Rebenweg. A map and the supplementary “Culture Along the Circular Trail” flyer are available free of charge from the Info Centre at Spiez railway station.
Strandweg (approx. 2.5 km):Along the picturesque lakeside path from Spiez to Faulensee, the peaceful Schattenbad is an inviting place to stop in autumn and enjoy the view of Lake Thun. The entire route is pleasantly flat and wheelchair accessible. There is also a barbecue area with firewood available for everyone to use. Just a few steps away, next to the fish farm, you will find a small sandy beach and modern toilet facilities. Near the Faulensee boat landing, children will be delighted to discover the “Pirate Bay” playground. Take a short break on one of the benches inscribed with words of wisdom and simply relax.
Höhenweg (approx. 5.5 km):The challenging climb from Faulensee via Allmendweg is well worth the effort. A short stop along the way rewards you with magnificent views of the Sigriswiler Rothorn, Niederhorn and Justistal, known for its traditional “Chästeilet” cheese-sharing festival. Between the two mountains, there is an unobstructed view of the “Sibe Hängste” peaks. The trail continues through the cool forest via Seeholzallmend to Hondrich. After just a few hundred metres and one final climb, the impressive pyramid-shaped Niesen comes into view. Just a few minutes off the route, at Moosboden 8 in Hondrich, the Maya-Pedersen-Bieri-Platz is the perfect spot for an enjoyable family break. Thanks to nearby bus stops in Byfang and another by the primary school, you can easily end or pause your hike here. From this point, the trail leads downhill via Mechteried towards Spiezwiler. To the left of the Niesen, the view opens up into the Kandertal valley, while the Simmental valley stretches out to the right. Wimmis Castle and the Simmenfluh are also impressive sights in the distance.
Spiezwilerweg (approx. 4.5 km):A short walk through Spiezwiler also takes you past the historic schoolhouse dating from 1806. At the foot of the Spiezwilerwald forest lies the Stauweiher reservoir, which is protected as a nature reserve to preserve the habitat of breeding waterbirds. The landscape of meadows and forests towards Lattigen is particularly impressive in autumn and winter, when clear weather offers sweeping views of the Stockhorn range and the Gurnigel. After crossing the main road at Spiezmoos, the trail leads to a barbecue area. From here, the view opens up towards the Stockhorn and Thun.
Rebenweg (approx. 1.5 km):For curious visitors, the section across Spiezberg offers plenty to discover. In the middle of the vineyards lies the “Katzenstein”. During the Ice Age, this massive granite boulder was transported from the upper Haslital valley by the Aare Glacier. Using your own smartphone, you can learn more about the local flora and fauna on the “Fascination of Nature” SmarTrail. The vineyard discovery trail also provides fascinating insights into Spiez’s Alpine wine culture. Numerous benches with humorous sayings about wine invite you to relax at the edge of the forest. Sit back and enjoy the views of Lake Thun, the castle and the surrounding mountains.
Ruedi Zeller
